Bretons

A Breton man - by ©Anna Helme

Bretons are the native Men of High Rock, the northwesternmost region of Tamriel. Bretons are a hybrid race with both human and partly elven ancestry. While they primarily inhabit their ancestral homeland of High Rock, but can also be found on the Systres Archipelago. The land of High Rock is known for its fractious and divided politics, with warfare between kingdoms being a major theme in Breton history. Despite this, Bretons across the province share many cultural facets, such as language, bardic traditions, and heroic tales.

Bretons, like other races of men, live to around 90 years old.

An old Bretonic knight - by ©Bella Bergolts

Appearance

Bretons are typically pale-skinned and slight humans with more defined features, such as high cheekbones and pronounced brow ridges. Some even have slightly pointed ears much like elves. The Bretons' elven physical features have waned over time, but have not disappeared entirely.

Culture

The Bretons are a hybrid race resulting from interbreeding between the Nedes of High Rock and the Aldmer, dating back to the Merethic Era. This mixed ancestry has given the Bretons a unique perspective on the age-old conflict between Men and Mer. Their Nedic ancestors are referred to as the Druids of Galen, while the Aldmer ancestors are primarily credited to House Direnni. The earliest Bretons were more elven in appearance and referred to as "Manmeri" or "half-elves". Some modern Bretons still embrace this heritage and refer to themselves as such.

The Direnni had a significant impact on the Bretons, particularly in regards to their obsession with nobility, status, and lineage, which can also be found in Aldmeri and early Altmeri culture. The Bretons are known for their natural affinity for the magical arts, which is often attributed to their elven blood. They are also known for their intelligence and have a quick and perceptive grasp of spellcraft, enchantment, and alchemy. Bretons have a high resistance to destructive and dominating magical energies. Some Bretons have even become some of the greatest sorcerers in history.

The question of what it means to be a Breton is an age-old quandary. Some hold their elven heritage in high esteem and worship Phynaster, the patron deity and "teacher" of the Direnni. Others attempt to reconnect with nature and seek out the druidic roots of their Nedic ancestors. The earliest Bretons served as knights under House Direnni and became associated with tales of liberation against their elven oppressors. Modern Breton knights encapsulate the traditional chivalric principles of Breton society and the "quest-obsession" that has become a national identity for High Rock. There are also those that strive to blend the many facets of Breton culture to create a proper legacy for their race.

Language

Many Bretons of old, though not all, spoke a language known as Bretic, which was in fact a dialect of the Old Tongue, and is no longer commonly used. However, the Sephavre, a song performed during Broken Diamonds, is written in Old Bretic. In the past, prior to High Rock's integration into the Alessian Empire around 1E 1029, certain Breton nobles expressed their pride in their elven ancestry by writing in Aldmeris.

Quotes

Because I serve a lord and obey his commands. Because my lord serves a king and obeys his commands. It is the way of things where I'm from.

—Reliana to Arakaul about why she would not stop fighting