Argonian Compendium

By Brendan

Xan's Note: I added some screenshots. Some of this quotes are taken from UESP. Thanks Dave.

Argonians in General

The various racial descriptions of the Argonians over the years have consistently described them as amphibious reptilians possessed of intelligence, speed, and agility, being resistant to poison and to disease, and having a tendency toward the archetypes of the Mage and the Thief-- possibly more favoring the Mage-- with some having the ability to perform well in the Warrior archetype. They have also consistently been described in personality as strange or in some way poorly understood by outsiders (I would simply say 'mysterious').

The most recent descriptions have added their intense loyalty to friends, history of persecution, cautious and reserved nature, and emphasized their secretiveness as well as spelling out a particular mutual hatred between themselves and the Dunmer.

Their appearance has changed markedly over the years as well, though most strikingly between the very first game, Arena, and the second onward. In Arena, Argonians were essentially human with dark grey skin. But for the ears, eyes, ragged mouths, and hair they could pass for Dunmer or Dark Elves-- the females had red-orange eyes even. Males had tiny green eyes and wild green hair while females had red hair.

The Elder Scrolls I: Arena
Argonian Male	Argonian Female

By the release of the second game, Daggerfall, two years later the Argonians had essentially taken on their current lizard-man appearance with the notable facet of having humanoid legs with feet and lower legs in proportions similar to all other races. They were very green, scaly, and had red eyes-- again much like the Dunmers'. I have no information about the appearance of Argonians in Battlespire and only scant knowledge of Dreekius, the sole Argonian in Redguard.

The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
Argonian Male	Argonian Female

The Elder Scrolls Adventure: Redguard

Dreekius

In Morrowind, however, the Argonians changed in appearance again, less dramatically. Their scales changed from mostly green to mostly tan, the males having accentuated coloring along the spine and on the upper chest and neck. Also, the Arena rule of eye color returned with females always having red eyes and males seemingly always having green. The biggest difference, though, was in the legs as their feet (specifically the metatarsal bones) became extended to a length comparable to their shin bones/lower legs and kept their knees bent, much like a dog, cat, or other animal's legs do.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Argonian Male	Argonian Female

The Legs

From the Arena in-game player race description for Argonians:

Know ye this also:
Thy race is born of the swamps, thou hast stayed thyself from the open fields, for thou art hunters of a different sort, those who stalk thy prey in the still black waters...

From the Daggerfall manual:

The strange reptilian people of Black Marsh seem equally comfortable in the water-- surely no other race of Tamriel can swim faster or for longer than Argonians. An intelligent, quick-footed, and agile people, Argonians often train in magery and thievery.

From the Daggerfall character creation/race selection screen:

Argonians hail from the province of Black Marsh. You are part of a highly-evolved race of reptiles, known for their intelligence, agility, and speed. Because of their reptilian nature, Argonians do not tire easily when swimming. While many Argonians have successfully mastered the arts of thievery and spellcasting, there are some regarded well as warriors.

From the Morrowind website:

Little is known and less is understood about the reptilian denizens of Black Marsh. Years of defending their borders have made the Argonians experts in guerilla warfare, and their natural abilities make them equally at home in water and on land.

They are well-suited for the treacherous swamps of their homeland, and have developed natural immunities to the diseases and poisons that have doomed many would-be explorers into the region.

Their seemingly expressionless faces belie a calm intelligence, and many Argonians are well-versed in the magical arts. Others rely on stealth or steel to survive, and their natural agility makes them adept at either. They are, in general, a reserved people, slow to trust and hard to know. Yet, they are fiercely loyal, and will fight to the death for those they have named as friends.

From Morrowind's in-game player race description for Argonians:

At home in water and on land, the Argonians of Black Marsh are well-suited to the treacherous swamps of their homeland, with natural immunities protecting them from disease and poison. The female life-phase is highly intelligent, and gifted in the magical arts. The more aggressive male phase has the traits of the hunter: stealth, speed, and agility. Argonians are reserved with strangers, yet fiercely loyal to those they accept as friends.

From "Savant's Note On Vvardenfell" by Andilo Thelas and Llaalam Dredil:

The Argonians of Black Marsh call themselves the 'People of the Root'. They are equally at home on land or in water, and are magically gifted. Persecuted and enslaved by other races, they are cautious and secretive. Little is known of their homeland or native culture, and their alien physiology and customs are not well understood by scholars.

Most of the native Argonian population of Black Marsh is confined to the great inland waterways and impenetrable swamps of the southern interior. There are few roads here, and most travel is by boat. The coasts and the northwestern upland forests are largely uninhabited. For ages the Dunmer have raided Black Marsh for slaves; though the Empire has made this illegal, the practice persists, and Dunmer and Argonians have a long-standing and bitter hatred for one another.

The following are adjectives used in various pieces of official lore to describe Argonians, with four exceptions: "amphibious" which I use to describe their being as at home in the water as on land, "methodical" which was my own translation of "calm intelligence" into an adjective, and "mysterious" which I draw from the phrase "Little is known and less is understood about the reptilian denizens of Black Marsh"

• Reserved
• Strange
• Amphibious (equally at home in water and on land)
• Reptilian
• Cautious / Slow to trust
• Secretive / Hard to know
• Intelligent
• Agile
• Fleet-footed
• Expressionless
• Loyal
• Methodical (calm intelligence)
• Mysterious (Little is known and less is understood about the reptilian denizens of Black Marsh)
• Magically gifted
• Persecuted
• Alien
• Beastly
• Relatively intelligent
• Repulsive
• Primitive
• Reclusive
• Hissing

Mark Nelson and Doug Goodall, the Argonian and Khajiit specialists respectively at Bethesda, note that Argonians are not just Mages and Thieves, seeming to imply even more versatility than simply a rounded tri-arch including the Warrior.

BlueDev following up on guesses about the new race recently revealed:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 03/15/01

As resident Argoniphile here in the office, I'd say don't go counting my lizardly friends out of anything (be it magery, thievery, or hit-you-over-the-head-with-a-club-ery) just yet. They're an amazingly versatile group of folks. There is much yet to learn about the denizens of Black Marsh.

affamu on Argonians being good Mages or Thieves:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 03/15/01

That may be how Argonians are percieved... But, frankly, their natural talents are more diverse.

Religion and Mythic Origins of the Argonians

This passage from "The Monomyth" (penned, I believe, by Michael Kirkbride) refers to "the Hist", a name that has been used to refer to both the Argonian lizard men and certain trees native to Argonia. A dev post by Mark Nelson positively states that these special trees are the Hist. There is, however, room to argue (however implausibly) that his post, which appears later in this work, didn't say that "Hist" doesn't also refer to the Argonians themselves. In any case, The Monomyth's author may have deliberately misused the name, taking advantage of the confusion caused by Pocket Guide to the Empire's misuse of "hist".

If "the Hist" exclusively refers to these trees, then they are intelligent and they acknowledge the creator entity Sithis. As the Hist trees are deeply connected to the Argonians (also stated by Nelson), they may share this acknowledgement. And unless the devs decide that "All of the Tamrielic pantheons" means 'all except the mysterious Argonians', then Anu and Padomay as well as some form of Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time, and Lorkhan, the Missing God, are definitely in the Argonian and Hist pantheon(s). Other et'Ada (Aedra and Daedra) may be members of the Argonian pantheon(s) as well, or that may be the end of it. Neither these passages, nor any others, provide enough info to determine the full pantheon(s).

From "The Monomyth", an Altmer apologistic creationism text:

In most cultures, Anuiel is honored for his part of the interplay that creates the world, but Sithis is held in highest esteem because he's the one that causes the reaction. Sithis is thus the Original Creator, an entity who intrinsically causes change without design. Even the hist acknowledge this being.

...and...

In any case, from these two beings spring the et'Ada, or Original Spirits. To humans these et'Ada are the Gods and Demons; to the Aldmer, the Aedra/Daedra, or the 'Ancestors'. All of the Tamrielic pantheons fill their rosters from these et'Ada, though divine membership often differs from culture to culture. Like Anu and Padomay, though, every one of these pantheons contains the archetypes of the Dragon God and the Missing God.

Minor support from the Imperial Librarians for the assertion that Lorkhan is in all pantheons, thus Argonians' as well.

From the Imperial Library's Gods section:

Lorkhan (The Missing God)
This Creator-Trickster-Tester deity is in every Tamrielic mythic tradition.

The Hist trees are, according to a creation myth contrary to the Monomyth, one of two original stocks of life on Tamriel. Most of their realm is now lost underwater due to a war they did not take part in.

From "The Annotated Anuad" by Michael Kirkbride, originally called the Bosmeri creation myth:

The only survivors of the twelve worlds of Creation were the Ehlnofey and the Hist. The Ehlnofey are the ancestors of Mer and Men. The Hist are the trees of Argonia.

..and..

The Hist were bystanders in the Ehlnofey war, but most of their realm was destroyed as the war passed over it. A small corner of it survived to become Black Marsh in Tamriel, but most of their realm was sunk beneath the sea.

Michael Kirkbride, a key weaver of contemporary Elder Scrolls lore (no longer with Bethesda, though), deliberately omits saying anything about the Argonians' religion in "Varieties of Faith in the Empire". Why? Lack of clear info, dramatic characterization choices, and 'dibs' called by other lore-weavers (Mark Nelson comes to mind) are all possibilities. In any case, the possibility that Kirkbride was simply unable to imagine anything is the least likely scenario.

From "Varieties of Faith in the Empire" by Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College:

The omission of any reference to the worships of the Argonians of Black Marsh is a result of my complete inadequacy in reconciling the obscure and contradictory accounts available to me on that subject.

The city of Gideon seems to have a strong faction of worshippers of Seth, likely a god but maybe a person. Seth seems to be involved with necromancy and to be a dark character. Judging from the name and the blackness, Seth may be the Argonian Sithis.

From the old Arena city descriptions (Go! Blades!) dug up by The Imperial Librarians...

Gideon, the black city of the followers of Seth, lies near the southern tip of the Imperial Run. A cold air that has nothing to do with the time of year seems to chill your bones as you enter. It has been rumored that the Shadowblades, who fight for Gideon, are undead...

Okan-Shei, known as the Argonian Savant, indicates that the Argonian creation myths are distinct from Khajiiti or any others, as is their culture and physiology distinct from all other races, beastfolk or otherwise.

Okan-Shei, Argonian Male, Savant (lvl. 13).
Ebonheart, East Empire Company, first floor.

On the subject of Betmeri...

Betmeri, or 'Beastmen,' were the aboriginal inhabitants of Tamriel. Each Beast race has its own distinctive accounts of the mythic era before the coming of Elves and Men; each Beast race is as culturally and physically distinct from one another as it is from Elven and Manish races.

From the Imperial Library's presentation of "Savant's Note On Vvardenfell" by Andilo Thelas and Llaalam Dredil:

[Additional information from Okan-Shei, the Argonian Savant.]
Betmeri, or 'Beastmen,' were the aboriginal inhabitants of Tamriel. Each Beast race has its own distinctive accounts of the mythic era before the coming of Elves and Men

From the Imperial Library's Tamrielic History section:

Early Merethic Era--
Aboriginal beastpeoples (ancestors of the Khajiit, Argonian, Orcish, and other beastfolk) live in preliterate communities throughout Tamriel.

Z'en, a Bosmeri god often confused with Zenithar, may have originally been part of the pantheon of the silver-skinned human tribe of Black Marsh, the Kothringi. It can only be speculated whether they got Z'en from the Argonians (lizard men) or not. Of most interest is the connection made with Akavir.

From the Imperial Library's "Tamriel Gods" section, Bosmer/Wood Elf listing:

Z'en, god of Toil
Bosmeri god of payment in kind. Studies indicate origins in both Argonian (!) and Akaviri mythologies, perhaps introduced into Valenwood by Kothringi sailors. Ostensibly an agriculture deity, Z'en sometimes proves to be an entity of a much higher cosmic order. His worship died out shortly after the Knahaten Flu

Goroflox The Unholy is a summonable entity mentioned in the story "Withershins" by a shaman of sorts in a store called the ParaDocks located near the wharfs of a town presumed to be in Black Marsh. Goroflox's nature and origin are not described in any way beyond him needing to be summoned only after a candle is lit.

This passage from the arcane Dunmer religious text refers to what might or easily might not be Argonian gods. It mentions lizard gods calling static change 'the Striking'. I can conclude nothing from it given the bias of the Dunmer and the intense use of metaphor, allegory, improvised terms, and general love of hidden meaning that typifies the writing of Michael Kirkbride, strongly believed to be the author of the Thirty-Six Lessons of Vivec.

From "The Thirty-Six Lessons of Vivec: Sermon Twenty-One":

The Scripture of the Wheel, First:
'The Spokes are the eight components of chaos, as yet solidified by the law of time: static change, if you will, something the lizard gods refer to as the Striking. That is the reptile wheel, coiled potential, ever-preamble to the never-action.'

Argonian Culture

Argonians it seems do not call themselves "Argonians". They call themselves "People of the Root", something that further indicates a deep connection to the Hist trees. Their culture appears to be isolationist and mistrustful of outsiders. The statement "[p]ersecuted and enslaved by other races" seems to indicate more than one race, the Dunmer, treating them badly. Whether this refers to the Imperial annexation of parts of Black Marsh during the First Era or something else isn't clear from any tracts. Regardless, the Dunmer have their particular hatred, a fact that disproves assertions by some fans that Argonians are entirely peace-loving and enlightened being that hate no one and are merely victims.

From "Savant's Note On Vvardenfell" by Andilo Thelas and Llaalam Dredil:

The Argonians of Black Marsh call themselves the 'People of the Root'. They are equally at home on land or in water, and are magically gifted. Persecuted and enslaved by other races, they are cautious and secretive. Little is known of their homeland or native culture, and their alien physiology and customs are not well understood by scholars.

Most of the native Argonian population of Black Marsh is confined to the great inland waterways and impenetrable swamps of the southern interior. There are few roads here, and most travel is by boat. The coasts and the northwestern upland forests are largely uninhabited. For ages the Dunmer have raided Black Marsh for slaves; though the Empire has made this illegal, the practice persists, and Dunmer and Argonians have a long-standing and bitter hatred for one another.

The esteemed fan lorist Nigedo reported the contents of a conversation with the Argonian Dreekius in TESA: Redguard. Having been produced just before Morrowind, Redguard lore has substantial weight as being part of the current vision of Argonians while early lore is sometimes over-ridden by newer corrections.

According to Dreekius, Argonians are clannish and are more collective cultures than individualists as real-life Western cultures often are. Also he reveals that he has left his homeland to perform a kind of anthropological reconnaissance on non-Argonians, principally the race of Men, as part of these clannish duties. Dreekius alludes to previous land grabs by outsiders; the PGE mentions the annexing of Black Marsh by the Cyrodiils in 1E 2837 but that doesn't mean they were the only land grabbers.

Nigedo
Apr 5 2005, 08:22 AM
Post #8
Diviner
Joined: 29-May 03
From: Bethamez, Handfast Hall

A couple more pieces of info from Dreekius, the bartender at the Draggin' Tail Inn, Stros M'Kai.

This excerpt comes from a conversation where Cyrus and Dreekius were discussing the Restless League;

Cyrus: You sympathize with the League then?

Dreekius: Oh, no. I merely noted their clannish drives, which any Argonian might admire, being used, as we are, to honor the clan's interests above our own private affairs.

Cyrus: How, then, does an Argonian manage to leave his tribe to wander Tamriel?

Dreekius: You refer to me? I do not wander, Redguard; this is a settled study for me, from which I'll add to the wealth of wisdoms when I return to my clan.

Cyrus: What's your subject of study?

Dreekius: The other, of course -- those ones not skinned in scale. We see that Septim's tribes will not be long satisfied with the thrones of men and the Elder Race. One day they will come to Black Marsh. Argonians have lost land before when we did not know our enemy.

Cyrus: I see. And what better place to learn the wants of men than at the bar?

Dreekius: There are other places -- universities, the military, the magical guild -- but I aim to chart man's geography of desire, which is most readily charted when he is drunk and blathering.

Cyrus: How have the denizens of Black Marsh resisted the Empire so long?

Dreekius: A thousand miles of swamp, bog and stink aren't attractive to most humans, and terror of the Knahaten Flu still holds most at bay. But our days of testing will come.

Nigedo, highly reputable lore buff, reports this comment by the Argonian Dreekius in TESA: Redguard. It seems that Argonians do capture souls, the major element in enchanting. They use unhatched eggs as soul gems. Whether they are their own kind or some other lifeform's is unclear...

From TESA: Redguard, a conversation with Dreekius:

"Such arts are practiced in Black Marsh, but we use unhatched eggs in place of gems."

One of the most famous pieces of MW era Argonian lore is Travelling-New-Woman's description of the Naming Day ceremony...

Travelling-New-Woman, Argonian Female, Farmer (lvl. 3)
Small Farmhouse in the Ascadian Isles, Vvardenfell, SW of Suran (Near Ules Plantation, W. of Suran)

Background...
My parents told me not to lick the Hist tree until my Naming Day, so I did. My parents caught me and a boy from my nest in a soft-leaf patch right before the naming ceremony. I feared I'd get more of a licking from my parents than I gave the tree... So I ran as fast as I could through the swamp and into the rest of the kids waiting for their naming ceremony. Everyone had a good laugh and the name stuck.

...It seems to say that when Argonians are young children they go through a ceremonial licking of a Hist tree and receive a name. This particular individual seems to have licked the tree early because her parents told her not to and got caught doing so. But the question of what she was doing with the boy from her nest in a soft leaf patch makes things a bit murky.

From T-N-W's comments it's clear that she licked the Hist tree before she was supposed to. That she ran into a group of other kids when she was caught at whatever bad thing she was doing with that boy right before the ceremony indicates that the day she licked the tree was Naming Day. We presume that it was her Naming Day too, not just those kids', but you never know. But depending on how you read "me and a boy from my nest in a soft-leaf patch" what she was doing is open to interpretation.

The comment may mean that the nest she and the boy were from was itself in a soft-leaf patch. But it seems to me that the sentence is saying that she and a boy from her nest were in a soft-leaf patch doing something her parents didn't want her to.

If this soft-leaf patch was within licking distance of the Hist tree then it seems most likely that they snuck up and tried to use the patch as cover while they secretly licked the tree.

However, if the other kids were by the Hist tree and the patch was across the swamp from them, then T-N-W might have been becoming newly a Woman by engaging in sexual experimentation with a member of the opposite sex in the soft-leaf patch. This is a fiction written by a human and in human cultures sex is reserved for consenting adults only and losing ones virginity "makes" you a Man or Woman. There's really no necessity in this story for the boy to be there at all for her to go lick a tree, so his presence leads to these questions and the circumstances can fit this interpretation.

But something like a Naming Ceremony would also seem like a rite of passage into adulthood. The ceremony seems to be that you lick the Hist and get a name. If she licked the Hist ahead of time and got a name from it, it seems that she would have passed into adulthood.

Whichever way she was becoming a Woman that day, her fleeing her parents would count as travelling, hence her name.

More generally we gather that Argonians have nests. These may merely be where they are hatched and/or born and not someplace they continue to live. But these constitute some kind of kinship groups that seem to go beyond a nuclear family-- T-N-W doesn't refer to the boy as her brother. Whether these groups are like extended families or more genetically distant like villages or just classes in school is something there's not really enough evidence to conclude upon.

Also the Naming Day ceremony itself is a rare glimpse into the private lives of Argonians. It's not clear what, if anything, individual children are called before their Naming Day, but the names of adults we meet in-game almost certainly come from such ceremonies. They might give themselves names later on, but the ones given in Black Marsh it seems are not ones the individual picks for him or herself. Who does give them isn't clear either.

I should also point out that at least one lorist who doesn't speak English very well has misunderstood a colloquial expression T-N-W used.

When she says "I feared I'd get more of a licking from my parents than I gave the tree" the word 'licking' means a beating as punishment, not that her parents would actually lick her with their tongues as a form of punishment. It's used in the same sense as the Timex slogan "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking". Actually it's a double meaning because T-N-W gave a literal licking with her tongue to the Hist tree. Technically she could mean that she beat the tree up and she was afraid her parents would do the same to her, but that wouldn't make sense in context with the rest of her statements.

At least at the end of the First Era, the major Black Marsh city of Soulrest had an Argonian Battlechief, as Imperials would understand it.

From "2920, The Last Year of the First Era" by Carlovac Townway:

"What do you think when a fellow steps on his Imperial Majesty's foot and says 'I'm sorry, Your Imperial Majesty'? Don't you think 'Pardon me, Your Imperial Majesty' is more appropriate? 'I'm sorry,' well that almost sounds like the bastard Argonian was sorry I am his Imperial Majesty. That he hopes we lose the war with Morrowind, that's what it sounds like."

"What would make you feel better?" asked Rijja. "Would you like him flogged? He is only, as you say, the Battlechief of Soulrest. It would teach him to mind where he's stepping."

In the first century of the Third Era, Lilmoth had had an Argonian priest-king.

From "The Wolf Queen of Solitude" by Waughin Jarth, Book Four, From the pen of the first century third era sage Montocai:

3E 109 Magnus had married Hellena, the Cyrodiil Queen of Lilmoth -- the Argonian priest-king having been executed -- and was representing the Imperial interests in Black Marsh admirably.

Language

From Raptormeat's Translation Dictionary:

The following words were once included in the Annotated Anuad, but were cut. Thus they cannot be relied upon as reflecting true Elder Scrolls lore.

Haj-Ei Argonian (Hist)
Meaning: 'Hides His Eyes'
Usage:
Source: People of Morrowind
Reliable: Yes
"In a Morrowind quest, it is revealed that the escaped slave Haj-Ei and the Argonian guide/informant Hides His Eyes are one and the same; it is explained that 'Haj-Ei' means 'Hides His Eyes' in the Argonian language."

Ixtaxh Argonian (Hist)
Meaning: 'Exact' - From an earlier version of the Annotated Anuad. The current version does not have this word, which is why it is an unreliable translation. See also thtithil and meht
Usage: Ixtaxh-thtithil-meht - 'Exact Egg-Cracker', the Hist word for Padomay/Sithis
Source: Interview with 3 Booksellers
Reliable: No

meht Argonian (Hist)
Meaning: 'Cracker' - From an earlier version of the Annotated Anuad. The current version does not have this word, which is why it is an unreliable translation. See also Ixtaxh and thtithil
Usage: Ixtaxh-thtithil-meht - 'Exact Egg-Cracker', the Hist word for Padomay/Sithis
Source: Interview with 3 Booksellers
Reliable: No

thtithil Argonian (Hist) Meaning: 'Egg' - From an earlier version of the Annotated Anuad. The current version does not have this word, which is why it is an unreliable translation. See also Ixtaxh and meht Usage: Ixtaxh-thtithil-meht - 'Exact Egg-Cracker', the Hist word for Padomay/Sithis Source: Interview with 3 Booksellers Reliable: No

It's difficult to give much credibility to this source, but it indicates that Argonian language might be phonetically very different from human and elven languages.

From "The Madness of Pelagius" by Tsathenes:

It was said that when the Argonian ambassador from Blackrose came to court, Pelagius insisted on speaking in all grunts and squeaks, as that was the Argonian's natural language.

Argonian Physiology

According to Mark Nelson, Bethesda's seemingly primary Argoniphile and current lore-weaver, Argonians are physically tougher than the 'soft-skins', as Argonians sometimes refer to other races. (BTW, he quotes the movie "Predator")

BlueDev on Argonians having "natural armor":
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 05/11/01

They're tougher than you or me, but they bleed. And remember, "If it bleeds, we can kill it." Love that movie.

...Later, a more extensive response on the subject saying Argonian skin isn't a "natural armor". Note he doesn't get any more specific than saying their "physiology" provides some protection; we can only assume that, logically, it is their scales that give them better defense, but it could as easily be more than that. Also, he says Argonians don't shed their skin like snakes...

BlueDev on Argonians having a "natural" armor:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 08/15/01

This is something that has been discussed a bit, but I'll touch on it again. Because of their physiology, Argonians do have some natural protections. However, their hides aren't an "armor," exactly. Sure, it's a lizardlike skin, but not all lizard skin is as tough as alligator skin. Think of the Argonian skin as more of a snake's skin (no, they're not going to be shedding it :p ). It offers some protection, but it's certainly not as thick or durable as actual armor.

...Also note that in Morrowind, Argonians get a 5-point bonus to Unarmored skill. Such skill could be learned by anyone of any race, and Argonians have no known damage modifier reflecting physiological protections that, of course, neither learning nor practicing have anything to do with.

Argonians are completely immune to many poisons and diseases in Black Marsh. It seems clear from the phrasing "diseases and poisons FOUND elsewhere" (emphasis added) that Mark Nelson is implying that Argonians' level of immunity in Black Marsh has more to do with the absence from Black Marsh of diseases and poisons that can harm them than any effect anything in Black Marsh has on Argonians boosting their immunity. Note also that he doesn't says they are immune to 'all' diseases and poisons in Black Marsh, he says "many", which leaves 'some' that fall into the remaining range from mild harm all the way to fatal-- he makes no comment on the severity of such risks in Black Marsh to Argonians.

BlueDev with a little on Argonians:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 07/20/01

To quote a brilliantly written description of the big lizards: "Argonians...have developed natural immunities to the diseases and poisons that have doomed many would-be explorers into the region." They're completely immune to many diseases and poisons...in Black Marsh. Of course, their natural resistances to diseases and poisons found elsewhere are probably pretty good, too. ;)

Imperials in Tiber's time had less flattering views of Argonians than are generally seen in Morrowind-era materials. They also name the Hist as just one strain of the Argonian race. A recent post from Bethesda dev Mark Nelson states the PGE was "inaccurate" here, though it's not for absolute certain whether he meant the claim that the Argonians are the Hist or that there are multiple strains of Argonians.

Note also that the human Kothringi and the Argonian lizard men seem to have been contemporaries up until 2E 560 when the Kothringi became no more. They were not of the same species before then (as many often believe mistakenly) nor are the Argonians descended from the Kothringi.

From "The Pocket Guide to the Empire", Wild Regions section:

...the native inhabitants of the swamplands, a collection of beastly tribes of "lizard-men," have become, in common parlance, the Argonians.

Argonians are rarely seen outside of their homeland, except for a relatively intelligent strain called the hist. Individuals of this strain are repulsive, but peaceful enough to be tolerated among the human kingdoms, and can be found as far from Black Marsh as western Hammerfell. The rest of the Argonians are primitive, reclusive, and practice heathen rituals of nature worship that necessitates a proximity to a certain type of spore-tree, which grows only in the interior of their native swamplands.

Black Marsh never regained its Provincial status after the dissolution of the Second Empire, though some parts of it are still considered Imperial territories. In CE560, the Knahaten Flu spread through greater Argonia, claiming the lives of the Kothringi tribesmen, the only humans to have persisted in the area for long. The hist proved immune to the effects of this plague, leading to wild rumors that they had, in fact, created it through a manipulation of their cherished spore-trees.

The Pocket Guide to the Empire (PGE) implies that there are multiple "strains" of the Argonian race, much as there are multiple "breeds" of Khajiits. A post on the Elder Scrolls Forums from GT "WormGod" Noonan supports this, as well as the idea that Argonians lick the Hist tree, but may be wrong (see other dev posts). However, his citing the PGE about 'licking the tree' leads nowhere as there is no mention of anything more specific than "proximity to a certain type of spore-tree". A piece of dialogue from the Argonian Travelling-New-Woman in TES III does, however, mention licking the "naming tree". This may have been a slip up on his part revealing more than has actually been said before, or just a simple mistake in his facts.

WormGod on the Khajiit race:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 08/08/00

The Pocket Guide explains the Khajiit rather well. They basically are one race, but range from very humanoid to perhaps an actual cat-like appearance. You could probably mistaken the most humanoid one for a human, while the most beast-like one you might take as a cheetah or something. This is my best idea/suggestion anyways. The same can probably be said for the Argonians. They may range from either a very humanlike appearance to a crocodile-like appearance. I guess it depends on how many times they decide to lick the tree (refer to the PGE). Now, whether this will be made apparent in Morrowind is to be revealed later I guess. I hate to tease ya, but its just so darned fun!!

Who and what is properly referred to by the word "Hist" is one of the key issues in interpreting some important lore sources on Argonians as well as supporting or not the idea that there is a biological link or possibly an origin of species between the trees called the Hist in the Annotated Anuad and the Argonian lizard-men themselves who have been called the Hist in the Pocket Guide to the Empire. As with so many things lorical, whatever the devs know, they don't tend to answer questions directly and they seem to have acquired a taste for Kirkbridian style mystery-via-misleading and plain old teasing.

BlueDev on the background behind Argonians:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/12/01

Finally, a question about my friends the Argonians. :) No, the Argonians aren't all lizardy because of that troublesome blight. The Argonians are lizards because, well, that's what nature intended...sort of. As to how they came to be that way, what the story is behind them...there's more to be discovered. I will tell you that there's more to the Hist than has been told, and they and the Argonians have a much deeper relationship than previously thought. Shows you what happens when you let a Dunmer try to explain these things. Black Marsh is, sadly, far too unexplored, leaving the enigmatic Argonians shrouded in a bit too much mystery for my liking. More to come on this soon, hopefully. Guess that sort of answers your question.

...This 'tells' one very little, but indicates a number of things. BlueDev (Mark Nelson) clarifies past inaccuracies...

BlueDev on what "Hist" is referring to:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/16/01

This is neither a typo nor bad grammar. The PGE will tell you that the Hist are "a relatively intelligent strain" of Argonians. The Guide contains many inaccuracies, and this is one of them. You will also notice that the Guide mentions "a certain type of spore tree" that native Argonians might worship. Speaking generally, it is these trees that are the Hist. As for the relationship, I'm not talking yet. :)

...Taking into account the phrasing in the previous post "they [the Hist] and the Argonians", one can be confident in concluding the "inaccuracy" of the PGE Nelson is referring to (see BlueDev's 04/24/01 post below) is calling Argonians "the hist", not the PGE's statement that they are one of a number of strains of the Argonian race. This leaves open the possibility that GT Noonan is right in saying there are multiple kinds or Argonians (humanlike appearance to crocodile-like). But Nelson refuses to comment on the relationship, i.e. whether the Argonians "worship" the Hist.

Later in the month he says more...

BlueDev on some confusion about Argonians:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/17/01

Argonians are really were-trees? The trees are were-lizards? Nah...just doesn't sound right to me. Argonians are big lizard-folk, just like they appear to be. The Hist are... trees...and interesting ones at that. Keep the questions coming. Makes me answer them in my own head, even if I don't always tell you guys. :p

...followed by this the next day...

BlueDev on Argonians and their role in MW:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/18/01

The Argonians are a slave race in Morrowind, but there are certainly a good deal of free Argonians as well, living as productive members of society. Therefore, you'll find a number of them playing vital roles in your questing (unless affamu has replaced them all with his beloved khajit ). But, given their stature as slaves, don't expect their history to play a vital part in this game. That's not to say I wouldn't like to include it in various ways, which I'm working diligently on sneaking past the ever-watchful eyes of Ken. Shhhh...don't tell. Personally, I'd love for a future game to explore Black Marsh in great detail. I think there are a lot of folks out there who dig on the lizard folk, and would like to see them developed more. Same goes for the Khajit, but you'll have to ask Affa about the furry guys. In the meantime, I'll get back to work, and try to come up with some fun lizard stuff while Ken nods off at his desk.

...At least he's working on lore weaving and trying to slip things past Ken, unless he's actually just out to tease us here. More...

BlueDev shedding a little light on the Hist:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/24/01

Okay...here's my attempt to clear up a little confusion (or maybe create some more, which could be more fun :) ) without giving away too much:

The PGE says the Hist are an intelligent strain of Argonians. But it was written as a piece of Imperial propaganda. So, the author is writing with a bias, and, in some cases, is misinformed.

The creation myth says that the Hist were the first trees, and sentient. But, it is, above all, a myth. So, it shouldn't be taken too literally, either.

When it came time for me to flesh out the Argonian history (and you can't have Argonian history without a little "hist"), I had to try and decipher what truths could be gleaned from the various sources. So...the Hist are trees, and very special to the Argonians, for reasons I'm not gonna go into yet. Perhaps the author of the PGE got a little confused when hearing Argonians talk about the Hist. Could be that what they were saying led him to believe that they were speaking about other Argonians (read into that what you will). There has been talk about how the Hist (and Hist sap) are related to Argonian sexuality. This hasn't changed...it's still related. And, it's not a taboo topic; I just don't think it's the most interesting one out there.

Maybe that answers a couple of questions. Might raise a few, too. Rest assured, though, that our goal isn't to deviate from the established mythos of the Elder Scrolls.

...Taking into account other things Nelson has said about the relationship between the Hist trees and the Argonians, he seems to be implying 'on the sly' that the relationship is so close as to approach the level of symbiosis. He flatly states that Argonian sexuality is related to the Hist and their sap, but doesn't describe how. GT Noonan chimes in...

WormGod with his own bit of ...clarification:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/24/01

Remember! The PGE was written in a "tourists" view. Much like reading a diary. You cannot expect the "fictional" author of the writing to be right about everything. By putting something in concrete, you limit yourself downplay suspense and originality for further developments and such. Not everything we say is always true. Sometimes, even we developers speak out of personal beliefs and idealisms about certain aspects of TES. And it is NOT always correct.... many times, it is INcorrect purposely. ;)

Not to be cruel, but its keeps everything very dynamic and ever evolving. Just because we tell you a red stick is white, it doesnt mean it isn't really green.

Oh, I love being a Demi-god..... I wonder if Zeus would have thought the same.

...In effect GT Noonan is saying that there's nothing we can rely on as 'fact' in Elder Scrolls lore and that the devs can change whatever they want at will-- a very discouraging situation for lorists and anyone seeking an understanding of this fiction.

Here's Noonan again, at length, about the various 'outs' the nature of lore gives the devs and the enormity of lore that hasn't been released to the fans, but is common knowledge to devs as they make ES games...

WormGod with a massive response on the Hist:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/24/01

All opinions are very acceptable and I understand (although I may not agree ) any resentment towards the direction of the evolving TES game world. With all due respect, however, there are TONS of events and such in the TES world that are STILL yet unknown to the general fanbase, yet, most is known to the developers. Of course, things such as slavery of the beast races in Morrowind are not something new and pulled out of the developer compost heap. Slavery was a known issue since Daggerfall, believe it or not. It may not have been an issue in Daggerfall, but it is being used now. Even in the game Morrowind, visiting as a beast race, you are known as an Imperial citizen and are NOT looked at as a slave or a worthy slave. You are treated as any other Imperial citizen. Argonians and Khajiit alike. The fact that you may have played as a beast race in Arena and visited a town in Morrowind would still have nothing to do with the fact that there was slavery. I played extensivelt through Arena years and years ago, and this fact does not at all phase me. It is simply something that I look at now and think, "Wow. I visited Morrowind as a Khajiit in Arena and didnt notice a slave/servant situation anywhere. Wonder why I notice it now in THIS game." Sure, that's a thought of mine, but I accept it. As a gamer, a TES fan, and a developer, I totally agree on the direction things have taken thus far.

Of course, with the exclusion of Khajiit and Argonians in Battlespire, I dont know what to say. That was just a design decision. It doesnt mean that they were NOT in the TES universe, it just meant that we did not implement them. Who knows, it may go deeper. Perhaps, at that time, the Imperial Battlemages did not allow beast races to join the Elite Battle college. That's just an idea, not an answer. In all, it was an action shooter. Not a TRUE BEEF TES RPG. On that note, certain different rules had to be applied anyways.

With Redguard, you only played a Redguard. Couldnt play another race. Well, another case of "an action/adventure game", so alternate rules applied. Of course, Redguard was the game that initially hinted on at the slavery and multiple beast breeds, so it was a stepping stone game. It was a good build up to the deeper stuff within the TES universe. And trust me, it gets so much deeper that decades of games will need to be made to find out more and more of the dirt within Tamriel.

The PGE.... what can I say? Of course, depending on what individual, what race, or what class of character wrote it, it would be biased in some manner. IT IS NOT A TES BIBLE. It was never intended to be. It was a fun little "insight" about "ones" visit to various provinces around Tamriel. I thought it was a fairly informative reading and provided readers with some clues, gossip, myths, and mysteries. It was a sort of Dante's Inferno, so to speak, set within Tamriel. Like when National Gepgraphic goes to the wild rain forests of Peru to study the Madrigal Spider Monkey, we take their word for it that they did indeed study this thing for 4 years, through harsh rains, blistering heat, and monsoons. It did indeed swing from tree to tree as a nocturnal creature. It has a mating cycle much like the chimpanzee. It even has a fairly high intelligence. They then come back to the states, edit this hour long program to bring us an exclusive Ntional Geographic Undercover show on Discovery Channel, and they tell us all they had to learn about this creature. An hour later, the credits roll and we sit and ponder what an incredible find this is, and we wonder just how much they ACTUALLY had correct through their 4 year study. Then, more skeptisism sets in and you realise that NONE of this may be true. This monkey doesnt even exist. This may all be for entertainment reasons. Discovery Channel just won the nightly rating with millions of viewers. Hmmm. Basically, you know deep down inside, you wont believe it unless you could actually see this monkey (do you recall the mammoth that was dug up? funny how we see so little of it, yet we believe). Tjis goes back to the PGE. It "states" many things, but these things are a ploy, perhaps, to get the reader to more involve themselves in the subject and do a little research on their own. That's the way I look at it anyways.

So there you have it. My own little Reading Rainbow. But you dont have to take MY word for it.

...plus one renouncement of another comment being a hint...

WormGod on his "hint" about Hist sap causing Argonians to be bipedal and smart:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/26/01

This is no hint. I would call it a guess. Blue Dev is da' man on the lizzies. I just continue to make the Dwemer a mad, crazy bunch of geeks. :)

...Not to be outdone, affamu answers some questions and describes the aforementioned link between the Hist and Argonian sexuality/reproduction as "cool"...

affamu with a little more on the Hist:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 04/30/01

"1) i wonder, will the Hist will be modeled as an NPC??? one gets killed, and has Argonian Eggs when you search it.
2) are the Hist related to Spriggans?"

No comment on the exact relationship between the Hist and the Argonian reproductive cycle, but it's cool. As for egg-laying, this is an interesting question. While the majority of reptiles do lay eggs, there are a number that have live births (basically, the eggs hatch internally). I guess I had pictured the Argonians going more the live birth route, because they are so humanoid, but the concept of them laying eggs is an interesting one. Have to think more on that.

As for your questions:
1) Nope, no Hist NPCs to be found, although I think it's a really cool idea. Remember, we're gonna be in Morrowind this time around, and won't be delving into murky Black Marsh quite yet. The Argonians are pretty touchy when it comes to crossing their borders.

2) Nah. Hist are much cooler.

...It's possible the person asking the questions had mistaken "Hist" as another name for Argonians, which Doug Goodall (affamu) took to be a question about the Hist trees in Black Marsh, which of course aren't in Vvardenfell or Morrowind in general.

In the end it seems clear that, unless they change their minds, "Hist" is not a name for Argonians. It is the name of the "spore-trees" the PGE referred to.

Argonians have some degree of cold-bloodedness. It seems not to be terribly severe as they are able to engage in battle in the cold lands of Skyrim needing to retire only during the winters, when it is surely the coldest place in all Tamriel.

From "The Wolf Queen of Solitude" by Waughin Jarth, Book Four, From the pen of the first century third era sage Montocai:

3E 125 Cephorus concentrated his army on the war in High Rock, while his brother Magnus, King of Lilmoth, brought his Argonian troops through loyal Morrowind and into Skyrim to fight in Potema's home province. The reptilian troops fought well in the summer months, but during the winter, they retired south to regroup and attack again when the weather was warm. At this stalemate, the War lasted out two more years.

...Argonians also refer to other races as "warmbloods". I, a mammal, could refer to other humans as warmbloods if I wished, but this behavior indicates that Argonians are not warm-blooded...

From Morrowind Argonian NPCs describing their race:

We are the People of the Root, called 'Argonians' by the warmbloods.

...Okan-Shei, the Argonian Savant, and probably other Argonians, say "Sunned and warm" as a greeting if he likes you and you are an Argonian...

Okan-Shei, Argonian Male, Savant (lvl. 13).
Ebonheart, East Empire Company, first floor.

GREETINGS:
Sunned and warm, marshsister/marshbrother. (Disp. 90, Same Race)

It is probable that Argonian females have a sex organ something akin to a vagina and males something like a penis. The evidence for this comes from three sources, all Imperial or Imperial related.

The first comes from an Imperial scholarly tome saying that offspring have resulted from mating between each of the following: men, mer, and beastmen. Argonians are specifically included in the Imperial classification of "beastmen".

From "Notes on Racial Phylogeny and Biology, Seventh Edition":

It is less clear whether the Argonians and Khajiit are interfertile with both humans and elves. Though there have been many reports throughout the Eras of children from these unions, ... there have been no well documented offspring. ... Argonians, like the dreugh, appear to be a semi-aquatic troglophile form of humans, though it is by no means clear whether the Argonians should be classified with dreugh, men, mer, or (in this author's opinion), certain tree-dwelling lizards in Black Marsh.

The second is from "Savant's Note On Vvardenfell" by Andilo Thelas and Llaalam Dredil:

Imperial scholars consider Men, Elves, and Beastmen as 'men,' on the basis that individuals of all three groups can mate with one another.

The third is the following passage involving Antiochus Septim, a man prone to whoring with beast races, and his bedmate.

From "The Wolf Queen of Solitude, Book Four" by Waughin Jarth, from the pen of the first century third era sage Montocai:

3E 99 The next morning, the storm reappeared in all its fury. The pelting on the walls and ceiling was agony to Antiochus, who was discovering that he no longer had his youthful immunity to a late night of hard drinking. He shoved hard against the Argonian wench sharing his bed.

There is a reason why Argonian females are built the way they are, which is rather similar to how males are built. The only real differences are that females always have red eyes and males have larger horns and crests and are a moderate 10% taller (see stats in MW editor). The reason for the similarities, or even the differences, is not yet clear.

affamu on why female Argonians are built as they are:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 09/04/01

There is a very good reason. I can't tell you. It's a SECRET. P.G.E. has some REALLY BIG CLUES.

Maverique on distinguishing between male and female Argonians:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 09/05/01

You may actually be able to tell males and females appart. Clothed or no. The careful observer will note that male Argonians have larger crests or horns often augmented with gold and earings. The females generally have very short horns, but they like to dress themselves up with jewelry and feathers. Another distinguishing factor is that males are much more brightly colored than the drab females. If you have no basis for comparison, always look in the eyes as there is no typical mammalian physiological dimorphism. Females always have red eyes.

affamu following up on the same topic:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 09/05/01

Argonian sexual dimorphism is even more interesting. I just can't tell you about it. And I don't think its even in MW, just hinted at in some places. It's not a secret to other people in Tamriel, but a secret to you, the players. If that makes any sense.

BlueDev with a little more on Argonian biology:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 09/06/01

Of course we have plans for the information affamu won't talk about. Otherwise, it'd be silly to make all that stuff up. ;) For now, let's say that Argonian evolution didn't follow your standard Darwinian model. And while I don't believe Argonian sexuality is explicitly described in Morrowind, there are some hints about it. If I get some time real soon, I'm going to try and slide a little more lizard lore into the game. No promises, though.

Whether Argonians lay eggs or not is a contentious question. As you will see, even the devs seem to disagree.

The following posts made on the Official Elder Scrolls Forums seem to indicate an either/or situation. Or perhaps the devs are just muddying the waters to cover the lack of a consensus.

BlueDev
Evil Overlord
Reged: 02/12/01
Posts: 659
Re: Do Argonians lay eggs? [Re: LadyLuck]
#1938625 - 11/07/03 11:05 AM

Men and Mer assume much about Argonians, but who among them has ventured deep into Black Marsh and lived to tell about it? They assume that Argonians lay eggs because they resemble the tree-dwelling lizards that scurry about on four legs. Yet they assume Argonians have live births, because the females have breasts with which they might suckle their young. Perhaps it is both, as necessity demands. All live at the whim of the Great Root.

--------------------
Mark Nelson
Bethesda Softworks

...Forum member LadyLuck emailed Pete Hines, another dev at Bethesda, and got this response flatly stating that Argonians do NOT lay eggs ...sort of:

From: Pete Hines [phines at bethsoft.com]
Subject: RE: Question about TES3: Morrowind; Do Argonians lay eggs?
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2003 14:40:14 -0500
To: 'LadyLuck' [address at NoLorist'sBusiness.com]

Argonians are ovoviviparous. [Wow. I was SURE I'd never have to use that word again.] They don't lay eggs like reptiles.

Note that Lady Argonians have big bumps on their chests.

...Pete Hines gave a very specific, scientific term: ovoviviparous. According to my Merriam-Webster (the real, est. 1831 company; not a generic "Webster"-anybody) Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, 1999, the one and only definition of ovoviviparous is as follows.

\ovo-vi-vip-a-rous\ adj. (1801) : producing eggs that develop within the maternal body (as of various fishes or reptiles)and hatch within or immediately after extrusion from the parent

IF Argonians ARE ovoviviparous, but they DON'T lay eggs like reptiles, then the definition leaves only one method of child-bearing: eggs are formed within the mother Argonian, but they hatch WITHIN her body, before the offspring leaves the womb.

However, Mark Nelson seemed less than convinced that the biological rule against laying eggs was in effect at ALL times.

BlueDev
Evil Overlord
Reged: 02/12/01
Posts: 659
Re: Do Argonians lay eggs? [Re: Vireyar]
#1948270 - 11/10/03 11:04 AM

Quote:
Or because an Argonian says that he didn't hatch yesterday ... *cough* Just a figure of speech, I suppose.

Which is why I said "Perhaps it is both, as necessity demands."

Never underestimate the adaptability of Argonians, or, more specifically, the power of the Hist to allow Argonians to adapt.

I wouldn't expect to hear an Argonian born in Skyrim (or on Solstheim, for that matter) mention being hatched. Nor would I expect to hear more transient Argonians (say, members of a small, nomadic tribe) speak about laying eggs. However, in warmer climates, in places with established, stable, and permanent communities, you would likely see a great number of eggs.

--------------------
Mark Nelson
Bethesda Softworks

...Nelson's comments and Hines's can mesh only due to one word: like. Argonians don't lay eggs LIKE reptiles. Most reptiles lay 'egg' eggs, whether the shell is leathery, as with snakes, or hard, as with turtles. For both Mark and Pete to be right, then Argonian eggs must hatch within the mother when outside "warmer climates, in places with established, stable, and permanent communities" and take the other route of hatching immediately AFTER being laid or extruded (which ever term you prefer). However, you wouldn't "see" that many eggs if they hatched right after birth, so it sounds like the reality is that two devs have different ideas on this, ergo there's no hard and fast decision on the books.

Finally, the comments of the Argonian Travelling-New-Woman strongly indicate that Argonians, at least in Black Marsh, have nests. Nests are a place for eggs to hatch; however, this may simply be the name for a social institution, such as if a group of babies who were all in the same nursery in a hospital maintained contact as they grew up. In the end, the devs may never give us a straight answer; decide for yourself.

Travelling-New-Woman, Argonian Female, Farmer (lvl. 3)M
Small Farmhouse in the Ascadian Isles, Vvardenfell, SW of Suran (Near Ules Plantation, W. of Suran)

...My parents caught me and a boy from my nest in a soft-leaf patch right before the naming ceremony...

Argonian females do not have breasts. The actual word is not used by Bethesda dev Christiane Meister (Maverique) in this quote, but the options of what "mammalian physical features" she could be talking about females not having are limited.

Maverique comments on the physical features of the beast races:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 11/27/01

I'd like to point out here that the Argonian females don't have er.. mammalian physical features. Just before you go wild on that texture tweaking. :D Kahjiit, however, do but they are naked already hehe. Just covered with fur... *Imagines with horror at all of the shaved kitties that will soon be walking the world*

Argonians may have 'more soul' than other species. I admit to ignorance about what "higher-K" means.

affamu with an 'interesting' response to a topic on soul gems:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 10/22/01

Argonians are a higher-K species than humans. Dreekius was right... But Morrowind isn't Argonia.

An old Argonian slave story, plagiarized by Marobar Sul, says the Argonians require being around a certain kind of tree known as 'Hist' that is full of sap. According to the PGE, the sentient strain of the Argonian race that is seen outside of Black Marsh is also called the Hist. However, comments by Bethesda's Mark Nelson almost certainly call this assertion an inaccurate misperception by Imperials.

In "2920, The Last Year of the First Era", an Imperial Captain of the Guard said that Argonians are good at disappearing into the woods. At least this would appear to be the case in the woods near Mir Corrup, Cyrodiil when someone is being framed for conspiring with them

Argonians are said to be able to enhance their endurance with the sap of a fern-like herb called Dragon's Tongue.

From "Special Flora of Tamriel":

Dragon's Tongue, a common name for a fernlike herb found in Black Marsh, is especially prolific around the area of the Ultherus Swamp. It is a beautiful wildflower whose name comes from the fire-red fronds that protect its golden efflorescence. As pretty as it is, however, it is a deadly poison to most living beings and needs to be avoided by adventurers, especially unprotected ones, as it is lethal to the touch. It is said, however, that Argonians can handle the plant and use the sap derived from its roots to enhance their endurance.

There may be differences between the Argonians of the more terrestrial northern Black Marsh and the more aquatic southern Black Marsh. What they are, though, are not stated. The following lines are spoken by an Argonian male in a play written, I think, by a Dunmer judging from the name.

From "The Horror of Castle Xyr, A One Act Play" by Baloth-Kul:

ULLIS (to himself, very pleased): Another Argonian in Scath Anud. And a pretty one, at that. I hope we weren't too rude to her. I'm tired of all these women with their smooth, wet skin, it would be wonderful if we could meet when I'm off duty.

While Ullis talks, he opens the letter and reads it.

ULLIS (continued): She looks like she's from the south, like me. You know, Argonians from northern Black Marsh are... much... less...

Ullis continues reading, transfixed by the letter.

...Also from "The Horror of Castle Xyr...

There is a knock on the door. Clavides answers it. A young Argonian woman, ZOLLASSA, is standing, holding a package and a letter.

ZOLLASSA: Good morning, you're not Lord Xyr, are you?

CLAVIDES: No. What do you have there?

ZOLLASSA: A letter and a package I'm supposed to deliver to him. Will he be back shortly?

CLAVIDES: I don't believe so. Who gave you the package to deliver?

ZOLLASSA: My teacher at the college, Kema Warvim. He has a bad leg, so he asked me to bring these to his lordship. Actually, to tell you the truth, I was supposed to deliver them last night, but I was busy.

ULLIS: Greetings, sistre. We'll give the package to his lordship when we see him.

ZOLLASSA: Ah, hail, brothre. I had heard there was a handsome Argonian in Scath Anud. Unfortunately, I promised Kema Warvim that I'd deliver the package directly to his lordship's hands. I'm already late, I can't just --

CLAVIDES: We're Imperial Guard, miss. We will take the package and the letter.

Zollassa reluctantly hands Clavides the letter and the package. She turns to go.

ULLIS: You're at the college, if we need to see you?

ZOLLASSA: Yes. Fare tidings, brothre.

ULLIS: Goodnight, sistre.

...still more from "Castle Xyr", this about magickal resistances...

In black ink, ...it is a pity that I haven't any Argonian subjects, but the slave-traders promise me some healthy specimens in the autumn. I should like to test their metabolism in comparison to elves and humans. It's my theory that a medium-level lightning spell cast in a continuous wave on an Argonian wouldn't be lethal for several hours at least, similar to my results with the Cyrodilic female and, of course, the giant.

Dreekius, the barkeep of the Draggin' Tale in Stros M'Kai, on at least one occasion, referred to one of two humans-- Cyrus (a Redguard) most likely-- as a "softskin", which more than likely applies to all those similarly without scales or fur. It has been noted that Dreekius lived and worked a continent away from Black Marsh and was the only Argonian in a small, remote community; thus he may well have developed any number of cultural adaptations to deal with his minority social status.

Unofficially, but from official sources, Argonians are musical (from Morrowind Summit's collection of dev posts).

BlueDev on which race might be the most musical:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 01/31/02

We actually talked about something similar to this one day. The discussion was about Argonians and their culture, and music was mentioned. The question arose as to whether Argonians would have music based around their slave culture. Do they sing Argonian Spirituals? If so, it would be influenced by native music from Black Marsh (think deep, resounding drums, haunting woodwinds), but also by Dunmer culture. But then Argonian character was taken into account. They are very proud and very patient, and wouldn't give the Dunmer the satisfaction of hearing them sing. This really has no bearing on the game, but it was fun to talk about.

affamu follows up on the musical race topic:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 01/31/02

I thought they should use the marsh itself as their primary musical instrument like the Baka Forest People use rivers. And play lots of odd percussion instruments like water drums and bohdans and djimbes and udus. And make slowed-down bird-call noises.

BlueDev responds to affamu's post:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 01/31/02

Yup, the water drums you played for me were the stuff, but I gotta think that djimbe + marsh muck = bad.

Argonians swipe, slash, and scratch with their claws in hand-to-hand combat.

BlueDev on Khajiiti hand-to-hand attacks:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 01/31/02

I'm a dev but not a FAQ, and the Khajiit do swipe with their claws, like dalin said. So do Argonians. ;)

MrSmileyFaceDude comments on Khajiit and Argonian combat:
the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 12/28/01

From an animation standpoint, khajiit and argonians both have different hand-to-hand animations from the "non-clawed" races. They slash & scratch like you'd expect them to. I do not know if they get any additional hand-to-hand bonus -- that's something that can be set up in the editor.

From "The Buying Game" by Ababael Timsar-Dadisun:

In Morrowind where I hail from, for example, Argonians are viewed with a certain amount of suspicion. Don't be surprised or insulted if the shopkeepers follow you around the shop, assuming you're going to steal something.

A piece of Morrowind game play advice from Mark Nelson and a general praising of Argonians...

BlueDev on Argonians being looked down upon:
From the Elder Scrolls Forums, posted 07/23/01

Never discount Argonians. Ever. And remember, you're not gonna be too popular to start, no matter what race you are. You're a foreigner regardless of race.

Argonian Names and Who They Are/Were

Ssa'ass is an Argonian male who is one of Moraelyn's band of 'Companions', a group of many races who act as Moraelyn's entourage and brothers in arms. This is the first known instance of an Argonian being fleshed out as a character. The King Edward stories are the work of Marylin Wasserman, an original Arena tester.

From "King Edward, Chapter III: Lessons":

a strange looking lizardlike man, who spoke with such a hissing accent that Edward couldn't understand him at all.

Later, Edward is left behind while the gang goes visiting but he has a cold.

From "King Edward, Chapter IV: Stories":

Mith, whom Edward liked the least of the Companions, had volunteered to stay with him. Even Ssa'ass would have been better.

...also in "Stories", Mith tells Edward about Moraelyn's introduction of new species to the Crystal Tower after agreeing to bring two Wood Elves...

"So three days later he's back with the twins AND Ssa'ass AND Slave."

...about which Mith reports Moraelyn said to the ArchMagister...

'The Argonian and the Nord are not prospective initiates. They are specimens. For your collection. You don't have any like them so I thought...'

...Edward responds...

"I don't think Mats and Ssa'ass should have been made specimens. They're people. Even if they aren't elves."

...Mith replies...

"Oh, they made Ssa'ass an initiate when they found out that he had some interesting Heal spells."

Two chapters later, Ssa'ass is called upon to treat a wound that nearly severed Moraelyn's left hand..

From "King Edward, Chapter VI: Training":

"Ssa'ass is good with battle injuries"

...when the Companions reach them, Moraelyn tells Edward to take his mother off to see a rat Edward killed instead of having her hover over his wounded self...

"I want to watch Ssa'ass," Edward objected, then remembered that it would feed his daedra. But he might learn something about healing if he watched, which would be a good thing. This was going to be more complicated than he'd thought.

...finally we see and hear Ssa'ass in action...

Ssa'ass came up last, as usual, elbowed the others aside and inspected the injury, hissing. "I cann fixxxx thissss. It'ss cleann." He looked it over carefully, bending the hand back to open the wound. Then he brought the hand forward, so that the edges of the tissue met. He was very particular about getting it aligned just so. Then he had Mats hold it in place while he cast spells over it. All outer traces of the injury vanished, leaving not even a scar.

Moraelyn swung it with satisfaction, twitching his fingers. "Thanks, Ssa'ass. It's stiff, but..."

"Tomorrow, I ffinissshhh."

In the next chapter, most of the Companions and Moraelyn along with Edward's mother Aliera go off supposedly for some kind of sex show between them, or so Mith infers. Ssa'ass seems to have no problem being involved..

From "King Edward, Chapter VII: Dragon":

Beech, Ssa'ass, Mats and the Khajiit woman, Silk, had also gone off together, laughing. They'd invited Mith to come along, but Mith had declined.

Next chapter after that, the gang gets involved in a little relationship vigilantism for a friend of Aliera's. Ssa'ass seems to be in favor..

From "King Edward, Chapter VIII: Wilderland":

When their hostess had gone to sleep in her own room, Aliera repeated what she had been told.

"Let's rescue the girl," Beech said, "we grow stale with inaction."

"Aye!" said Silk and Willow at once.

Mats growled an agreement. Mith and Ssa'ass looked interested.

...while storming the keep to rescue the abused wife, we hear Ssa'ass in action again...

There were fearsome things in the moat. Edward began a protest, then thought better of it. Ssa'ass slid into the moat first. There was some splashing and hissing, then the water went quiet. Aliera entered the water. The others levitated.

"Here's the ropes," Beech said, feeling along the wall. There were three ropes. Edward, Beech and Ssa'ass went up first..

...when the evil Baron is killed, his grateful widow exacts some post-mortem vengeance and Ssa'ass tends to her...

She picked up a stone and smashed it into the face again and again, sobbing. When she had done, Ssa'ass cast some healing spells on her.

Much later, the gang is having a philosophic conversation with a dragon called Akatosh (it's unclear whether this dragon is the Dragon God of Time or a god at all). Ssa'ass contributes an unusually well enunciated comment about a Tamrielic version of chess..

From "King Edward, Chapter XI":

"But the game is like a real battle, isn't it?" asked Ssa'ass.

In the last chapter of the King Edward stories, the gang is discussing magicka. Ssa'ass offers some theories..

From "King Edward, Chapter XII":

Ssa'ass said, "I am not ssssure that Magicka isss usssed; perhapss there isss yet another capability involved here. Thisss capability would be unknown at thisss time, and maybe even unsssenssssed... but I feel fairly certain that sssomehow it is a godly 'force' that they are employing."

Thoricles Romus (not his original name) was an Argonian who seems to have been a member of the Elder Council of the Empire. He is also believed to have been behind the assassination of a good Empress working to restore Imperial unity.

From "A Brief History of the Empire, Part Four" by Stronach k'Thojj III:

Though Morihatha's military campaigns were remarkably successful, her deliberate pace often frustrated the Council. One Councilman, an Argonian who took the Colovian name of Thoricles Romus, furious at her refusal to send troops to his troubled Black Marsh, is commonly believed to have hired the assassins who claimed her life in 3E 339. Romus was summarily tried and executed, though he protested his innocence to the last.

Dreekius was the barkeep of the Draggin' Tale in Stros M'Kai in TESA: Redguard. This was in the last years of the Second Era or the beginning of the Third. He supposedly knows how to find the Eye of Argonia, a jewel of some kind not featured in Redguard.

Okan-Shei is known as the Argonian Savant and contributed to "Savants' Guide to Morrowind"

Ullis is the name given for an Argonian in the Imperial Legions in the one act play "The Horror of Castle Xyr". He is portrayed as an intelligent, capable man with little difference from other Imperial citizens other than being Argonian and having a sexual preference for females of his own race. He most likely dies with his Captain at the conclusion of the play.

Zollassa is the name given for an Argonian member of the Mages' Guild in Morrowind who appears in the one act play "The Horror of Castle Xyr". She, like Ullis, is portrayed as a regular, non-exotic person who happens to have some different racial and cultural background than most Imperial citizens.

Binyaar is an Argonian thief who presumably works in the Vvardenfell area and certainly did once work with the Orc woman known as The Wraith.

From "The Wraith's Wedding Dowry":

Almost immediately, she was set on by the Argonian Binyaar, his mace whistling through the air at her head. They had never much liked one another.

Ulaqth of Lilmoth was an Argonian Warchief who fought along with Reman III's forces at the Battle of Bodrum on 20 First Seed, 1E 2920. Deeply vengeful about the taking of Argonians for slaves by the Dunmer, he charged after the forces of the Duke of Mournhold thus leading his forces into a fatal trap.

Hazadir was the armorer chosen by Katariah for the "Armorer's Challenge" written of by Mymophonus. Hazadir won the challenge through practical knowledge not only of Argonian fighting techniques, but also of the work of his opposition, the 'best armorer in the Imperial City' Sirollus Saccus. Hazadir most likely was a green skinned Argonian since he's described as having "a dull, green-fringed hood", though it may actually refer to his clothes. He had "bright black eyes".

"Schiavas: An Argonian barbarian" is a character in the Anthil Morvir one act play "A Hypothetical Treachery". He is killed by a Hungry Ghost, after getting out the first line in the play plus 8 more lines of dialogue, along with the healer Dolcettus of Cyrodiil. He was hired to help a party of magic-wielders get the Ebony Mail from out of Eldenwood or Eldengrove (use of the place name is inconsistent) in Valenwood.

"Nienolas Ulwarth the Mighty, who hailed from Blackrose," was a great master of the axa. He appears in a song called "The Third Door" by Annanar Orme. In it, he spurned the advances of Ellabeth, the Queen of the Axe, whom he was slightly better than and thus considered him to be the only man for her. It is never stated explicitly that Nienolas is an Argonian, but the name is fairly consistent with other Argonian names and Blackrose is in the southern extremes of Black Marsh far from other cultures. Nienolas was apparently chopped in half by Ellabeth and placed in two rooms so that she could force his girlfriend to choose between three doors, two of which would show her the gruesome sight of half of her lover's corpse.

Balaxes was or is a great lancer.

From "Hallgerd's Tale" by Tavi Dromio:

"Balaxes of Agia Nero in Black Marsh, the greatest wielder of a lance"

Ioa was once the Warlordess of Lilmoth.

From "The Wolf Queen of Solitude" by Waughin Jarth, Book One, From the pen of the first century third era sage Montocai:

3E 80 Who is the Warlord of Lilmoth? Trick question: it's a lady, Ioa

"Withershins" is a strange and amusing tale presumed to take place in Black Marsh or at least in an Argonian ghetto elsewhere due to the main character, Zaki, being an Argonian and the random customer in a store being given a restorative scale conditioner with her purchase. Also the names are fairly consistent with the patterns of other Argonian names. The use of the term "man" or "men" to refer to the males in the story is consistent and applies to Zaki and the shaman Octoplasm at once; "beastmen" or the like never appears in the story. It is particularly odd, however, in the fact that Zaki mentions having a tan and is described by his wife as balding.

Zaki is the protagonist of "Withershins". He is a middle-aged tailor and described as balding, tanned to some degree, and having a large gut, a flat rear, and poor coordination. He is stated to be an Argonian.

Kazagha is the wife of Zaki in "Withershins". She is only described as being patient and correct. Presumably she is an Argonian.

Siyasat is the neighbor of Zaki. Presumably she is an Argonian.

Tarsu is a healer that Zaki seeks treatment with. Presumably he is an Argonian.

Halqa is the chief herbalist at Tarsu's temple. She addresses Zaki as "Sa'Zaki Saf", which presumably is a formal address at least to a patron of a temple if not a more general salutary. She is presumed to be an Argonian as well, but the salutary she used is quite similar to ones used by the Khajiiti so it is uncertain.

Octoplasm is the name claimed by the shaman in the store called the ParaDocks. He is presumed to be an Argonian as he wears a headdress and is referred to as a man in no different way than Zaki is. The phrase that applies to both of them at once is "the two men".

Basks-In-The-Sun is a friendly Argonian found near the docks on the frigid island of Solstheim in the Bloodmoon expansion.

Bloodmoon, Main Quest - Solstheim Island

Arriving on the Island

The trip is short and uneventful and you arrive on the docks on Solstheim. Speak with the Argonian Basks-In-The-Sun on the docks who will welcome you to the island and suggests that you speak with Captain Carius in Fort Frostmoth or with Carnius Magius at the Imperial Cult Shrine. Use the lovely map provided with the expansion to find your way around. You arrived at the docks on the Southern end of the island and the fort is just to your North. The Argonian will also give you some basic info on the island and warns you about the Bears and Wolves found about. Basks-In-The-Sun also offers travel back to Khuul as well as to Raven Rock, a harbor West of the Fort where the Empire wishes to build a new mine.

Rasha is a free Argonian merchant on Vvardenfell island. He seems to have a good relationship with Zenithar as those who swear on Zenithar to do something for him are unable to conduct any business before fulfilling that oath.

Deliver Shirts for Rasha - Ald'ruhn
15 October 2002

Far West and South from Ald'ruhn, along the road, you'll come across the Argonian Rasha who wants you to deliver five Exquisite Shirts to Bivale Teneran in the Ald'ruhn Manor District. He casually asks you to swear on Zenithar that you will make the delivery. While this oath may not seem important, you may find that you will not be able to conduct business in Ald'ruhn until you making the delivery. Give the shirts to Teneran and receive an enchanted Belt of Will as your reward.

Reeh-Ja is a runaway slave found near the Erabenimsun Camp on Vvardenfell island.

Escort Reeh-Ja to Freedom - Erabenimsun Camp
6 September 2002

South of Tel Fyr, Northeast of the Erabenimsun Camp, you will find the lone Argonian Reeh-Ja, a runaway slave who wants to go home. Though he initially may not talk about his situation, he will loosen up once his disposition is 50. Reeh-ja is heading towards the Argonian Mission in Ebonheart in hopes to escape out of Morrowind. If you wish to aid the slave, merely escort him to the Mission in Ebonheart. Though the distance is long, you'll receive a nice reward of a Blood Belt and a Twin Lamps faction improvement once you introduce the slave to Im-Kalaya.

If you are having a mean streak, you can return the slave to his owner, Savile Amayn at the Tel Aruhn Slave Market. You'll receive 150 gold for having Reeh-Ja alive, or 50 gold dead. If you take this route you will lose Twin Lamps faction if you mention the slave to Im-Kalaya in Ebonheart.

Haj-Ei is an escaped slave who hides in Vvardenfell by posing as a free Argonian willing to help find Haj-Ei. He is most famous in the ES lore community for being the only truly reliable instance of translation between Argonian and Tamrielic (which translates to the language of the player's copy of Morrowind). "Haj-Ei" means "Hides-His-Eyes".

Find the Slave Haj-Ei - Suran
6 September 2002

Stop by Desele's House of Earthly Delights in Suran and speak with the bounty hunter at the bar, Daric Bielle. Bielle has been hunting for a particular slave, the Argonian Haj-Ei, and hasn't been having much luck, even though he has hired a guide by the name of Hides-His-Eyes to aid him. Ask people around town about both Haj-Ei and Hides-His-Eyes, though you might have to increase their disposition to high levels to get them to talk. On the Haj-Ei topic, you will be directed to the slave trader Dranas Sarathram in town. Talk to him to learn that Haj-Ei is Argonian which simply means, Hides-His-Eyes. Find the one Haj-Ei / Hides-His-Eyes on the top floor of the Suran Tradehouse. If you decide to keep his true identity a secret, you will receive a faction bonus with the Twin Lamps guild. If you want to turn him in, Haj-Ei will attack you. Return to Bielle when he is dead for a 150 gold reward. If you tell Bielle that Haj-Ei is in fact, Hides-His-Eyes straight away, he won't believe you, though he'll give you the 150 gold anyways.

Note that if you are an Argonian or have Intelligence greater than 90, you'll get the dialogue option to complete the quest with Bielle right away. I guess it was just that obvious...

Tul is an Argonian member of the Dunmeri Camonna Tong assassins' guild who attempts to reach an abolitionist slave smuggler, who is his target, by posing as a runaway slave. Tul may or may not be his real name, but his disregard of the plight of members of his own race is striking.

Escort Tul - Suran
6 September 2002

Northwest of Suran you will find an Argonian slave named Tul who will beg you to lead him to a nearby Redguard farm that helps slaves escape. Even if you don't know the place, it isn't hard to find after a little walk to the Northwest, Stredecan's Farm (ask the locals about friendly Redguards to get information). Find the Redguard Sterdecan tending his fields. As you approach Sterdecan, Tul will reveal himself to be a Camonna Tong agent sent to kill the Redguard, and gives you a chance to leave. If you don't, he will attack. Once the assassin is dead, speak to Sterdecan who mentions that people are trying to kill him all the time, and even gives you a magic ring for your troubles.

Im-Kilaya is an official at the Argonian Mission in Ebonheart. She may or may not be the same person as Im-Kalaya.

Deliver a Slave - Hla Oad
23 June 2002

Speak with Relam Arinith found through the trap door in Fatleg's Dropoff in Hla Oad. He asks you to deliver a slave named Rabinna to Vorar Helas in Balmora. Evidently the actual slave is not important, but what she is carrying...some illegal drugs of some form. Along the way to Balmora, you can talk to Rabinna (if you raise her disposition to 50) to determine that you have the choice of what happens in the quest.

If you decide to deliver her to Helas on the East side of Balmora, he will attack Rabinna immediately (to get the drugs). Alternatively, you can help her kill Helas (or just avoid him entirely), and deliver Rabinna to Im-Kilaya at the Argonian Mission in Ebonheart.

If you deliver her to Helas, you will receive 400 gold, and a magic ring (even if Rabinna dies on the trip and you rescue the Moon Sugar). If you deliver her to Im-Kilaya you will receive a 400 gold reward and a 10-point boost in disposition with the Twin Lamps.

Im-Kalaya is an official at the Argonian Mission in Ebonheart. She may or may not be the same person as Im-Kilaya.

Argonian Mission Donations
27 June 2002

This quest walkthrough has not yet been verified.

Iulus Truptor in the Imperial Chapel (Ebonheart) will ask you to perform a collection of donations from the Argonian Mission in Ebonheart. Return to Iulus with the donation proceeds. If you raised only 100 gold, you will receive 2 Fortify Luck potions. At 200 gold you receive the magical Frock of Zenithar. If you find the slave at the bottom of the Mission, you can blackmail Im-Kalaya into donating more.

Okur is a free Argonian living in a Nord settlement on Vvardenfell who is visited by the ghost of a murdered woman seeking her help in seeing the murderers killed.

Restless Spirit in Hla Oad
28 June 2002

This quest walkthrough has not yet been verified.

Kaye in the Imperial Chapel (Ebonheart) will ask you to investigate the Argonian Okur in Hla Oad who claims that the ghost of a murder victim is visiting her. The guards can't (or won't) do anything and you are to see if justice can be served in this case.

Grab a ship to Hla Oad and find Okur's house in the North East of Town. Okur will tell you that she is being visited by the ghost of a Julie Aumine who will only be put to rest when the 4 smugglers who killed her are dead, and when her amulet is returned to her husband. The 4 smugglers (Dudley, Larisus Dergius, Ralos Othrenmin, and Thervam Drelas) and are hiding out in Yasami along the road South of town (which you may have already taken care of if you are lucky). The smugglers might be a little tougher than the usual cave dweller, so take care. Othrenim is the one that has the amulet. Return the amulet to Okur who will return it to Julie's husband.

Return to Kaye for your reward of 3 powerful magic scrolls. This is the last quest you receive from Kaye.

Only-He-Stands-There is a free Argonian on Vvardenfell skilled in Restoration magick who also offers unsanctioned training in the art.

Unsanctioned Training
19 May 2002

Ranis Athrys in the Balmora guild asks you to stop an Argonian in the South Wall Cornerclub from offering unsanctioned training in Restoration. The Argonian is in the basement of the Cornerclub and is easy to stop being the only Argonian around (Only-He-Stands-There). When you talk to him about his unsanctioned training, he suggests that you return to Ranis and tell her that he would stop, and he would offer his services to you. The only other options are to kill him or raise his disposition high enough to convince him to stop (around 60). Upon returning to Ranis you are rewarded with solely an increase in disposition.

Tongue-Toad is a free Argonian on Vvardenfell island who is wanted dead for some reason by an Orc.

Silence Tongue-Toad
21 May 2002

Lorbumol gro-Aglakh in the Vivec Hall asks you to silence the Argonian Tongue-Toad in the Rat in the Pot in Ald'ruhn for 500 septims. When you approach Tongue and talk with him, he seems surprised that anyone would want him dead. He also suggests that you let him go and report that he fled (which is what Percius in the Ald'ruhn Hall will also suggest you do). The only other option is to kill Tongue. Return to Lorbumol for your 500 gold reward.

Nine-Toes is a free Argonian living on Vvardenfell island whom is (probably) falsely accused of the murder of Ralen Hlaalo.

Solve Hlaalo Murder
14 January 2003

Nileno Dorvayn at the Balmora council manor will ask to find the murderer of Ralen Hlaalo in town and kill him. You should be able to get this quest whether you belong to the House or not. If you ask around town, you'll be pointed to Nine-Toes the Argonian. Nine-Toes is in his house in town and will deny any involvement, and point you to the house Hlaalo servant. The Hlaalo manor is just across from the Hlaalu Manor, though all the doors are well locked. If you manage to get inside, you'll find the servant Uryne Nirith inside who will finger a young Dunmer with red hair, bonemold armor, and a Dwemer War Axe. With this information, you can ask around town again and you'll be pointed towards Thanelen Velas (of the Camonna Tong) in the Balmora Council Club. Kill either Velas or Nine-Toes, or both if you want to make sure.

Return to Nileno in Balmora to finish the quest.

Hides-His-Foot is a slave on Dren Plantation, Vvardenfell.

Rescue Hides-His-Foot
5 August 2002

After her previous quest to rescue J'Saddha, Ilmeni Dren in Vivec will ask you to free an Argonian slave, Hides-His-Foot, from the Dren Plantation North of Vivec and escort him to Sterdecan's Farm. You'll find the slave outside in the plantation, though if the guards see you free him they will attack you (you may want to kill the guards first to keep the slave safe). Escort the slave to the Sterdecan's Farm to the Northeast of the plantation and have the farmer take him. If you talk with Hides-His-Foot once you've rescued him, he'll tell you about a secret hidden in a locked room in Dren's cellar. The room is well guarded, but you'll have to take them out at one point or another in a variety of other quests.

Return to Ilmeni in Vivec to complete the quest. This is her last quest.

Eleedal-Lei is the leader of a slave revolt in a Telvanni kwama egg mine in Morrowind.

Stop Abebaal Slave Revolt
11 August 2002

Felisa Ulessen in the Telvanni Council House in Sadrith Mora will ask you to stop the rebellion of slaves in the Abebaal Egg Mine, Northwest of Tel Branora. One method is to kill the slave's leader, the Argonian Eleedal-Lei, though you'll have to fight any of his followers if you do. An alternative is to merely talk to Eleedal-Lei and convince him to stop the revolt. To do this, you'll have to find the slave key to free him that can be found in three places: on Therana, a desk in Lower Tel Branora, and a container in the mine near the Kwama Queen.

Return to Felisa to complete the quest. If you killed Eleedal-Lei, you'll receive rings of Firestorm and Toxic Cloud. If you talked him down, you'll receive the Command spell.

Huleeya (Argonian Morag Tong member, Foreign Quarter, Black Shalk Cornerclub)

Huleeya

Huleeya in the Foreign Quarter is easily visited first and can be found in the Cornerclub in the Lower Waistworks. Unfortunately, Huleeya seems to be having problems with the locals whom you'll have to talk to first. Have a chat with the Dunmer Ethys Savil (or his 2 friends) and persuade him to leave the Argonian alone. Raising his disposition to you a bit will work, or you can just kill him outright. If you try to leave without talking to one of the thugs, they will attack (you will have to protect Huleeya). Once you've solved this, Huleeya will let you escort him to his friend's bookshop. Jobasha's Rare Books is on the same level as the Cornerclub in the Foreign Quarter Lower Waistworks, just at the opposite side. Make sure Huleeya follows you correctly as often NPCs become lost or become stuck. Once inside the bookstore, he will give you some notes to take to Caius.

Onasha is in Ebonheart, in the Argonian Mission.

Scourge is a favorite player character of Bethesda dev Steve Meister (MrSmileyFaceDude). He's a fairly simple character; he's a high level mage that lives for gold and kills everyone who has any. Scourge's head appears as a wall trophy in Vivec City.

Lifeforms and Other Cultures That Have Lived in Black Marsh

The Orma are a tribe dating from the First Era. At least according to here-say among Cyrodiils, there is an elevated occurrence of congenital blindness in the tribe, and such individuals are said to be masters of their other senses. According to Tedders, the Orma were humans. They, along with the Kothringi, did not survive the outbreak of the Knahaten Flu and the PGE indicates they may not have even been around any more as the Kothringi were the only humans to persist for long in Black Marsh. The concubine Rijja, whose thoughts are narrated in this passage, describes the character compared to the Orma (though not specifically said to be the Orma poisoness Catchica) simply as 'a gaunt woman' rather than 'elf' or 'hissing, scaly she-beast', which would note their difference from herself.

From "2920, The Last Year of the First Era" by Carlovac Townway:

A gaunt woman with rags tied over her eyes ran to her side and dropped a goatskin of water. Rijja was about to laugh at the woman's prudery -- she herself was not ashamed of her naked body -- but then she noticed through a crease in the rags that the old woman had no eyes at all. She was like one of those Orma tribesmen Rijja had heard about, but never met. Born without eyes, they were masters of their other senses. The Lord of Mir Corrup hired very exotic servants, she thought to herself.

Tedders says that the Orma weren't reptilian...

Tedders
Oct 27 2004, 08:15 PM
Post #41
Curate
Joined: 7-April 01

QUOTE(DarthBlade at Oct 26 2004, 09:59 PM)
Also, the Kothringi, whom I believe to be the offspring of ancient men and Argonians, are also considered a form of Argonian.*

Well, they are Argonians in the sense that they were from Argonia / Black Marsh, but they certainly weren't reptilian, nor are the Orma. (For reference, the Empress's servant in 2920, Zuuk, was a Kothringi; and the poisoness Catchica was Orma).

The Kothringi are noted as sailors in the First Era. The Pocket Guide to the Empire says that they were humans who were killed by the Knahaten Flu in CE 560. Lord Zuuk, who appeared in Carlovac Townway's "2920, The Last Year of the First Era", was one and he had silver, reflective skin, a fact which did not seem to strike anyone as unusual for a Kothringi.

Wamasus or Wamasii were at one time found in Black Marsh. They reportedly resemble dragons, are very formidable, and have magical properties including some shock attacks. It is possible they may still live. This artifact description gives some information about them.

From "Tamrielic Artifacts":

Fang of Haynekhtnamet
Black Marsh was once known to be inhabited with what the Argonians called the Wamasus. Northern men considered them to be intelligent dragons with lightning for blood. One such mighty beast, Haynekhtnamet, was slain by the Northern men, though it took 7 days and nights, and a score of men. One of the surviving men took a fang home as a trophy. The fang was carved down into a blade and fashioned into a small dagger. The Dagger mysteriously houses some of the beast's magical properties and grants the user the ability to do shock damage on an opponent. This unique Dagger is seen occasionally by traveling heroes.

From "On Lycanthropy" by Varnard Karessen:

In Black Marsh and southern Morrowind, werecrocodiles stalk the swamps. Black Marsh also shares with the Imperial Province and the wetter parts of Elsweyr the vile presence of werelions.

Jijjic death masks are mentioned in the story "Withershins" in descriptions of a store called the ParaDocks located near the wharfs of a town presumed to be in Black Marsh. The Jijjic may or may not be an Argonian culture, but the name seems consistent with the sounds of most Argonian names, though it also sounds similar to 'Psijiic', the name of an Altmeri faction of magic wielders and mystics. Then again, "Withershins" was written in real life by Ted Peterson, one of the maddest men who ever lived, and it may have all just been good fun.

Black Marsh seems to be home to some kind of tree-dwelling lizards considered to be similar to Argonians by at least one Imperial scholar. Mark Nelson mentioned tree-dwelling lizards when giving a vague response to the question of Argonian evolution as well.

From "Notes on Racial Phylogeny and Biology, Seventh Edition":

...it is by no means clear whether the Argonians should be classified with dreugh, men, mer, or (in this author's opinion), certain tree-dwelling lizards in Black Marsh.

There seem to be Sload necromancers to be found in Black Marsh.

From "On the Preparation of the Corpse":

Finding suitable corpses in Black Marsh is nearly impossible due to their rapid decay. There are also diseases, Argonian tribesmen, and other difficulties that must be dealt with. I know of only a few Sload Necromancers who operate successfully in Black Marsh, and even they stay near coast.

There is some kind of dangerous feather-serpent (archaeopteryx?) that lived in Black Marsh at least during 2E 861.

From Attrebus's character description from TESA Redguard:

"...and nearly lost a leg to an Argonian feather-serpent during the grueling pursuit of Reekee's kidnappers into the depths of Black Marsh in 861."

Fruits, excellent ones, grew in Black Marsh at least at the time of Tiber Septim's later years (after the conquest of Morrowind and the forming of the Septim Empire), either natively or groves would be planted there, most likely by Imperial farmers.

From "The Real Barenziah", Book Six, by Plitinius Mero (unaccredited):

(Tiber Septim speaking to Barenziah during their first meeting in Cyrodiil)
"I've much to think of, but that's scant excuse for inhospitality -- ah, pray join me. There's some excellent fruit from the Black Marsh."

A lethal, fernlike herb called Dragon's Tongue grows in the Ultherus Swamp in Argonia.

From "Special Flora of Tamriel" :

Dragon's Tongue, a common name for a fernlike herb found in Black Marsh, is especially prolific around the area of the Ultherus Swamp. It is a beautiful wildflower whose name comes from the fire-red fronds that protect its golden efflorescence. As pretty as it is, however, it is a deadly poison to most living beings and needs to be avoided by adventurers, especially unprotected ones, as it is lethal to the touch.

...this also from "Special Flora of Tamriel"...

The Somnalius Fern can be found in the swamps of Black Marsh. The fronds of this plant are light green and quite delicate. Picking a frond can be very difficult, as they usually crumble to the touch, but once retrieved it can be used to put an enemy to sleep for a short while by passing it under his nose.

Events and History in (or Involving) Argonia

From "The Pocket Guide to the Empire", Wild Regions section, Argonia:

These vast swamplands were once part of the Second Empire, which, in 1E2837, had seized a large portion of it to create the Imperial Province of Black Marsh.

According to "2920, The Last Year of the First Era" by Carlovac Townway, Empress Tavia was imprisoned by her husband the Emperor Reman III about 2E 2913 ("seven years earlier") in the highest tower in Castle Giovesse, which is outside Gideon, Black Marsh in the country. Lord Zuuk, a Kothringi (a human tribe in Black Marsh), was her guard.

After the Imperial capture of Ald Marak, part of the concessions offered by Imperial Prince Juilek to Lord Vivec in the truce negotiations to end their war and gain Imperial assets in Morrowind was freedom to take lands from Black Marsh.

From "2920, The Last Year of the First Era" by Carlovac Townway, quoting Juilek:

And your land may expand by taking certain estates in Black Marsh, whichever you choose, provided they are not needed by the Empire.

On the night of 31 Last Seed 1E 2920, Prince Juilek, heir to the Imperial throne, was assassinated at Dorsza Pass, a breach in a large earthen wall that lies somewhere in Black Marsh, presumably north of Gideon. The assassin was a man named Miramor and he intended to slay Emperor Reman III as part of a plot by Empress Tavia, whom Reman had imprisoned in Castle Giovesse in Gideon, Black Marsh. By an odd string of events, it was instead her son Juilek who rode through the pass and was the victim of a spear trap hidden in the grasses.

The Knahaten Flu ravages Tamriel between 2E 560 and 2E 601

From "The Pocket Guide to the Empire", Wild Regions section, Argonia:

In CE560, the Knahaten Flu spread through greater Argonia, claiming the lives of the Kothringi tribesmen, the only humans to have persisted in the area for long. The hist proved immune to the effects of this plague, leading to wild rumors that they had, in fact, created it through a manipulation of their cherished spore-trees.

It is almost certain that the Knahaten Flu reached the Khajiiti homeland of Elsweyr. Much of the city of Senchal was leveled presumably in an attempt to fight the flu's spread.

From "The Pocket Guide to the Empire", Elsweyr Confederacy section, Senchal:

In CE560, a strain of the Knahaten Flu blew across the channel from nearby Argonia and quickly infected the city's population.

From "Tamrielic Artifacts":

One of Valenwood's legendary heroes is Oreyn Bearclaw. Son of King Faume Toad-Eye, he was a respected clan hunter and a future leader. Wood Elven legend claims Oreyn single handedly defeated Glenhwyfaunva, the witch-serpent of the Elven wood, forever bringing peace to his clan. Oreyn would go on to accomplish numerous other deeds, eventually losing his life to the Knahaten Flu.

Whether the Knahaten Flu, also known as the Knahaten Plague, reached Hammerfell or not is unclear.

From Daggerfall's holidays as listed at the Imperial Library, Calendar page:

The Day of Shame - 20th Rain's Hand (20th April)
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 hundreds of years ago, will return on this day.

The Knahaten Flu, alias the Knahaten Plague, may have gotten into Morrowind. The plague mentioned may be another entirely, but the time frame is right and the other big suspect, the Thrassian Plague, occurred in the First Era not the Second. And the Ghost Fence contained the Blight to Red Mountain during the Second Era.

From "Surfeit of Thieves" by Aniis Noru:

"The place is called Ald Olyra," she explained. "It dates back to the second era when a collection of nobles built it to protect themselves during one of the epidemics. They didn't want any of the diseased masses to get into their midst and spread the plague, so they built up quite a sophisticated security system for the time.

From the Tamriel Timeline at the Imperial Library:

2E560-2E601
The Knahaten Flu plagues South East Tamriel destroying several native tribes in Black Marsh. The reptilian Argonians alone among the tribes of Black Marsh are immune to the plague, leading to speculation, not entirely discredited by modern researchers, that a genocidal Argonian mage creates the plague for his people.

There was a pursuit by Tiber Septim's troops into Black Marsh of kidnappers who had taken someone named Reekee (which sounds vaguely Argonian) in 2E 861.

From Attrebus's character description from TESA Redguard:

"...and nearly lost a leg to an Argonian feather-serpent during the grueling pursuit of Reekee's kidnappers into the depths of Black Marsh in 861."

The Imperial Library once said that the Knahaten Flu was also known as the Crimson Plague. After my inquiries about the subject, Xanathar corrected himself and now TIL says that the Thrassian Plague is a.k.a. the Crimson Plague.

Xan's note: It is my mistake.

In this story within a story, a man named Thaurbad is said to be suffering from the Crimson Plague. The time given for the story is "not long" after the founding of the Mages Guild but before there were guildhouses on mainland Tamriel. According to a MW document, "Imperial Charter of the Guild of Mages", the Guild was founded in 2E 230, a full 950 years after the time span the Imperial Library gives for the Thrassian Plague, but 330 years before the outbreak of the Knahaten Flu. If this Crimson Plague is either of these diseases, then something odd is going on. If it is not another disease entirely, it is more likely to be the Knahaten Flu as a quest involving the Crimson Plague has some dialogue saying that it was believed to have been eradicated in the Second Era. TIL has the Thrassian Plague's period of influence ending seven centuries before the Second Era even began. Then again, TIL says the Thrassian Plague existed 200 years before it was released on Tamriel.

From "Feyfolken" by Waughin Jarth (actually Ted Peterson in real life), as told by the Great Sage:

This particular tale takes place in city of Alinor on the west coast of Summurset Isle, and concerns a scribe named Thaurbad. This was in the Second Era, not long after Vanus Galerion had first founded the Mages Guild and chapter houses had sprung up all over Summurset, though not yet spread to the mainland of Tamriel.

...He had the Crimson Plague... It was a dreadful disease and had taken away his voicebox.

The description of the Redguard 'Day of Shame' "holiday" says that a vessel known as the Crimson Ship carried victims of the Knahaten Plague. This was what led Xanathar to think that the Knahaten Flu and the Crimson Plague were one and the same.

The final odd twist is that in TES III: Morrowind, a lich named Gedna Relvel claims to be bringing back the "Crimson Plague", a disease only mentioned in the bo