Dunmer

The Dunmer, also known as Dark Elves to the human races, are the dark-skinned elven inhabitants of the province of Morrowind in Tamriel. Renowned for their powerful intellect, magical prowess, and complex societal structures, the Dunmer have a rich and tumultuous history shaped by their environment, religion, and interactions with other races.

Physical Characteristics

Dunmer are characterized by their dark gray to ash-colored skin, red eyes, and sharp, angular features. Their hair ranges in color from white to black, often including shades of gray and silver. Dunmer are generally tall and slender, with a natural agility and endurance that makes them formidable warriors and skilled mages.

Cultural and Societal Traits

Governance and Politics

Morrowind's political landscape is dominated by the Great Houses, each controlling a portion of the province and its resources. The five main Great Houses—Hlaalu, Redoran, Telvanni, Indoril, and Dres—each have distinct values and governance styles. The ruling council, the Grand Council, convenes in the city of Mournhold, the capital of Morrowind. Additionally, the Tribunal Temple, which worships the three living gods known as the Tribunal, wields significant influence over Dunmer society.

The Great Houses

House Hlaalu: Known for its mercantile prowess and political savvy, House Hlaalu values wealth, diplomacy, and influence. Its members are skilled traders and negotiators, often engaging in commerce and maintaining connections with other provinces.
House Redoran: Emphasizing martial skill, duty, and honor, House Redoran is the military backbone of Morrowind. Its warriors are dedicated to protecting their homeland and upholding traditional values.
House Telvanni: Masters of magic and arcane knowledge, House Telvanni is known for its eccentric and reclusive members. The Telvanni prioritize magical research and personal power, often residing in isolated mushroom towers.
House Indoril: Deeply tied to the Tribunal Temple, House Indoril is devoted to maintaining religious traditions and supporting the Tribunal. Its members often serve as priests, judges, and defenders of the faith.
House Dres: Primarily involved in agriculture and the slave trade, House Dres oversees vast plantations and relies heavily on slave labor. Its members are staunch traditionalists, valuing the preservation of Dunmer customs and societal hierarchy.

Religion and Beliefs

A Shrine of Azura

Since their accession to godhood in the First Era, the Dunmer predominantly worshiped the Tribunal, a trio of god-kings: Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec. However, the power that turned the Tribunal into gods, the Heart of Lorkhan was destroyed in the late Third Era and worship of the Tribunal was driven underground. After the fall of the Tribunal worship of The New Temple (the old Dunmeri pantheon), the three "Good Daedra" Boethiah , Azura and Mephala, became the prodominant religion for the Dunmer. Ancestor worship also plays a significant role, with families maintaining shrines and tombs to honor their deceased relatives.

Art and Architecture

Dunmer art and architecture reflect their austere environment and complex society. Their structures are often constructed from volcanic rock and ash, featuring sharp angles and intricate carvings. Morrowind's cities, such as Vivec and Balmora, showcase a blend of grandiose temples, sturdy fortresses, and sprawling markets. Artistic expression includes elaborate tapestries, detailed mosaics, and ceremonial masks, often depicting religious and historical themes.

Argonian Slavery

House Dres Slaver

One of the most contentious aspects of Dunmer society has been their long-standing practice of slavery, particularly involving the Argonians of Black Marsh. For centuries, Dunmer, especially those from House Dres, captured and enslaved Argonians to work on their plantations and in their households. This practice was deeply ingrained in the economic and social fabric of Morrowind, justified by the Dunmer through cultural and religious beliefs.
The treatment of Argonian slaves varied but was often harsh and brutal, with many slaves enduring grueling labor conditions and severe punishments. This exploitation created lasting animosity between the Argonians and Dunmer. The abolition of slavery in the Fourth Era, following the Red Year and the Argonian invasion, significantly altered Morrowind’s society and economy. However, the legacy of this dark period continues to affect relations between the two races, with many Argonians viewing the Dunmer with deep resentment and distrust.

Notable Historical Events

The Battle of Red Mountain

The Battle of Red Mountain is a pivotal event in Dunmer history, marking the transformation of the Chimer into the Dunmer. This battle was fought between the Chimer, led by the Tribunal and their allies, against the Dwemer and their Nordic allies. The disappearance of the Dwemer and the subsequent curse by the Daedric Prince Azura turned the Chimer's skin dark and their eyes red, solidifying their identity as the Dunmer. This event also marked the rise of the Tribunal as the new gods of Morrowind.

The Tribunal's Ascendancy

Following the Battle of Red Mountain, the Tribunal—Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec—ascended to godhood using the power of the Heart of Lorkhan. This marked the beginning of the Tribunal's rule over Morrowind, bringing a new era of stability and religious transformation. The Tribunal's influence permeated all aspects of Dunmer life, from governance and law to art and architecture.

The Arnesian War

The Arnesian War was a conflict between Morrowind and Black Marsh, arising from disputes over territory and the treatment of Argonian slaves. House Dres, in particular, played a significant role in the conflict due to its reliance on Argonian labor. The war ended with a oppressive victory for the Dunmer, giving them control over much of northern Black Marsh. The war left lasting animosity between the Dunmer and Argonians, contributing to the racial and political tensions that persist in Tamriel to this day.

The Red Year

The Red Year is one of the most devastating events in Dunmer history. In 4E 5, the eruption of Red Mountain caused widespread destruction across Morrowind. The city of Vivec was obliterated, and much of Vvardenfell was rendered uninhabitable. This catastrophe led to a massive loss of life and forced many Dunmer to flee their homeland, scattering them across Tamriel and significantly altering the political and social landscape of Morrowind.

The Red Year

The Argonian Invasion

In the aftermath of the Red Year, Morrowind was further destabilized by an invasion from Argonia (Black Marsh) known as the Ascension War. The Argonians, seizing the opportunity presented by Morrowind's weakened state, launched a successful campaign into Dunmer territory, to end the slavery of Argonians. This invasion also resulted in the regaining of loss of the land Morrowind gained in the Arnesian War and further exacerbated the plight of the Dunmer people, who struggled to rebuild amidst ongoing turmoil.

Attributes

Dunmer are renowned for their intelligence, agility, and proficiency in both magic and combat. Their natural resistance to fire reflects their homeland's volcanic nature. Dunmer are versatile and resourceful, capable of excelling in various roles such as warriors, mages, and rogues. Their cultural emphasis on honor, tradition, and resilience shapes their interactions and ambitions within Tamriel.

Conclusion

The Dunmer, or Dark Elves, are a proud and complex race with a rich cultural heritage and a history marked by resilience and transformation. From the heights of the Tribunal's divine rule to the trials of the Red Year and beyond, the Dunmer have continually adapted and endured. Their unique blend of magical prowess, warrior spirit, and deep-seated traditions makes them a formidable and influential force in the world of Tamriel. However, the dark legacy of slavery and its impact on their relations with the Argonians remains a significant aspect of their history, reminding all of the complexities and challenges faced by the Dunmer people.

Dunmer Woman

Dunmer Man

• Singular: Dunmer (Dark Elf)
• Plural: Dunmer (Dark Elves)
• Adjective: Dunmeri (Dark Elf)