Morrowind:Bosmer

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Illustration of a typical Bosmer male.

The Bosmer are the various barbarian Elven clan-folk of Valenwood, a forested province in southwestern Tamriel. In the Empire, they are often collectively referred to as Wood Elves, but "Bosmer", or "the Tree-Sap People", is what they call themselves. "Tree-Sap" suggests the wild vitality and youthful energy of Wood Elves, in contrast with their more dour cousins, the Altmer and Dunmer. Bosmer reject the stiff, formal traditions of Aldmeri high culture, preferring a romantic, simple existence in harmony with the land, its wild beauty and wild creatures. These country cousins of the High Elves and Dark Elves are nimble and quick in body and wit, and because of their curious natures and natural agility, Bosmer are especially suitable as scouts, and thieves. But most of all, the Bosmer are known for their skills with bows; there are no finer archers in all of Tamriel. Their ability to command simple-minded creatures is also well known. As part of their Green Pact, they are religiously carnivorous and cannibalistic, but do not destroy trees or plant life, though they are not averse to using wooden or plant-derived products created by others.

The Elves of Valenwood have always been involved in political arguments between the other races of Tamriel, but have never waged war with other nations, only defended their lands countless times, from the Khajiits of Elsweyr and the High Elves of the Summerset Isle. One of these skirmishes with the Khajiits formed the basis of the book Mixed Unit Tactics.

They have never been truly allied with other nations. Mistrust has been engendered by the ritual cannibalism that they practice in accord with their Green Pact. The specifics of other Bosmeri beliefs and traditions makes them uncomfortable with the "dour" city life lived by other races. In addition, the many invasions of Valenwood have not probably not helped, nor the depredations of the Camoran Usurper in the Colovian Highlands and other provinces.

[edit] Base Attributes

Attribute	M	F
Strength	30	30
Intelligence	40	40
Willpower	30	30
Agility	50	50
Speed	50	50
Endurance	30	30
Personality	40	40
Luck	40	40

[edit] Skill Bonuses

Skill	Bonus
Marksman	+15
Sneak	+10
Light Armor	+10
Alchemy	+5
Acrobatics	+5

[edit] In-Game Description

The Wood Elves are the various barbarian Elven clanfolk of the Western Valenwood forests. These country cousins of the High Elves and Dark Elves are nimble and quick in body and wit, and because of their curious natures and natural agility, Wood Elves are especially suitable as scouts, agents, and thieves. But most of all, the Wood Elves are known for their skills with bows; there are no finer archers in all of Tamriel.

[edit] Specials

Power: Beast Tongue - Command Creature 5pts for 600sec
Ability: Resist Common Disease: 75%

[edit] Ideal Character

Bosmer make good stealthy archer characters. They will do well in any faction where those abilities are prized - the Morag Tong, Great House Hlaalu, the Thieves Guild. With a big boost to Marksman, a good bonus in Sneak, and 50 speed to start, you have a good natural ability for sniping and skulking. Usually racial skill bonuses aren't significant but the +15 to Marksman is hard to ignore, especially since there's not much else to be a decision-swinging bonus, and it can make a positive difference, especially if your character has Marksman as a Minor Skill. The Bosmer's disease resistance is always helpful, except of course if you intend on becoming a Vampire. The Beast Tongue ability has only limited use, though it could be useful in the early stages of the game if you get mobbed by Kagouti or Blighted Nix-Hounds.

A downside to being a Bosmer with low strength is that you may have trouble keeping a large supply of ammunition in your inventory, and that might mean more trips to the store. This will be mitigated in large part if you aren't weighed down by Heavy/Medium Armor and large weapons like battleaxes - though on the other hand, if you DO use weapons like battleaxes then you'll quickly build your Strength up anyway.