Like in most games, the Elder Scrolls Online has various races which a player can choose from. All ESO races belong to an alliance, or can be chosen freely with the All Races and Alliances pack from the crown store. The only exception here are the Imperial race, as they don't belong to any ESO alliance. Players need to purchase the Imperial edition though from the crown store, otherwise they can't access Imperials either. Since all ESO races are in an alliance, they also feel strong ties among each other, even if the ESO races still have their differences.
Since ESO has 3 alliances, each alliance is made up of 3 races. Since the Update One Tamriel and the addition of new chapters every year, players can choose freely wherever they want to start leveling after having finished the tutorial.
Aldmeri Dominion
| The Aldmeri Dominion consists of the joint forces of the Altmer, Bosmer and Khajiit, with the Altmer queen leading them. The Altmer see humans as the weakness of the world. They joint forces to overthrow the humans and get the power over Tamriel.
Related regions: Khenarthi's Roost, Auridon, Grahtwood, Greenshade, Malabal Tor and Reaper's March |
| | The Altmer, or High Elves, were one of the original settlers of Tamriel and created the common language used throughout the continent today. They consider themselves descended from the gods, and superior to all other mortals. Elegant and sophisticated, many Altmer, as they're known in the Summerst Isles, are naturally proficient with magic. |
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| Nimble and quick, the Wood Elves inhabit the thick, near-impenetrable forests of Valenwood, where they are known as Bosmer. They are supreme hunters, guides, and masters in sneaking and thievery, revering nature and the forest, and may be the only elves with a sense of humor. |
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| A proud feline race from the southern province of Elsweyr, Khajiit are agile, irreverent, quick-witted, and fiery, often changing mood in a heartbeat. They revere Nirn's two moons and have a weakness for anything sweet. The Khajiit are fearsome warriors, proficient with bladed weapons and stand proudly at the forefront of every battle. |
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| The Daggerfall Covenant consists of the Bretons, Redguards and Orcs. Everything in this alliance resolves around commercial and trading businesses. Even though they have waged war among themselves in the past, trust here is more common among each other, than in other alliances.
Related Regions: Stros M'Kai, Bethnik, Glenumbra, Stormhaven, Rivenspire, Alik'r Desert, Bangkorai |
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| The Bretons of High Rock are Nedic humans with a touch of elven blood. Poetic and passionate, they are people who take easily to both spellcraft and swordplay, and have the gifts of magic and diplomacy. |
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| A hardy mountain people, Orcs are considered uncivilized outcasts by most races. However, they are recognized as the finest smiths in Tamriel, and Orcish arms and armor are prized by warriors and craftsmen everywhere. |
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| The Redguards of Hammerfell are humans who came to Tamriel from the lost continent of Yokuda. A dignified and martial people, most are suspicious of magic, preferring to settle conflicts with swords. |
| The Ebonheart Pact is an alliance between the Nord, Dunmer and Argonians. The Kamal were invading Eastmarch and started moving into Morrowinds when this alliance formed in order to defeat them. Since this weakened their strengths significantly, they decided to remain one force.
Related regions: Bleakrock, Bal Foyen, Stonefalls, Deshaan, Shadowfen, Eastmarch, The Rift
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| Strong and hardy, the Nords of Skyrim are humans who are as quick to laugh as they are to fight. Most Nords prefer simplicity to sophistication, and an axe or an arrow over a spell. They are the brash, boisterous front line of the Pact; fierce warriors and expert weapon masters. |
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| Proud but grim and often ruthless, the Dark elves are slow to trust but loyal to their allies. They are equally adept with blade, spell or stealth. |
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| A reptilian race of lizard-folk from the dark swamps of Black Marsh, to some the Argonians seem cold and uncanny. Surviving the dangers of their homeland has made them adept with both weapons and healing magic. |
| Imperials can belong to any alliance, as they no longer have a hold on Cyrodiil.
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