Bretons

The Bretons are a human race hailing from the province of High Rock in Tamriel. Known for their natural affinity with magic and their resilience to it, Bretons are a prominent and influential people within the continent. Their culture is a unique blend of human and elven heritage, resulting in a society that values both martial prowess and scholarly pursuits.

Physical Characteristics

Bretons typically have fair to light brown skin, with a wide range of hair colors from blond to dark brown or black and various shades in between. They are of average height and build, generally possessing a slightly leaner physique compared to other human races. Their elven ancestry gives them slightly more angular facial features and varying degrees of point to their ears, though they are predominantly human in appearance.

Cultural and Societal Traits

Governance and Politics

High Rock, the homeland of the Bretons, is a region known for its fractured political landscape, comprising numerous city-states, duchies, and kingdoms. These regions are often ruled by noble houses, each vying for power and influence. Despite this fragmentation, the Bretons share a strong sense of cultural unity and often come together in times of external threat.

Magic and Scholarship

Bretons are renowned for their natural affinity with magic, often excelling in various arcane arts. This magical talent is attributed to their elven heritage, which grants them a higher resistance to magical energies. Many Bretons pursue careers as mages, scholars, and enchanters, contributing to their society's rich tradition of learning and magical expertise.

Religion and Beliefs

The Bretons primarily worship the Eight Divines, with particular reverence for deities such as Julianos, the God of Wisdom and Logic, and Dibella, the Goddess of Beauty. Many Bretons also worship Magnus, the god of magic. High Rock is dotted with temples and shrines dedicated to these deities, reflecting the Bretons' devout nature. Additionally, many Bretons honor local saints and heroes, integrating these figures into their religious practices.

Breton Knight

Chivalry and Knightly Orders

Chivalry and knightly valor are deeply ingrained in Breton culture. High Rock is home to numerous knightly orders, each dedicated to upholding the principles of honor, bravery, and service. These orders often play crucial roles in the defense of their homelands and the maintenance of social order. Breton knights are respected for their martial skills and adherence to a code of conduct.

Notable Historical Events

The Direnni Hegemony

One of the most significant periods in Breton history is the Direnni Hegemony, during which the Direnni, a powerful clan of Altmer, ruled over High Rock. This period left a lasting impact on Breton culture, infusing it with elven influences that persist to this day. The eventual decline of the Direnni allowed the Bretons to establish their own independent kingdoms.

The Reachmen Invasions

Breton history is marked by numerous conflicts with the Reachmen, a tribal people from the Reach who frequently invaded High Rock. These invasions have led to a long-standing enmity between the Bretons and the Reachmen. The conflicts have also fostered a strong martial tradition among the Bretons, who have had to defend their lands and way of life from these persistent threats.

The War of Betony

The War of Betony was a significant conflict between the kingdoms of Daggerfall and Sentinel over the Isle of Betony. This war highlighted the political intrigue and rivalries that are common in High Rock, as well as the martial prowess of the Breton knights and soldiers. The resolution of the war helped to shape the political landscape of High Rock and solidified the importance of diplomacy and strategic alliances in Breton society.

The Warp in the West

The Warp in the West, also known as the Miracle of Peace, is a mysterious and transformative event in Breton history. In a single day, multiple competing factions in High Rock were unified under a few dominant powers, drastically altering the political landscape. The exact nature of this event remains a subject of speculation and legend among scholars.

Attributes

Bretons are known for their inherent magical resistance and aptitude for spellcasting. They possess a natural resistance to magical effects, making them resilient against enemy spells. The Majority of young Bretons will have had an education in magic and it is increadibly rare to find one that doesn't at least know one spell.

High Rock Countryside

Conclusion

Bretons, with their rich blend of human and elven heritage, are a unique and influential race within Tamriel. Their natural talent for magic, coupled with their strong sense of chivalry and scholarship, has allowed them to thrive in various fields. High Rock's fragmented yet culturally united landscape reflects the Bretons' adaptability and resilience. The legacy of the Bretons continues to shape the unfolding narrative of Tamriel, from their storied past to their ongoing contributions to the continent's magical and political spheres.

Breton Woman

Breton Man

• Singular: Breton
• Plural: Bretons
• Adjective: Bretonian