Argonian Description

Argonians (Saxhleel, or People of the Root in their native language of Jel) are the reptilian natives of Black Marsh, a vast swampland in southeastern Tamriel. The other races often refer to them as "lizards" or the "Lizard Folk" instead, especially when meaning to be derogatory. They are known as the foremost experts in guerrilla warfare throughout Tamriel, a reputation brought upon them by defending their borders from enemies for countless centuries. Agile and cunning, they possess natural immunity to poison and disease, a trait that serves them well in their treacherous homeland. Argonians are swift swimmers and can breathe underwater. They are also naturally adept spellcasters and excel in the art of stealth. Foreign racial categorization labels them as "beasts", or "Betmeri", as opposed to the humanoid races of Mer and Men. The Argonians' alien nature is often commented on; they are called strange, expressionless, reserved peoples, slow to trust and hard to know. This is a sentiment shared even by lukiul, or "assimilated" Argonians, who were raised far away from the Hist and often have significant trouble fully understanding the emotions, body language, or motivations of their estranged brethren. Some Argonians opt to take on a more Cyrodiilicized name outside of Black Marsh. Taking on Imperial dress, name, and customs makes things easier for Argonians in Cyrodiil.
According to the First Era Scholar Brendan the Persistent, "[t]he Argonian people have, throughout Tamrielic history, been perhaps the most misunderstood, vilified, and reviled of all the sentient races. Yet, those who have taken the time to experience Argonian culture have gained a greater appreciation for this noble and beautiful people."
The Argonians believe they were created by the Hist, a race of sapient spore trees. The Argonians were given life, form, and purpose by these creators. Their roots run deep beneath the soil and soft white limestone of Black Marsh, connecting them all, and thus connecting the Saxhleel. As the Hist are all connected at the roots, they have a collective consciousness, and can communicate with each other. Ancient cave paintings depict half-tree, half-Argonian figures—some of which appear to be more tree-like than Argonian.
Argonians hatched in places outside Black Marsh cannot hear the Hist. These individuals are referred to as "lukiul", or assimilated people. The term is used to describe Argonians that have assimilated into a non-Argonian culture. Argonians who leave the swamp to live among non-Argonians are also considered lukiul. An Argonian born as a slave on Vvardenfell would be considered lukiul, and would have no connection to the Hist. Lukiul have difficulty understanding the body language of marsh-born Argonians, and they are often treated as outsiders by the natives of Black Marsh.
Argonians possess the most alien personalities in all of Tamriel from a human or meric perspective. They tend to speak with a certain detachment that might seem particularly strange to individuals with a formal upbringing centered around manners. Argonians do not facially express their emotions as much as men and mer do, though anger is fairly easy to detect through bared teeth and narrowed eyes.[16] Argonians are fiercely loyal and will fight to the death for those they have named as friends. Their allies have long since learned that there is always a reason for everything they do.
Something remarkable about the Argonian people is that their culture seems to easily forgive the slights committed between tribes. This is due in part to their belief in reincarnation. Because of this, the Saxhleel, like the Bosmer, prefer to live in the Aurbical Now–not dwelling on the past or the future, but simply the present.[104] The concepts of "past" and "future" are foreign to them. They pay little heed to the passing of days.
While the concept of time is foreign to them, the passage of time is not meaningless. The months on the Argonian calendar do have significance to the people of Black Marsh. The Saxhleel recognize that the passage of days is inevitable, and part of a perpetual cycle. Marking the progression of that cycle is sacred. A book titled The Seasons of Argonia explains the months and their significance in detail.
Change, or "vastei", is perhaps the greatest driving force behind the Saxhleel's motivation. To the Saxhleel, defying change is the greatest folly.