- Races

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Guide - The Basics, Character Creation

Races

There are a total of ten races to choose from. Each race has its own strengths and weaknesses, and receives certain skill bonuses and special abilities unique to that race. While deciding on a race, keep in mind the type of character you wish to create and ensure that your choice is well-suited for the desired role. It's important to note, however, that starting stats and skill bonuses really won't matter much when your character reaches higher levels.

Argonian

“This reptilian race, well-suited for the treacherous swamps of its homeland, has developed natural immunities to diseases and poisons. They can breathe underwater and are good at picking locks.”

Skill Bonuses: Alchemy 5, Athletics 10, Blade 5, Hand to Hand 5, Illusion 5, Mysticism 5, Security 10

Race Specials: Resist Disease, Immune to Poison, Water Breathing.

Male Argonian Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 30
Agility: 50
Speed: 50
Endurance: 30
Persuasion: 30
Luck: 50

Female Argonian Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 50
Willpower: 40
Agility: 40
Speed: 40
Endurance: 30
Persuasion: 30
Luck: 50

Breton

“In addition to their quick and perceptive grasp of spellcraft, even the humblest of Bretons can boast a resistance to magic energies. They are particularly skilled at summoning and healing magic.”

Skill Bonuses: Alchemy 5, Alteration 5, Conjuration 10, Illusion 5, Mysticism 10, Restoration 10

Race Specials: Fortified Magicka, Dragon Skin, Resist Magicka.

Male Breton Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 50
Willpower: 50
Agility: 30
Speed: 30
Endurance: 30
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50

Female Breton Starting Stats
Strength: 30
Intelligence: 50
Willpower: 50
Agility: 30
Speed: 40
Endurance: 30
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50

Dark Elf

“Also known as ‘Dunmer' in their homeland of Morrowind, the Dark Elves are noted for their skilled and balanced integration of the sword, the bow and destruction magic. They are resistant to fire and can summon an ancestral ghost for aid.”

Skill Bonuses: Athletics 5, Blade 10, Blunt 5, Destruction 10, Light Armor 5, Marksman 5, Mysticism 5

 Race Specials: Ancestor Guardian, Resist Fire.

Male Dark Elf Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 30
Agility: 40
Speed: 50
Endurance: 40
Persuasion: 30
Luck: 50

Female Dark Elf Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 30
Agility: 40
Speed: 50
Endurance: 30
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50

High Elf

“Also known as ‘Altmer' in their homeland of Summerset Isle, the High Elves are the most strongly gifted in the arcane arts of all the races. However, they are also somewhat vulnerable to fire, frost and shock.”

Skill Bonuses: Alchemy 5, Alteration 10, Conjuration 5, Destruction 10, Illusion 5, Mysticism 10

Race Specials: Weakness to Fire, Frost and Shock, Resist Disease, Fortified, Magicka.

Male High Elf Starting Stats
Strength: 30
Intelligence: 50
Willpower: 40
Agility: 40
Speed: 30
Endurance: 40
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50

Female High Elf Starting Stats
Strength: 30
Intelligence: 50
Willpower: 40
Agility: 40
Speed: 40
Endurance: 30
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50

Imperial

“Natives of the civilized, cosmopolitan province of Cyrodiil, they have proved to be shrewd diplomats and traders. They are skilled with heavy armour and in the social skills. They tend to favor the warrior classes.”

Skill Bonuses: Blade 5, Blunt 5, Hand to Hand 5, Heavy Armor 10, Mercantile 10, Speechcraft 10

Race Specials: Star of the West, Voice of the Emperor.

Male Imperial Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 30
Agility: 30
Speed: 40
Endurance: 40
Persuasion: 50
Luck: 50

Female Imperial Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 40
Agility: 30
Speed: 30
Endurance: 40
Persuasion: 50
Luck: 50

Khajiit

“Hailing from the province of Elsweyr, they are intelligent, quick, and agile. They make excellent thieves due to their natural agility and unmatched acrobatics skill. All Khajiit can see in the dark.”

Skill Bonuses: Acrobatics 10, Athletics 5, Blade 5, Hand to Hand 10, Light Armor 5, Security 5, Sneak 5

Race Specials: Eye of Fear, Eye of Night.

Male Khajiit Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 30
Agility: 50
Speed: 40
Endurance: 30
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50

Female Khajiit Starting Stats
Strength: 30
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 30
Agility: 50
Speed: 40
Endurance: 40
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50

Nord

“Citizens of Skyrim, they are a tall and fair-haired people. Strong and hardy, Nords are famous for their resistance to cold. They are highly talented warriors.”

Skill Bonuses: Armorer 5, Blade 10, Block 5, Blunt 10, Heavy Armor 10, Restoration 5.

Race Specials: Nordic Frost, Woad, Resist Frost.

Male Nord Starting Stats
Strength: 50
Intelligence: 30
Willpower: 30
Agility: 40
Speed: 50
Endurance: 50
Persuasion: 30
Luck: 50

Female Nord Starting Stats
Strength: 50
Intelligence: 30
Willpower: 40
Agility: 40
Speed: 40
Endurance: 40
Persuasion: 30
Luck: 50

Orc

“The people of the Wrothgarian and Dragontail Mountains, Orcish armourers are prized for their craftsmanship. Orc troops in heavy armor are among the finest in the Empire, and are fearsome when using their berserker rage.”

Skill Bonuses: Armorer 10, Block 10, Blunt 10, Hand to Hand 5, Heavy Armor 10

Race Specials: Berserk, Resist Magicka.

Male Orc Starting Stats
Strength: 45
Intelligence: 30
Willpower: 50
Agility: 35
Speed: 30
Endurance: 50
Persuasion: 30
Luck: 50

Female Orc Starting Stats
Strength: 45
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 45
Agility: 35
Speed: 30
Endurance: 50
Persuasion: 25
Luck: 50

Redguard

“The most naturally talented warriors in Tamriel. In addition to their cultural affinities for many weapons and armour styles, they also have a hardy constitution and natural resistance to disease and poison.”

Skill Bonuses: Athletics 10, Blade 10, Blunt 10, Light Armor 5, Heavy Armor 5, Mercantile 5.

Race Specials: Adrenaline Rush, Resist Poison, Resist Disease.

Male Redguard Starting Stats
Strength: 50
Intelligence: 30
Willpower: 30
Agility: 40
Speed: 40
Endurance: 50
Persuasion: 30
Luck: 50

Female Redguard Starting Stats
Strength: 40
Intelligence: 30
Willpower: 30
Agility: 40
Speed: 40
Endurance: 50
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50

Wood Elf

“The clanfolk of the Western Valenwood forests, also known as ‘Bosmer.' Wood Elves are nimble and quick, making them good scouts and thieves, and there are no finer archers in all of Tamriel. Their ability to command simple creatures is well-known.”

Skill Bonuses: Acrobatics 5, Alchemy 10, Alteration 5, Light Armor 5, Marksman 10, Sneak 10

Race Specials: Beast Tongue, Resist Disease.

Male Wood Elf Starting Stats
Strength: 30
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 30
Agility: 50
Speed: 50
Endurance: 40
Persuasion: 30
Luck: 50

Female Wood Elf Starting Stats
Strength: 30
Intelligence: 40
Willpower: 30
Agility: 50
Speed: 50
Endurance: 30
Persuasion: 40
Luck: 50