LEXICON RA GADA

Yokuda to Hammerfell: History and Heroes

Redguards came to Tamriel in 1E 808, 2700 years before the events of TESO. Although
that includes a 1008-year Dragon Break6 enough time has passed to ensure that, despite
being the newest race on the continent, they are not seen as newcomers by anyone
except possibly mer.7 They originated on the now-sunken continent of Yokuda, which
used to lie to the west of Tamriel.

Brief History of Yokuda

Yokuda was a harsh land: rocky, arid and barren. It had prepared the Redguards well for
thriving in similarly harsh environs they claimed on Tamriel; they arrived equipped
with suitable construction and agricultural techniques to make the most of Hammerfell.8

The continent was made up of four great islands (strictly speaking, a contradiction in
terms, but the reference to Yokuda as a continent is entrenched in primary sources) :
Samara, Kanesh, Yath and Akos Kasaz. The last was the centre of Yokudan civilisation,
and home to the city of Na-Totambu itself.9

Some time in the Mythic Era, a splinter of Aldmer known only as the Left-Handed
Elves was present on Yokuda. They warred with the mannish Yokudans and were
ultimately defeated by superior-quality weapons and swordsmanship. Legends of that
conflict gave rise to part of the Yokudan, and later Redguard, pantheon.10

Since before recorded history, Yokuda had been ruled by emperors. In 1E 376, their rule
was overthrown, and for the next three centuries, the continent was subjected to almost
continuous civil war as provincial lords, warrior monks and brigands fought for land
and power. The emperors of that period were mere figureheads. It was then that
Yokudan society underwent a transition from concern with esthetics and scholarship to
a focus on martial values.

Around the sixth century of the First Era, a small splinter group of Redguards left Akos
Kasaz to settle on the northern coast of High Rock. These colonists, known as the
Horse-Folk of Silverhoof, are entirely separate from the main Ra Gada wave of
migration and conquest that came much later, and continue to be separate from
Redguard society. Pastoral and relatively peaceful, they worship an animist deity unique
to their tribe, known as the Herd Mother.11

Around 1E 617, there emerged in Yokuda a class of warrior-poets known as the swordsingers. The term had existed in the past to denote simply a warrior, but came to refer to
a particular social class to which the wearing of swords was restricted - by decree of
Randic Torn, the military dictator of the time. Originally recruited from highborn artists
and artisans, the sword-singers made swordsmanship into a philosophy and way of life.
Numerous schools of fencing proliferated, and the greatest masters became known as
Ansei, or sword-saints.

Torn's long reign ended in 1E 737. He was succeeded by Hira, who would end up the
last emperor of Yokuda before its destruction. Hira and his consort, Elise, saw the
sword-singers as a threat to his control of the land and sought to purge them. Though
initially vulnerable, the sword-singers soon united under the leadership of the greatest of
Ansei, Frandar Hunding, who was persuaded by his son Divad to come out of
retirement. Following the precepts of his Way of the Sword, Hunding engaged Hira's
forces in a brilliant campaign of seven battles culminating in a stand at the foot of the
sacred mountain, Hattu. Although Hira fielded an army of at least 600,000 brigands and
regulars, outnumbering the sword-singers twenty to one, Hunding prevailed over the
emperor.12

The continent of Yokuda sank shortly thereafter. The exact cause is unknown. Some
attribute it to a natural disaster, and others to the destructive use of "stone magic" by a
defeated group of Ansei loyal to the emperor, called the Hiradirge.13 Whatever the
cause, the process was predictable or slow enough to allow the Redguard population to
emigrate east across the sea.

After Landfall: Hammerfell

Before the coming of the Redguards, Hammerfell was called Hegathe, Aldmeris for,
roughly, Deathland.14 According to legend, the name has Dwemer origins: the chief of a
dissident Dwemer clan from Morrowind threw a hammer called Volendrung across
Tamriel and led his people on a pilgrimage to wherever it should fall. It fell in the Alik'r
desert, and gave rise to the new name: Volenfell, later translated to Hammerfell. The
Dwemer disappeared roughly a century before the arrival of the Redguards in Tamriel,
but the legend is supported by local wall paintings and the presence of numerous
Dwemer ruins in the land.15 Still, some Redguards maintain that they chose the name
themselves in honour of the hammer-and-anvil strategy of the final campaign back in
their old homeland.16

Hunding, Divad, and their sword-singers, whose bloodbath at Hattu had made them
somewhat unwelcome in Yokuda, were the first to reach Hammerfell. By unstoppable
force of arms, they drove out the men, mer and beastfolk (including goblins and
Orsimer) who sparsely populated the wasteland.17 In doing so, the sword-singers 'made
way' for the Yokudan people, a cultural idea that would persist as part of their religious
beliefs.18 This first conquering wave was called the Ra Gada, or "warrior wave" in
Yoku, which, phoneticised to Redguard, gave the Yokudan invaders their Tamrielic
name.19

While the Ra Gada were securing Hammerfell, the rest of the Yokudan emigres,
including the continent's old royalty and aristocracy known collectively as the NaTotambu, waited on a small island called Herne until the way was clear.20 Once they
were able to land, the Na-Totambu resumed their place as the governing elite of
Redguard society.21

For the first century or so in Tamriel, relations between the Redguards and their
neighbours were hostile. The Bretons and Colovians (humans of Western Cyrodiil)
resented the newcomers' brutal conquest and the Redguards, with their advanced society
and peerless martial prowess, held Tamrielic men in contempt.22 The breakthrough
came when the orcs of Orsinium, whose ranks had swelled with refugees driven out by
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the Redguard invasion, seized the strategic Bjoulsae River, threatening the prosperity of
Wayrest. In 1E 948, King Joile of Daggerfall appealed to Gaiden Shinji, leader of the
Redguard knightly Order of Diagna, for help.23 The blademaster agreed and two years
later his Order, and the armies of Sentinel and Daggerfall laid siege to Orsinium.

The siege lasted for thirty years, at some point claiming the life of Gaiden Shinji
himself.24 In 1E 973 King Joile betrayed the Redguards and was subsequently slain by
Maiden Makela Leki,25 but somehow the siege held together and eventually succeeded:
Orsinium was razed to the ground by Redguards and Bretons in 1E 980. The joint
victory marked the beginning of greater contact and trade between the Redguards and
surrounding human tribes.26

A Dragon Break, meaning a disruption of linear time, took place some time in the
middle of the First Era. It is said to have lasted for 1,008 years27 and may explain the
lack of historical and archaeological records between the fifteenth and twenty-third
centuries.

Subsequent years found the Redguards vigilant against local threats. The Sload of Thras
exploited the Redguard habit of burying dishonoured criminals on outlying islands to
practice necromancy28 and around 1E 2260 launched a devastating plague that
consumed half of Tamriel's population. Hammerfell contributed its powerful armadas to
the avenging All-Flags Navy led by the Colovian king Bendu Olo which defeated the
Sload and, aided by the Altmeri hero-archmage Syrabane,29 sank the isles of Thras
beneath the sea.

Goblins would continue to present a challenge to the Redguards for some time. Near the
end of the First Era, Hammerfell suffered an particularly troublesome invasion,
continuously reinforced from an unknown mystical gate, until the latter was sealed. The
difficulty of fighting these off is credited with renewed interest in Hunding's Way of the
Sword.30
In 1E 2703, an army of Tsaesci snakemen from Akavir invaded Tamriel.31 The army of
a freshly-united Cyrodiil met them and eventually defeated them in the Battle of Pale
Pass in Skyrim. Despite his victory, Reman was so impressed by his adversaries that he
4

offered the surviving Akaviri amnesty and adopted many of their doctrines. The armies
of Cyrodiil, reformed into disciplined legions, proceeded to conquer most of Tamriel,
including Hammerfell, though the manner of this is unknown.32 There is evidence that
at least some human kingdoms, weakened and also brought together by the war with the
Tsaesci, feared the possibility of an exploitative assault from the southern Aldmeri and
united behind Reman I to form the nucleus of the Second Empire.33

As a result of Imperial administration of Hammerfell, civilised Redguard society

divided formally into Crowns and Forebears. It was a new expression of the old division
between Yokudan Na-Totambu aristocracy and common folk on one hand and the Ra
Gada who traced their lineage back to Hunding's sword-singers on the other. They
coexisted in a republican system of government with the Crowns retaining their right to
noble council and the Forebears granted local land rights.34

On 6 Evening Star, 1E 2920, the Redguard Lady Corda of Hegathe, assassin of the
Morag Tong, murdered Emperor Reman III at the behest of his Akaviri advisor
Potentate Versidue-Shaie, thus precipitating the end of the First Era.35

The period that followed was turbulent. In 2E 283, the Potentate, who took over power
from the deceased Emperor, instituted 37 years of martial law, demanding that local
armies dissolve or be confronted by Imperial legions. It is unknown how the demand
played out in Hammerfell, but in the end the Potentate did succeed in monopolising
military power. Local forces were, for a time, largely replaced by chapters of the
Fighters' Guild.36

In 2E 566, Princess Maraya, daughter of King Fahara'jad of Sentinel, married Emeric,

King of Wayrest. Her dowry was a trade agreement that proved highly beneficial to
Hammerfell and High Rock. The marriage provoked Ranser, King of Shornhelm, who
had been hoping to wed his daughter Rayelle to Emeric, into war against Wayrest. The
armies of Hammerfell and Orsinium came to Emeric's aid, paving the way for the
Greater Daggerfall Covenant, an alliance between the three races.37
Alliance War begins: 2E 582.
Events of TESO: 2E 582.

Redguard Heroes
Frandar Hunding (full name and honourifics: Frandar do Hunding Hel Ansei no Shira)
is acknowledged as the greatest Ansei master in history and the most revered of
Redguard national heroes. He spent the first part of adult life making a living with his
sword. In the process, he won 90 duels, killing his opponent each time. By the age of
thirty, the development of his skill was so great that he stopped using ordinary weapons
and turned to the use of a spirit-blade, or Shehai.

At the age of sixty, still undefeated, Hunding retired to a cave atop the sacred Yokudan
mountain, Hattu, to write down his Book of Circles, a summation of his Way of the
Sword - his philosophy and fighting style. He was brought out of hermitage by the
exhortations of his son, Divad, in the sword-singers' time of need, and led them to an
incredible victory against the tyrant of the time. (see section on the history of Yokuda)
He and his sword-singers were the first of the Yokudans to reach Hammerfell.38

Frandar Hunding's Book of Circles is the sacred text of the Redguards. It is said to
contain 'thirty-eight grips, seven hundred and fifty offensive and eighteen hundred
defensive positions, and nearly nine thousand moves essential to sword mastery'39 and
every Redguard household has a special alcove by the hearth that houses the book.40

Divad Hunding, known as Divad the Singer, was the son of Frandar Hunding. Although
he entered sword-singer training at a young age, his relationship with his sword-saint
father was rocky, and he ran away at sixteen to, quite literally, join the circus. Although
he rose to become an accomplished acrobat, musician and bard, he kept up his
swordsmanship, and events of the sword-singer purge (see section on the history of
Yokuda) caused him to return to the martial path. He convinced his father to come out
of hermitage to lead the sword-singers to victory and later became a significant figure in
the conquest of Hammerfell.41

Grandee Yaghoub, was the leader of a Ra Gada task force that sailed north and west
6

following the initial assault. He is credited with securing the Iliac Bay and recognising
the quality of the harborage that would become the port of Sentinel. A relatively
humane conqueror, he used the indigenes he encountered as well-treated labourers
instead of putting them to the sword. His crescent flag is flown over the city to this day,
and he is honoured with a holiday.42

Gaiden Shinji was a legendary blademaster and the founder of the Order of Diagna. He
led his forces and those of Sentinel in the Siege of Orsinium, 1E 950.43 The siege cost
him his life, but was ultimately successful. At some point, he also founded the Arena in
the Imperial City in Cyrodiil, where combatants still speak of him in god-like terms.44

Derik Hallin was the Last of the Ansei during a perilous goblin invasion near the end of
the First Era. Along with his companions, he is credited with recovering five mystical
swords guarded by five Ansei blinded by the swords' powers, and using them to defeat
the goblins and seal their gate of entry.45

Katrice (or Katrica) is honoured with an annual holiday by the people of Ayasofya in
western Hammerfell for saving them in an unknown conflict.46 At the end of her life,
she served as one of the trials faced by Hallin and his companions. She was said to have
been nimble and catlike.47

Geography and Environment of Hammerfell

Basic map of Hammerfell from the Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Ed, Imperial
Library

Notable Places
Sentinel: the great Forebear port-city and arguably the greatest city of Hammerfell. It
has recently become the national capital. It controls a third of the Illiac Bay trade and is
known for its market street which stretches from gate to docks, the ancient Sentinel
Palace (called Samaruik) and the Royal Theatre.

Hallin's Stand: a city named for the hero Hallin, (see appropriate section) probably in
eastern Hammerfell.48 Its political alignment is not yet known. It was overrun by
Reachmen under Durcorach, the Black Drake, in 2E 541,49 and although the Reachmen
were reversed, they continue to menace travelers in its vicinity.50,51 Presently, it is
menaced by Imperial forces.
Bergama: a small Crown52 barony surrounded by the the Alik'r Desert. Being a desert
enclave, its borders are not well-defined.53 Its Crowns are particularly conservative,
proud of their isolation, and see themselves as custodians of Yokudan tradition,
especially disapproving of Forebears.54 They drink tonics of duneripper blood to extend
their lives.55

Dragonstar: In the Second Era, this city is fully under Redguard control. It is most likely
a Crown city.
Elinhir: a Crown city, but influenced by Colovian tastes.56 It has something in the way
of a creative community and the Nord Skald-King Jorunn is known to have spent time
there prior to the events of TESO.57 Its butchers use ground ice-wraith teeth as a food
preservative.58
Hegathe: a seat of Crown power,59 ,60 and until recently the capital of Hammerfell. A
traditional city, surrounded by austere ramparts.61 The Dark Brotherhood has been
active in the city since a couple of centuries ago.62

Rihad: a highly eccentric city near the Imperial border. Though it is said to be Forebear
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in the Third Era,63 it appears to be home to prominent Crown grandees in the

Second,64,65 implying Crown allegiance. Inhabited by dervishes,66 jugglers,67 Satakal
mystics68 and some foreigners,69 including those who seek to learn Redguard fighting
arts.70 Public nudity is not seen as unusual there, particularly among the Satakal
worshippers.

Stros M'Kai: an island to the south of Hammerfell and a strategic outpost vis a vis the
Aldmeri Dominion. Despite this, central authority is somewhat loose on Stros M'Kai
making it something of a haven for foreigners, pirates and criminal elements. It is
famous for its well-preserved Dwemer ruins,71 and these continue to attract collectors,
scholars and speculators.72

Tava's Blessing (later Lainlyn): Crown port-city in the north, not far from Sentinel. Seat
of the Lainlyn family, for whom it would eventually be renamed.73

Taneth: a major Forebear city in the south. Cosmopolitan and hostile to hoary desert
superstitions like Satakal worship.74

Abibon-Gora: a barony with a capital of the same name, on the westernmost shore of
Hammerfell. Most likely Crown.75 Famous for a sun festival, and afflicted by remaining
sload enclaves.

Tu'whacca's Throne: an immense temple-mausoleum atop a plateau in the Alik'r Desert.

Interring the remains of many distinguished Redguards, including royalty, the
mausoleum serves also as a memorial for all those who perished when the continent of
Yokuda sank beneath the waves. It is a frequent destination of pilgrimages.76

Environment
Hammerfell can be reduced to four basic biomes: fertile grassland, the most sparse,
mostly along the coast and the occasional river valley; desert, dominating much of the
west and containing the occasional oasis; mountains, primarily the Dragontail
Mountains in the north; and arid wasteland, covering almost everything else.

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Notable Local Fauna

...in Hammerfell, synonymous with Notable Local Threats; nearly everything in the
Alik'r Desert, at least, is venomous or carnivorous:77
Giant Scorpions: known to dwell in the Alik'r desert. 78Reportedly the size of horses.79

Dunerippers: lizard-like beasts of the Alik'r desert. Known to nest, their defences
include large plates, neck-spines and claws. Tonics made of its blood are believed by
the people of Bergama to possess life-extending properties.80

Assassin Beetles: large, predatory insects, possessed of hurtful claws and rending
mandibles. According to legend, these are descendants of Yokudan Samara Scarabs:
small, pretty insects originally brought to Tamriel as pets of Redguard children.
However, they became transformed by the hunger of Sep and grew rapacious and large.
Cast out into the wilderness, they grew larger and more dangerous still.81

Ra-Netu: the undead, usually risen Redguard ancestors who had been mummified in the
traditional way.82
Wind spirits and fire spirits: known to dwell in the Alik'r desert.83

Whilloki: a mischievous, if elusive, variety of fey folk known to the Redguards,

described as 'glimmering sparks'.84
Goblins: yellow-eyed humanoids of varying sizes, often cave-dwelling.85 Sentient, if not
very bright, they occasionally manage to organise into social structures and very rarely
possess a grasp of hedge magic. The Hammerfell variety may be larger than other
lineages across Tamriel.86
Trolls: another cave-dwelling species, partial to mountains.87 Three-eyed, clawed
brutes, known for their ability to regenerate even under severe sustained damage.

Lamiae (singular: lamia): snake-hags, with the head and torso of a woman and the
11

fanged maw and lower body of a snake. Like hagravens, these witches are intelligent
and not universally aggressive, but invariably dangerous when encountered.88

Harpies: half-birds, half-women. According to Redguard legend, they originated in the

city of Tava's Blessing (later Lainlyn). Originally a coven of debauched daedric
worshippers (almost certainly of Daedric Prince Nocturnal) they were transformed into
the monsters they are by means of an enchanted robe. Whatever the truth of this, they
are real, and they continue to plague the Illiac Bay region.89

Sload: cautious, perfectly amoral race of slug-like creatures with eidetic memories and a
penchant for necromancy. In ancient days, they practiced their ways on the untended
graves of disgraced Redguards who are by custom buried on outlying islands. Although
their main power was broken centuries ago, sload have maintained minor footholds in
Hammerfell as late as the Third Era.90 They are able to teleport magically, and are
difficult to root out.

A Few Examples of Hammerfell Flora

Poppy: found in black and white varieties in the mountains of Hammerfell. Contains
edible, nourishing pods and occasionally serves as emergency food for travellers.91 The
golden variety is used as a seasoning.92

Ginko: found along riverbanks and lakes. Distinguished by crescent-shaped leaves,

sweet to taste and edible. Mixed with aloe, fortifies stamina.93
Tava's Teardrop: An edible pepper.94

Aloe Vera: spiky leaf clusters, used topically and orally to staunch the flow of blood,
promote the healing of wounds, and lessen the effects of pox.

Angelica: small, white flowers. When crystallised, they become a delicacy. Used to cure
flatulence.
Basil: used in poultices to reduce swelling.95

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Society and Culture

Overview
The least populous race of the Daggerfall Covenant,96 Redguards possess, first and
foremost, a martial culture. Whenever Redguards are mentioned, their extraordinary
degree of competence at physical combat is probably the first thing that comes to mind
to any Tamrielic who might not otherwise know much about them. They can be
sensitive artists and poets (indeed, the death poem, written in what they expect to be
their final hours, is a time-honoured tradition among the sword-singers, in
particular97,98) but their sensibilities rarely depart far afield from the idea of struggle and
overcoming by strength and will. Their farmers impose their will upon the inhospitable
land, their builders contend with poor terrain, scant resources and lashing winds and, in
most places, merely taking each step is a battle against oppressive heat. Nothing has any
worth unless they have struggled for it,99 and the Redguards habitually undertake trials
of survival in their youth in order to prove themselves.100,101
Although Redguards revere their families,102,103 those born physically frail may be
shunned by their parents.104 They appear to be an egalitarian society with respect to
gender, as suggested by the organisation of sword-singer training, and numerous
accounts of prominent female warriors and regional rulers in the presence of male
consorts. Polygamy is not seen as transgressive, particularly among the higher
orders.105,106,107

The Redguards describe themselves as modest, stoic and practical people, in contrast
with the swaggering, vainglorious histrionics of Nords and Bretons.108 Others beg to
differ, calling them haughty and easily provoked.109 They are concerned with dignity,
personal honour and preservation of face above all. 110,111In keeping with the
aforementioned creed of struggle sanctifying attainment, they claim to be suspicious of
duplicity, espionage and "black magic" in warfare.112

That said, it is important to remember that individual and regional differences often
override the racial stereotype. Some Redguards are less traditional than others, and
elements of Breton and Colovian cultures have crept into bordering territories.113
13

Because of their individual combat skills, Redguards are prized as bodyguards,

mercenaries, pirates and occasionally assassins; the culture's notions of honour and
straightforward struggle have not stopped individual Redguards from becoming
exemplars of these professions.114,115,116,117

Hammerfell's relations with its Daggerfall Covenant allies are not perfectly harmonious.
Occasionally, mistrust of magic translates into mistrust of Bretons who are quite
enthusiastic about it.118 More significantly, the perception of Orcs as ancient adversaries
remains an element in Redguard culture, and Orcs occasionally encounter prejudice
when interacting with these unlikely allies.119 These feelings are deepened by religious
differences,120 and enemies of the Covenant are already looking to exploit them.121 On
the other hand, as a growing number of Orcs begin to work and study in Hammerfell,
we see examples of the friction being successfully overcome on the individual
level.122,123

Curved Swords. CURVED. SWORDS.

The sword is a great cultural icon for Redguards, an extension of the warrior's spirit; in
the case of the Ansei of yore, that was true literally. The Book of Circles, a combat
manual and philosophical treatise on the Way of the Sword, is their revered text. (see
note on Frandar Hunding) The smiths of Hammerfell are very highly regarded.124

It is perhaps worth stating here, however, that Redguards are highly skilled warriors,
and being a successful warrior means using the correct tool for the task at hand. As
Gaiden Shinji mused, the best techniques are passed on by the survivors125 and, for all
their idolatry of the sword, it is known that Redguards are comfortable with many
weapon and armour styles.126 There exists a Redguard system of martial arts based on
pain and pressure centres adaptable to blunt weapons and unarmed strikes.127 There
exists an extensive Redguard combat system for using a simple club, developed in
Abibon-Gora and tracing its origins back to Yokuda.128 A particularly remarkable
battlehammer has been deemed worthy of inclusion in an instructive children's tale.129

A Redguard who actively pursues the profession of arms in the context of the high
baseline standards of their martial culture would be expected to make a good account of
themselves in any battlefield situation, including those where the curved sword is
14

suboptimal. The Redguard national emblem in TESO incorporates three of their famous
scimitars... but they do surround a shield.

Redguards are skilled horsemen and their gallants (knights) count themselves among the
finest horsemen of Tamriel. They favour a particular breed of horse, the Yokudan
Charger, whose lineage has been preserved across thousands of years all the way to the
horses brought by Yaghoub the Seafarer from the island Akoz Kasaz of old Yokuda.130

A weakness of the Redguards when it comes to warfare is their pride and individualism,
which translate to poor discipline and low respect for military authority. They are
excellent warriors individually, but do not make for equally good soldiers en masse.131

Crowns and Forebears

The Crowns are conservative Redguards, who see themselves as guardians of a
Yokudan tradition that distinguishes them from others in Tamriel. They include the NaTotambu royalty and aristocracy, who trace their lineages to the old continent and
depend for their authority on reverence for the past.132 However, the faction also
includes plenty of Redguards of meaner blood who do not see themselves as part of the
old warrior class.133 Crowns tend to be aloof to outsiders and resist efforts at cultural
assimilation.

The Forebears are progressive Redguards, who take pride in having carved out a new
home for their people in Tamriel and in making it flourish. They are pragmatic about
doing what it takes to prosper. They trace their lineage back to the sword-singers of the
first warrior wave that hit Tamriel and their identity is tied to that greatest deed.134 They
derive their authority from their accomplishments in Tamriel, not Yokuda, and they
have been granted land rights in the Second Empire. Forebears tend to be more
cosmopolitan, cooperative with outsiders, and capable of assimilating aspects of other
Tamrielic cultures.135

There are Crown cities and Forebear cities, and one is likely to retain the views of one's
family and the environment in which one was raised. However, Crowns and Forebears
are ultimately political and cultural identities, not subracial ones. With the exception of
the most prominent Na-Totambu, it may be possible to transition from one set of beliefs
15

to another, particularly through avenues like migration or marriage.

A vivid illustration of the above is found in the example of King Ar-Azal, Fahara'jad's
great-grand-uncle. He united the Crowns and Forebears for a time by taking two wives
simultaneously, daughters of the most prominent grandees of each faction.136

It is also important not to overinterpret the division: it is quite possible for Crowns and
Forebears to arrive at similar results for different reasons. For example, either a Crown
or a Forebear can be an aristocrat, and we see examples of baronies held by each.137,138
The former would derive the title from blood lineage, the latter from Imperial fiat.
Similarly, both Crowns and Forebears have good reasons to study Hunding's Way of the
Sword: for the former, it represents the synthesis of a great non-Tamrielic Yokudan
tradition, for the latter, it is integral to their Ra Gada heritage, having been put to use by
the sword-singers to win Hammerfell.

The rivalry continues to simmer beneath the surface, but the ubiquity of outside threats
during the Interregnum (events of TESO) has attenuated the traditional tension between
Crowns and Forebears.139

Nobility
Hammerfell is divided into numerous baronies and greater and lesser fiefdoms140 and
the terminology of nobility appears fairly similar to that in neighbouring human
kingdoms. As in High Rock, there exist regional kings and queens ruling over the
greatest population centres.141,142 Noble houses do exist143 and the titles of Lord,144
Baron145,146, Marquis,147 Count,148 Prince and King are known to be in use. As noted in
the Crowns and Forebears section, both of these two factions can be nobles, although
they may find reason to disparage each other's titles as outdated and arriviste,
respectively. Regional rulers of both factions are mostly loyal to King Fahara'jad who,
during the Interregnum, rules from Sentinel.149

A uniquely Redguard title of high nobility in the Second Era is that of the Grandee
(female: Grandeya), which appears roughly equivalent to dukedom. The most
prominent regional Grandees can wield considerable authority over a region and can act
as something of a spiritual leader, as well, issuing opinions on proper morality.150
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Finally, there exists the office of vizier, or learned advisor. These serve at the court of
the King or occasionally a very high ranking noble.

Art, Entertainment, Fashion and Food

Redguards are fond of poetry, and their old language is said to be onomatopoetically
evocative, especially suitable for the composition of verse.151 A representative poem is
The Warrior's Charge,152 which imagines the constellations of the sky fighting the
Serpent. Another is On the Immortality of Dust, which alludes to the pervasiveness and
constancy of the desert and its importance to Redguard identity.153

Theatre, too, appears to be popular. The Royal Theatre of Sentinel attracts even foreign
visitors with its "bizarre morality plays",154 and the festival of Riglametha in Tava's
Blessing (Lainlyn) involves the performance of plays about the great moments of the
city's past.155 Sly political satire expressed through theatrical productions is not unheard
of. 156. Snake-charming is another popular entertainment, especially impressive to
visitors.157

Conservatoria of Morwha, while not quite as infamous as Houses of Dibella, are

nonetheless associated with lustful practices.158

Redguard fashions tend toward light, long and flowing, to help stay cool and for
protection against the elements. In the Alik'r, especially, headgear is essential in view of
the blazing sun, while face-wraps, to protect from the dust, are commonly used.159 The
flowing curve motif carries over into all Redguard designs, even the ornamental.

An example of Redguard cuisine is seared scorpion flesh steaks prepared with fire salts,
peppers and golden poppy.160 Redguard pomegranate wine, a staple of Hammerfell
meals, has become quite popular in allied High Rock kingdoms and a valuable
export.161 Raw pomegranates, figs and olives are also commonly consumed.

Redguard Maxims
These are presented here unabridged, directly from the in-game lore books, and thus
17

unreferenced. The insight into the Book of Circles and the Satakalaam philosophy are
invaluable to getting a handle on the Redguard mind.

Extracts from the Book of Circles

Masteries
Mastery of Discipline: In the season of life in which I passed through the Rain's Hand,
more than 90 duels did I face to prove myself invincible. I learned the 38 grips, the 750
offensive and 1800 defensive stances, and the 9000 strikes that I would practice for all
my future days.
With Onsi's blessing, the sword-singer must do the same to achieve Mastery of
Discipline.

Mastery of Devotion: In the season of life in which I marched beneath the Sun's Height,
before the power of the gods did I kneel. I dedicated myself wholly unto to the spirit of
the sword to forge my Shehai, which I would wield for all my future days.
With Tall Papa's blessing, the sword singer must do the same to achieve Mastery of
Devotion.

Mastery of Wisdom: In the season of life in which I was exposed to the Hearth's Fire,
into deep contemplation did I withdraw to ponder the nature of truth. I sharpened my
mind as my blade and defined the principles I would honor for all my future days.
With Tava's blessing, the sword-singer must do the same to achieve Mastery of
Wisdom.

Mastery of Sacrifice: In the season of life in which I shivered from the Frost's Fall, so
did I find myself called upon to cast aside the notions of my destiny that I had deemed
true. I left the land of my home to which I did not return for all my future days.
Under Satakal's ever-changing influence, the sword-singer must do the same to achieve
Mastery of Sacrifice.

Tirdas Maxims
Thus on Tirdas, Faithful Ones, do we consider these maxims of the Master:
"The sword is the self. Its edge is the mind."
18

"To shed the mantle of fear is to cast it upon your enemy."

"Shouting to halt the sands' shifting only leaves you hoarse."
"Prepare to pay for victory in blood, but do not waste a drop."
"The victor's tempo grasps his opponent's and devours it."
"The Seventy-Ninth Strike: the spear of the fisherman sharpened at daybreak."
"Live and die in every moment of battle."

Loredas Maxims
Thus on Loredas, Faithful Ones, do we consider these maxims of the Master:
"Train your opponent to make the wrong response."
"The worst action executed with vigor is superior to the best action executed timidly."
"A thrust is elegant, and a cut is powerful, but sometimes the right action is a headbutt."
"The high guard is most suitable for feints and crossovers, but mind your nether limbs."
"Your opponent's sword is not your enemy. Watch your opponent, not his sword."
"Perfection in the eight basic cuts is criticalthough you will never use them in battle."
"A closed line is not open."

Sundas Maxims
Thus on Sundas, Faithful Ones, do we consider these maxims of the Master:
"Be as dawn to your ally, and set dusk upon your foe."
"The Four-Hundred and Fifth Strike: the serpent's right fang as it pierces the eye."
"When swarmed by flies, favor the flat over the edge."
"Anger is a crack in the hull that sinks the ship."
"First blood matters less than last breath."
"Journey many and many miles, but do not leave the Hall of the Virtues of War."
"Discover your foe's habits and discard your own."
"Do not lose the melody in the rapture of one triumphant note."

Forging Maxims
In the clay smelter you shall build a charcoal fire, of a heat to blacken teeth.
You shall add a layer of iron-sand upon the charcoal.
After six yarbans you shall add a layer of charcoal atop the iron.
You shall repeat this process, layering iron-sand over charcoal, for three days.
19

After cooling, you shall separate the low-carbon steel from the high-carbon steel.
You shall use the low-carbon steel to form the core of the sword.
You shall use the high-carbon steel to form the skin of the sword.
You shall forge-weld, fold, and forge-weld anselim the skin of the sword, until it attains
its needful kotu-ajcea.
You shall sharpen the sword-skin until it may shave an egg without breaking it.
You shall speak the Oblation to Onsi, then drink of the Purifying Beverage of Kotu.
Then, anselim.

Knowing Satakal
"To deny that the world must end is to deny that it began."
"Satakal is the making and the unmaking, the birth and the death, love and fear."
"For the world is the egg that Satakal laid, and the egg that in time Satakal shall eat."
"To know Satakal, consider a river. As a snake sheds its skin and lives on, so a river
sheds its water into the sea, yet is reborn at the source."
"To be the Worldskin is to be everything, and to be everything is to be nothing."
"Fear not the unbelievers, for believer and unbeliever alike shall be eaten by the Serpent
God."
"Does not the serpent made of sky above reflect the serpent made of sea below? Yea, it
is so."

Tu'whacca's Prayer
We ask for your blessing and guidance
On this completed walkabout
May she appear before your throne
In virtue and strength
Lead her along the path of the stars
Show her the way
Prepare her for the life to come
As our honored ancestor
With her sword at her side

20

Sword-singers, Ansei and the Shehai

Sword-singers of Hammerfell dedicate their lives to studying Frandar Hunding's Way of
the Sword, as a spiritual and martial pursuit. They enter centres of such study known as
Halls of the Virtues of War at a young age (most likely 11) 162,163 and become Brothers
of the Blade and Maidens of the Spirit Sword. The training of sword-singers is rigorous.
Students and instructors alike pay careful attention to diet, endurance training, study of
the Book of Circles and meditation.164 An important rite of passage during this training
is the walkabout, which involves completing a virtuous quest, emulating the Ansei of
Yokuda.

The Shehai is the manifestation of the sword-singer's spirit in the visible form of a spirit
blade. Being able to do summon a Shehai, no matter how insubstantial, qualifies one as
an Ansei, or sword-saint - of the first level, anyway.

It is possible to master the Way of the Sword without ever being able to summon a
fully-functional Shehai. It is possible actually to be born with the talent to summon an
insubstantial Shehai and still have a long way to go to become a master sword-singer,
let alone a master Ansei.165

The art of summoning a full Shehai is lost by the time of the Interregnum. The last
direct reference in lore to a combat-worthy Shehai places one in the hands of Maiden
Makela Leki, 2529 years prior. She was the first Ansei from her local Hall in two
generations.166 By the first century of the third era, at the conclusion of the Interregnum,
even a master of a Hall of the Virtues of War can summon no more than a glimmer of a
shape, not remotely usable in combat.167

The Alik'r and its Tribesmen

Various nomadic tribes dwell in the desert, unconcerned with the politics of coastal civil
society. These tend to harbour suspicion for outsiders168 and see themselves as people of
the Alik'r first and foremost, with scant regard for administrative divisions.169

The nomads are peaceful, with little infighting within the tribes, as individuals need to
21

cooperate to survive. They rely on keen knowledge of the habits of desert beasts and
birds to feed themselves. Dew collectors, called johads, provide a tribe with its daily
water needs and catch water on the rare occasion of a storm.170

The deep desert is a refuge for misfits of all kinds: bandits; Satakal worshippers, who
eschew the Divines in favour of the primordial serpent;171,172and mystics interested in
the magical properties of the Alik'r.173 It is a favoured destination for young Redguards
who seek to prove themselves in trials of survival.174

Additionally, the northern wastes are home to the pariah tribe called Ash'abah. Led by a
headman (currently Marimah), the Ash'abah are shunned by other Redguards for their
'unclean' interactions with the undead,175 but they are not actually necromancers.
Instead, they see it as their duty to combat and put down risen ancestors in a respectful
way. 176

The Horse-folk of Silverhoof

A splinter group of Yokudans, newly introduced in TESO, are the Horse-folk of
Silverhoof Vale, who refer to themselves simply as the Horsemen. They are believed to
have left Yokuda around the sixth century of the First Era, predating the main migration
in the ninth century.

These tribesmen have settled in the High Rock region of Rivenspire, west of Shornhelm
and have survived relatively unaffected by Breton civilisation around them for
thousands of years, even retaining numerous Yokudan words in their everyday speech.
Their oral history traces their origins to one of the herding clans of Akos Kasaz.

The Horsemen are led by tribal elders. A deeply spiritual people, they worship neither
Tamrielic nor Yokudan gods, but instead an equine goddess known as the Herd Mother.
Their youth must embark on a vision journey to commune with the Herd Mother as a
rite of passage to adulthood.
Their horses are identical to the Yokudan Chargers still bred in Hammerfell.177

22

Magic
Magic has existed on the periphery of Redguard society going all the way back to
Yokuda. Little is known of their 'western magic' beyond a few references: the
apocryphal stone-magic of the Hiradirge,178 their memory stones able to record the
holder's thoughts and, of course, the Shehai spirit-blades.179
Nonetheless, Redguards as a society distrust magic.180 Their word for the 'eastern' or
Tamrielic magic is nudri-hi.181 They can find some merit in the likes of Destruction or
Restoration, these being applicable to straightforward combat, but tend to loathe subtler
magics like Illusion, Necromancy, Conjuration and any sorcery used to 'steal souls and
tamper with minds.'182

Such native Redguard mages as there do exist either emerge from or are drawn to the
Alik'r desert for more reasons than just being misunderstood by their civilised society.
The desert's winds and sands produce an infinity of patterns and are said to have
magical energy all their own. Indeed, Alik'r mages have a particular casting style,
influenced by the need to conserve energy to survive in the desert. It is characterised by
great focus and economy of motion, without adornments or unnecessary gestures and
sounds.183

Knightly Orders
The individualistic Redguards prefer knightly orders, fighters' guilds, and other smaller
associations to large standing armies. A good number of these exist, often sworn to
protect a particular area or devoted to a particular Divine. Redguards being Redguards,
these orders often demand additional trials of prowess and survival of their novices.
Redguard knights in the Second Era are often referred to as 'gallants'.

Please note that the following Redguard-specific orders are known to exist in the early
Third Era. They may or may not find reference in our mid-Second-Era TESO.

Battlelords of the Citadel of Ebonarm: devoted to the god of war, this order has allied
itself with the Fighter's Guild in Hammerfell. As a result, Fighter's Guild Halls in the
23

Alik'r desert are actually mosques184 of Ebonarm.185

Order of Diagna: an ancient and prestigious order, founded by the legendary Gaiden
Shinji in the First Era. Known for its annual reenactment of the Order's greatest victory,
the siege of Orsinium, where the hapless initiates are made to play the Orcs.186

Knights of the Moon: devoted to the protection of Sentinel and its environs. Replaced
by Knights of the Candle in the Third Era.187

Knights of the Scarab: devoted to the protection of Totambu. Known for their high
standards and the demand that initiates travel to Stros M'Kai and try their strength
against still-functioning Dwemer constructs in the ruins there.

Knights of the Wheel: devoted to the protection of Abibon-Gora.

Knights of the Hawk: devoted to the protection of Santaki.

Host of the Horn: devoted to the protection of Tava's Blessing (Lainlyn). A ruthless
order, it does not shy away from espionage and tax collection.188

Vampire Clans
Anthotis: highly intelligent. They dominate the Alik'r desert and adjoining environs
such as Antiphyllos, Dak'fron and Santaki. Enemies of the Thrafey bloodline of High
Rock and presumably also of the Khulari bloodline.189

Montalion: gifted with the power of teleportation and the ability to cure paralysis. They
dominate the northern environs of Lainlyn and Satakalaam. Enemies of the Selenu
bloodline.190

Selenu: able to make themselves resistant to elemental damage, including fire. They
dominate the north-western environs of Sentinel and Abibon-Gora. They are enemies of
the Montalion bloodline and the Vraseth bloodline of High Rock.191

24

Khulari: able to paralyse. They dominate the north-eastern environs of Dragontail

Mountains, Totambu and Ephesus. Enemies of the Anthotis bloodline. 192

The Hammerfell Navy

Hammerfell has always been a strong naval power. When the Redguards arrived from
Yokuda, their naval technology was superior to that of continental Tamriel. 193 The gap
has narrowed since, and one must be cautious about extrapolating back over many
hundreds of years, but the Battle of Hunding Bay in 2E 864, three centuries after the
events of TESO, illustrates the relative strength of the Hammerfell Navy at the time vis
a vis the combined forces of the Tiber Empire.

In the battle, only a portion of the Hammerfell Navy - those loyal to the Crowns under
Prince A'Tor - were arrayed agaist the Imperial Navy under its finest commander,
Admiral Amiel Richton. Yet the Crowns began overcoming the Imperials, and it took
the involvement of a dragon (Nafaalilargus) on the Imperial side and the incapacitation
of A'Tor with a poisoned arrow by a long-range assassin to finally rout them.194,195

Redguard privateers are a presence all their own on the high seas. During the Alliance
War, King Fahara'jad has revoked all Letters of Marque against ships loyal to the
Daggerfall Covenant, but decreed a general bounty against ships flying the banners of
the Aldmeri Dominion and Ebonheart Pact.196

Yoku Language and Calendar

Yoku, the oral language of Yokuda, has been almost entirely replaced by the common
Tamrielic tongue, owing to the need for commerce and treaties with surrounding
kingdoms.197Nonetheless, it is possible to recreate some of its elements based on
translated dialogue in ESA: Redguard and other sources. The project is somewhat
outside of the scope of this document, but those interested may look into the Imperial
Library disquisition on the matter:

http://www.imperial-library.info/content/yoku-language

25

On Yokuda, a year count existed independently of Tamrielic eras and dates.198 In order
to convert a First Era date to the old Yokudan calendar, add 1636. To convert a Second
Era date, add 4556.

Unrelated to Redguards, for the sake of convenience: to determine how long before
TESO a First Era event occurred, subtract its date from 3501 - or from 2493 if you wish
to exclude the Dragon Break.

Names
Redguard naming practices do not follow a strict convention, and have undergone
something of an evolution from the earliest Elder Scrolls games to the most recent titles.
Traditionally, Redguards did not have last names, but in Skyrim and TESO, we do see a
couple of last name schemes.

Some surnames use the al- prefix, which as in Arabic can indicate the place of origin,
e.g. al-Skaven,199 al-Hegathe.200 At- and af- most likely mean 'son of' or 'daughter of', as
with Abal at-Inzil201 and Shadya af-Abia.202 However, we see both sexes with both
prefixes, and the exact meanings of at- and af- are unclear.

The UESP page concerned with Redguard names may be found here. A wide variety of
names (including such oddities as Roderick, Christophe and Dudley) are canonical for
Redguards, but as of Skyrim and TESO, it is probably fair to say that Redguard names
are most reminiscent of Arabic, Hindi-Urdu, Persian and Sanskrit names.

Yoku particles (as in Frandar do Hunding Hel Ansei No Shira, 'Frandar the noble
sword-saint from Hunding'203) are no longer in use.

Architecture
The prominent features of Redguard architecture are domes, slender towers somewhat
suggestive of minarets, thin hypostyle columns supporting the domes and pointed vaults
and faux-vaults. Thanks to superior construction methods carried over from Yokuda,
Redguard constructions are impressive in scale, and noted for golden trimming and
engravings.204 Of particular note are their tombs, ornate temples and monuments.205
26

Redguard buildings, especially in the Alik'r, tend to be heavy-walled, to better insulate

from the heat of the desert. They have mastered the construction of special vents
designed to catch the breeze and to funnel it into a structure's interior for better aeration
and cooling.206

http://elderscrollsonline.com/en/media/wallpapers/373 - Elder Scrolls Online wallpaper

http://www.imperial-library.info/sites/default/files/pgtte_v3_hammerfell.jpg illustration from Pocket Guide To The Empire, 3rd Edition, Imperial Library.

http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/File:Online-hammerfell.png - in-game rendering of

an ESO Hammerfell city, ES Wiki.

http://images.uesp.net/3/37/DF-PalaceSentinel1.png - in-game rendering of Sentinel

Palace, UESP.

http://images.uesp.net/3/3d/OB-place-Anvil_01.jpg - the Imperial city of Anvil, from

Oblivion, UESP. Although not a Hammerfell locale, the border city was somewhat
influenced by Redguard architecture.207

Religion and Holidays

Creation Myth
Redguards approach Nirn's common creation myth involving the interplay between
stasis and change208 through the allegory of a great, cosmic serpent. The serpent itself,
Satak, is an Anu-like figure, and represents stasis. Its hunger is the Padomaic agency of
change, reified as Akal, the hungry stomach. Together, they form Satakal, which
consumes itself and renews through the shedding of the skin.

The divine beings in this allegory are those strong enough to escape the cyclical
destruction and renewal of the universe, Ruptga being first among them. Lorkhan, in
this version, is Sep, a serpent helper who balled up the shed skins to create Mundus and
27

tricked other spirits209 (aedra) to dwell in it. As in elven theology, and unlike other
human systems, the creation of the world is seen as mischievous rather than heroic.210
The afterlife realm, the Redguard version of Aetherius, is called the Far Shores.211
Priests of Tu'whacca often mummify the dead before interring them in communal
mausoleums or other stone tombs.212

Worship of the Gods

Redguards are a pious people213 but their affinities vary depending on their background
and how traditional they are. There exist a few who revere Satakal directly. Many of
these are holy madmen of the Alik'r who indulge bizarre ecstasies of biting others,
crawling across the desert and even flaying their own skins.214 Most Redguards worship
a mixture of the Divines and Yokudan gods, often combining their aspects where
appropriate.215 Generally speaking, Forebears worship the Imperial Divines and Crowns
remain faithful to the Yokudan pantheon.216

Akatosh (Forebear), the dragon-god of time, chief deity of the Imperial pantheon.

Ruptga (Crown), known as Tall Papa: chief deity of the Yokudan pantheon, and the
most popular. With regard to his role in creation, he is a figure similar to Akatosh or
Auri-El, being the first being to achieve a permanent existence. He helped other divine
beings emerge through a process known as the Walkabout.

Tu'whacca (Crown/Forebear), the Tricky God: charged with helping Redguards find a
way to the Far Shores, or afterlife. Sometimes identified with Arkay, especially by the
Forebears.

HoonDing (Crown/Forebear), the Make Way God: god of 'perseverance over infidels.'
Materialises only when the Redguards need to 'make way' for their people. As of the
Interregnum, this only happened twice in Tamrielic history - in the person of Frandar
Hunding and indirectly as Diagna in the context of the fight against Orsinium. Whether
Diagna manifested himself in the person of Gaiden Shinji or as an inspiration to the
Order of the Diagna is uncertain.

28

Diagna (Crown), God of the Sideways Blade: an avatar of the HoonDing (see above)
who achieved permanence. Back in the Mythic Era, he is said to have supplied the
Yokudans with orichalc weapons to help secure the defeat of the Left-Handed Elves.

Leki (Crown/Forebear), Saint of the Spirit Sword: daughter of Tall Papa and a popular
goddess of aberrant swordsmanship, credited with resolving a stalemated trial of
prowess among evenly-matched Na-Totambu by introducing an Ephemeral Cut that led
to the emergence of the victor. This allowed them to get on with fighting the LeftHanded Elves.

Zeht (Crown/Forebear), God of Agriculture: identified with Zenithar, the Tamrielic

Divine of Work and Commerce. He is said to have renounced Tall Papa after the world
was created, which is why Tall Papa makes growing food difficult. In Hammerfell,
Zenithar is revered in the barony of Totambu in particular.217

Dibella (Forebear), the Imperial deity of art, beauty and love

Morwha (Crown/Forebear), Teat Goddess: Fertility goddess, and the favourite of Tall
Papa's wives. Depicted with four arms, so that she can 'grab more husbands'. Analogous
to Mara, although including certain elements of Dibella's domain. Her special animal is
the bee,218 and shrines dedicated to her may incorporate a beehive motif. 219

Onsi (Crown), Boneshaver: a warrior god of the Ra Gada, he taught mankind how to
pull knives into swords.

Tava (Crown/Forebear), Bird Goddess: Yokudan spirit of the air, identified with the
Tamrielic Kyne. During the exodus from Yokuda, she guided the people to the safety of
the island of Herne, where they awaited the Ra Gada's conquest of Hammerfell. Popular
with sailors, her shrines can be found in most port cities.220 Sometimes referred to in
masculine form. She is depicted as red-feathered,221 and her sacred bird is the
goshawk.222

Stendarr (Forebear), the Imperial deity of charity, justice, mercy and righteousness.
Popular with Forebear gallants (knights).
29

Sep (Crown/Forebear), The Second Serpent: a version of Lorkhan, faulted for the
creation of Mundus and trapping many of his fellow spirits. Tall Papa squashed him
with a stick for this transgression, and now he slinks about the sky as a hungry void.223

Malooc (Crown/Forebear), Horde King: an enemy god, leader of the goblins that
menaced the Redguards in the First Era.224 Redguards suspect that the deity Mauloch,
worshipped by the orcs of Orsinium, is a version of this god, which provides yet another
source of bad blood between the two nations.225

Minor Gods, not emphasised in TESO

Reymon Ebonarm, God of War: depicted as a black armoured knight with an ebony
blade fused to his arm and a red rose for his symbol.226 Ebonarm is revered and invoked
for favour by a variety of warriors in Hammerfell, including members of the Fighter's
Guild227 and sword-singers.228

Sai, God of Luck: a minor god, born as a mortal and occasionally materialising in the
form of a wolf. Acknowledged throughout the Iliac Bay.229 Sai's Disease is the affliction
of gamblers and other compulsive risk-takers who worship him too much and are
abandoned by him.

Ius, God of Animals: a minor god, popular in Valenwood, but his statues are found in
parts of Hammerfell.230

Festivals and Holidays

Most, though not all, of these are selected from Daggerfall Chronicles (p. 69) for
specific relevance to Redguards. Descriptions copied verbatim, with adjustments made
only for anachronistic references to time. Imperial holidays omitted, owing to
uncertainty about cultural penetration by the Second Empire.

Day of Lights
Morning Star 16th
The Day of Lights is celebrated as a holy day by most villages in Hammerfell on the
Iliac Bay. It is a prayer for a good farming and fishing year, and is taken very seriously.
30

A possibly unrelated Festival of Lights is a tradition in the Skyrim city of Dawnstar.

Little candies are given out to celebrate.

Day of Waiting
First Seed 9th
The Day of Waiting is a very old holy day among certain settlements in the Dragontail
Mountains. Every year at that time, a dragon is supposed to come out of the desert and
devour the wicked, so everyone locks themselves up inside.

Festival of Blades
First Seed 26th
During the Festival of Blades, the people of the Alik'r Desert celebrate the victor of the
first Redguard over a race of giant goblins. The story is considered a myth by most
scholars, but the holiday is still very popular in the desert.

Day of Shame
Rain's Hand 20th
All along the seaside of Hammerfell, no one leaves their houses on the Day of Shame. It
is said that the Crimson Ship, a vessel filled with victims of the Knahaten Plague who
were refused refuge about thirty years ago, will return on this day.

Koomu Alezer'i Yaghoub

Second Seed 17th
The great city of Sentinel celebrates the memory of its founder, Grandee Yaghoub. Part
of the celebration is the sharing of pomegranates, which were first spotted by the
Grandee's fleet as evidence of relatively forgiving land.231

Divad Etep't
Sun's Height 12th
During Divad Etep't, the people of Antiphyllos mourn the death of one of the greatest of
the early Redguard heroes, Divad, son of Frandar of the Hel Ansei. His deeds are
questioned by historians, but his tomb in Antiphyllos is almost certainly genuine.

Fiery Night
31

Sun's Height 29th

Few besides the natives of the Alik'r Desert would venture out on the hottest day of the
year, Fiery Night. It's a lively celebration with a meaning lost in antiquity.

Koomu Alezer'i
Last Seed 11th
Koomu Alezer'i means simply "We Acknowledge" in old Redguard, and it has been a
tradition in Sentinel for thousands of years. No matter the harvest, the people of
Sentinel solemnly thank the gods for their bounty, and pray to be worthy of the graces
of the gods.

Dirij Tereur
Frost Fall 5th
The fifth of Frost Fall marks Dirij Tereur for the people of the Alik'r Desert. It is a
sacred day honoring Frandar Hunding, the traditional spiritual leader of the Redguards
who led them to Hammerfell in the first era. Stories are read from Hunding's Book of
Circles, and the temples in the region are filled to capacity.

Serpent's Dance
Sun's Dusk 3rd
The Serpents Dance in Satakalaam may or may not have begun as a serious religious
holiday dedicated to a snake god, but in this day, it is a reason for a great street festival.

Hel Anseilak
Sun's Dusk 18th
Hel Anseilak, which means "Communion with the Saints of the Sword" in Old
Redguard is the most serious of holy days for the people of Pothago. The ancient way of
Hel Ansei is never practiced by modern Redguards, but its rich heritage is remembered
and honored on this day.

Baranth Do
Evening Star 18th

Baranth Do is celebrated on the 18th of Evening Star by the Redguards of the Alik'r
32

Desert. Its meaning is "Goodbye to the Beast of Last Year." Pageants featuring demonic
representations of the old year are popular, and revelry to honor the new year is
everywhere.

References
1. Pocket Guide To The Empire, 1st Edition: Hammerfell (UESP/IL)
2. Ask Us Anything: Variety Pack 4. (ESO Official Site)
3. The Annotated Anuad (UESP/IL)
4. Notes on Racial Phylogeny (UESP/IL)
5. Dialogue: Angelie Blakeley, Oblivion. (UESP)
6. Where Were You When The Dragon Broke? (IL)
7. Ask Us Anything: Daggerfall Covenant, Part 1. (ESO Official Site)
8. Pocket Guide To The Empire, 3rd Edition: Other Lands (UESP/IL)
9. The Lost Islands of Old Yokuda (UESP/[url=10. Varieties of Faith In The Empire
(UESP/IL)
11. The Horse-Folk of Silverhoof (UESP/IL)
12. Redguards, Their History And Their Heroes (UESP/IL)
13. PGE, 3rd Ed: OL, op. cit.
14. Pocket Guide To The Empire, 3rd Edition: Hammerfell (UESP/IL)
15. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
16. History/Heroes, op. cit.
17. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
18. Varieties of Faith, op. cit.
19. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
20. Ibid.
21. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
22. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
23. Wayrest, Jewel Of The Bay (UESP/IL)
24. War Of Betony (Fav'te Version) (UESP/IL)
25. From The Memory Stone Of Makela Leki (UESP/IL)
26. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
27. Where/Dragon Broke?, op. cit.
28. PGE, 3rd Ed: OL, op. cit.
29. Varieties of Faith, op. cit.
30. Notes For Redguard History (UESP/IL)
31. PGE, 3rd Ed: OL, op. cit.
32. Dialogue: Narina Carvain, Oblivion. (UESP)
33. Pocket Guide To The Empire, 3rd Edition: Cyrodiil (UESP/IL)
34. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
35. 2920, The Last Year Of The First Era, Evening Star (UESP/IL)
36. History Of The Fighters' Guild (UESP/IL)
37. Travails And Triumphs Of A Monarch. (UESP)
38. History/Heroes, op. cit.
39. Words And Philosophy (UESP/IL)
40. History/Heroes, op. cit.
41. Divad the Singer (UESP/IL)
33

42. Sentinel, the Jewel of Alik'r (UESP/IL)

43. Wayrest/Jewel, op. cit.
44. Dialogue: Arena NPCs, Oblivion
45. History/Heroes, op. cit.
46. Daggerfall Chronicles by Ronald Wartow, 1996
47. History/Heroes, op. cit.
48. Introduction to the Lore of Elder Scrolls, Facebook. (ESO Facebook)
49. Travails And Triumphs, op. cit.
50. Notes of Shamiyad, trader, Bangkorai. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
51. Shadya af-Abia, innkeeper, Bangkorai. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
52. AUA: DFC 1, op. cit.
53. The Alik'r (UESP/IL)
54. A Betrayal of Our Heritage (UESP/IL)
55. Notes of Adabalar, hunter, Alik'r Desert. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
56. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
57. Jorunn The Skald-King. (UESP)
58. Dialogue: Marise Aravel, Skyrim
59. AUA: DFC 1, op. cit.
60. The Great War (UESP/IL)
61. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
62. The Brothers Of Darkness (UESP/IL)
63. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
64. Betrayal of Our Heritage, op. cit.
65. The Worthy Ar-Azal, His Deeds (UESP/IL)
66. Ayrenn - The Unforeseen Queen. (UESP)
67. Realizations of Acrobacy (UESP/IL)
68. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
69. The Refugees (UESP/IL)
70. The Hope Of The Redoran (UESP/IL)
71. Events of ESA: Redguard
72. Dwarven Relics Ad, Stros M'Kai. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
73. AUA: DFC 1, op. cit.
74. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
75. Ibid.
76. Reverence for the Dead. (IL)
77. AUA: DFC 1, op. cit.
78. Ibid.
79. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
80. Adabalar/Alik'r/Interactive Map, op. cit.
81. The Hunger of Sep. (UESP)
82. The Eight Steps of Mummification (UESP/IL)
83. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
84. The Faerie (UESP/IL)
85. Events of ESA: Redguard, op. cit.
86. Notes/History, op. cit.
87. Events of ESA: Redguard, op. cit.
88. Chronicles of Ehtelar, Vol 1 (UESP/IL)
89. Ghraewaj (UESP/IL)
90. PGE, 3rd Ed: OL, op. cit.
91. Special Flora Of Tamriel (UESP/IL)
34

92. Alik'r Desert, Interactive Map of Tamriel. (ESO Official Site)

93. Flora/Tamriel, op. cit.
94. Alik'r/Interactive Map, op. cit.
95. Flora of Hammerfell (IL)
96. Intro/Lore/Facebook, op. cit.
97. Makela Leki, op. cit.
98. Divad, op. cit.
99. The Alik'r, op. cit.
100. Palla (UESP/IL)
101. Daggerfall Covenant: Overview (ESO Official Site)
102. Palla, op. cit.
103. Redguard Comic by Michael Kirkbride. (zipped pdf, free download from
Bethesda)
104. Quest Note: The Missing Prince, Daggerfall. (UESP)
105. Hags, Harpies and Hagravens (UESP/IL)
106. Lost Islands, op. cit.
107. Ar-Azal, op. cit.
108. War Of Betony (Fav'te), op. cit.
109. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
110. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
111. AUA: DFC 1, op. cit.
112. War Of Betony (Fav'te), op. cit.
113. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
114. The Argonian Account (UESP/IL)
115. Provinces Of Tamriel (UESP/IL)
116. 2920, Evening Star, op. cit.
117. Redguard Comic, op. cit.
118. Fahamal, Trader, Glenumbra. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
119. Conversation with Olugush, Covenant soldier, Stormhaven. (ESO Interactive Map
of Tamriel)
120. Discussion with Abal at-Inzil, priest of Tava. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
121. Letter from Alumezi, Dominion spy, Bangkorai. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
122. From the journal of Guradai, apprentice smith, Bangkorai. (ESO Interactive Map
of Tamriel)
123. Grudash gro-Shugharz, Orcish stonemason, Alik'r Desert. (ESO Interactive Map of
Tamriel)
124. Dialogue: Rustleif, Skyrim. (UESP)
125. The Mirror (UESP/IL)
126. Morrowind, in-game description.
127. Night Falls On Sentinel (UESP/IL)
128. Hope/Redoran, op. cit.
129. Oelander's Hammer (UESP/IL)
130. Legend of the Yokudan Chargers (UESP/IL)
131. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
132. Ibid.
133. Redguard Comic, op. cit.
134. Ibid.
135. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
136. Ar-Azal, op. cit.
137. Redguard Comic, op. cit. , specifically Baron Volag.
35

138. Ghraewaj, op. cit. , specifically Baroness Viana

139. Ask Us Anything: Daggerfall Covenant, Part 2. (ESO Official Site)
140. Map of Iliac Bay, Daggerfall. (UESP)
141. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
142. Events of Arena, e.g. Queen Blubamka
143. Quest: In My Time Of Need, Skyrim. (Wikia)
144 Daggerfall, passim
145. Redguard Comic, op. cit. , specifically Baron Volag
146. Ghraewaj, op. cit. , specifically Baroness Viana
147. Daggerfall, e.g. Marquis of Ephesus
148. Daggerfall, e.g. Count of Santaki
149. King Fahara'jad descends from mixed Crown and Forebear lineage, although the
most conservative Crowns see him as a Forebear usurper.
150. Betrayal of Our Heritage, op. cit.
151. The Alik'r, op. cit.
152. The Warrior's Charge (UESP/IL)
153. On the Immortality of Dust. (UESP)
154. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
155. Ghraewaj, op. cit.
156. Redguard Comic, op. cit.
157. Mystery Of Talara, Part I (UESP/IL)
158. 2920, The Last Year Of The First Era, Sun's Height (UESP/IL)
159. Alik'r Survival for Outsiders. (ESO Interactive Map)
160. Recipe from Desert Delicacies, Bangkorai. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
161. Comments of Maxence, banker, Stormhaven. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
162. Divad, op. cit.
163. Makela Leki, op. cit.
164. Daily training regimen of Harayya, Alik'r Desert. (ESO Interactive Map of
Tamriel)
165. Makela Leki, op. cit.
166. Ibid.
167. Notes/History, op. cit.
168. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
169. The Alik'r, op. cit.
170. Notes of Anaelle Bertault, scholar, Alik'r Desert. (ESO Interactive Map of
Tamriel)
171. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
172. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
173. Wind and Sand (UESP/IL)
174. DFC: Overview op. cit.
175. Sacrilege and Mayhem in the Alik'r (UESP/IL)
176. Correct Ways of Slaying Ra-Netu. (UESP)
177. Horse-Folk, op. cit.
178. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
179. Makela Leki, op. cit.
180. DFC: Overview op. cit.
181. Dialogue: To The Jail And Back, Redguard. (IL)
182. Dialogue: Trayvond the Redguard, Oblivion. (UESP)
183. Wind and Sand, op. cit.
184. Events of Daggerfall. (youtube playthrough link)
36

185. Daggerfall Chronicles, op. cit.

186. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
187. Dialogue: Lord Kavar, Daggerfall
188. Daggerfall Chronicles, op. cit.
189. Lore: Anthotis. (UESP)
190. Lore: Montalion. (UESP)
191. Lore: Selenu. (UESP)
192. Lore: Khulari. (UESP)
193. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
194. Dialogues: Redguard
195. Lore: Battle of Hunding Bay. (UESP)
196. Privateer Decree, Stros M'Kai. (ESO Interactive Map of Tamriel)
197. PGE, 1st Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
198. Divad, op. cit.
199. Skyrim: Lu'ah Al-Skaven. (UESP)
200. From the records of Kahanad al-Hegathe, Betnikh. (ESO Interactive Map of
Tamriel)
201. Abal at-Inzil/Stros M'Kai/Interactive Map, op. cit.
202. Shadya af-Abia/Bangkorai/Interactive Map, op. cit.
203. History/Heroes, op. cit.
204. Grudash/Alik'r/Interactive, op. cit.
205. From the notes of Verbaud Derre, architect, Stros M'Kai. (ESO Interactive Map of
Tamriel)
206. Racial Motifs 6: The Redguards (UESP/IL)
207. Dialogue: Wilbur, Oblivion. (UESP)
208. Anuad, op. cit.
209. The Monomyth (UESP/IL)
210. Ibid.
211. Ibid.
212. Mummification, op. cit.
213. DFC: Overview op. cit.
214. PGE, 3rd Ed: Hammerfell, op. cit.
215. Florian Lanctot, priest of Zenithar, Alik'r Desert. (ESO Interactive Map of
Tamriel)
216. Varieties of Faith, Online Version (UESP/IL)
217. Daggerfall Chronicles, op. cit.
218. Blessed, Blessed Satakalaam. (UESP)
219. Racial Motifs, op. cit.
220. Varieties of Faith, op. cit..
221. Hunger/Sep, op. cit.
222. Ar-Azal, op. cit.
223. Monomyth, op. cit.
224. Varieties of Faith, op. cit.
225. Abal at-Inzil/Stros M'Kai/Interactive Map, op. cit.
226. The Ebon Arm (UESP/IL)
227. Daggerfall, passim
228. Makela Leki, op. cit.
229. King Edward, parts IX and X (UESP/IL)
230. Ius, Animal God (UESP/IL)
231. Sentinel/Jewel, op. cit.
37

38