Skyrim:Thalmor

The Thalmor is the combined elven government of the second Aldmeri Dominion. The Thalmor seek to advance Aldmeri power and influence, and support Aldmeri interests which include stamping out the worship of Talos (which is already illegal under the terms of the White-Gold Concordat) and supporting the superiority of elves over humans. In Skyrim, the Thalmor maintain the official Thalmor Embassy in the mountains near Solitude and also control Northwatch Keep. Thalmor soldiers (such as Thalmor Justiciars) can sometimes be found travelling along roads in the wild with prisoners in tow; while not immediately hostile, conversing with such characters will reveal their antagonistic nature and choosing certain dialogue options (particularly on the topic of religion) can turn them hostile. Rumors in Skyrim suggest that the Thalmor may have some involvement with the return of dragons to Tamriel.

Named NPCs in this Faction

• Elenwen
• Ondolemar
• Ancano
• Rulindil
• Estormo
• J'datharr

Generic Thalmor NPCs

Thalmor Archers

Thalmor Archers use steel, elven, or glass bows and arrows, depending on the player's level. They are precise and have proven to be a challenge when in groups. The best strategy is perhaps to break each archer from the group and take them out one by one.

Thalmor Soldiers

Thalmor Soldiers can be found wandering the countryside, often with a prisoner under their guard, and also at other Thalmor locations such as the Thalmor Embassy and Northwatch Keep. Most do not immediately attack unless you follow them for too long, approach too closely, or pick the wrong choices in conversation with them. They wear mostly light Elven Armor* and usually wield a one-handed weapon and a spell. In single combat, they are not especially difficult, but in groups, they can quickly become a handful; keep your wits about you and try to split up the groups so as to take on smaller numbers at a time. They are also vulnerable to fire, so if you have the Fire Breath shout, strong flame spells, or a weapon enchanted with Fire Damage, they should go down easily.

• At higher levels, Thalmor Soldiers can occasionally be found wearing a set of Glass Armor and possibly carrying a glass weapon and shield instead of their usual Elven equipment.

Thalmor Justiciars

Thalmor Justiciars are official enforcers of the terms of the White-Gold Concordat. From time to time they can be encountered wandering the countryside accompanied by low-ranking Thalmor Soldiers. Justiciars sometimes carry an order of execution for the player, issued by the Thalmor government, due to the player's interference in the schemes of the Thalmor. In addition, you have the option of telling them that you worship Talos, which will also cause them to attack. Also, due to their generally unfriendly attitude, if you linger on the choice for too long they will outright attack you, apparently unconcerned for the fierce theological debate raging in your mind.

Thalmor History

The Aldmeri Dominion and the Empire waged war during a time before present-day Skyrim known as the Great War. Both sides called for an end to the fighting under the conditions of the White-Gold Concordat. The White Gold Concordat, outlawed Talos worship, disbanded the Blades, and forced the empire to give much of southern Hammerfell. The Thalmor is the government that was placed in the Aldmeri Provinces of Valenwood, The Thalmor government sent agents to the empire to enforce the terms of the White-Gold Concordat. This creates a Thalmor-Aldmeri presence in the Empire, and have created embassies like the one in Skyrim to keep relations with the provincial governments, as well as sending Thalmor Justiciars to enforce the terms of the White-Gold Concordat.

Notes

• Thalmor will never try to hide their view on Mer supremacy over non-elves, especially the races of Men.
• The Thalmor may write an Order of Execution for the player if you act against them. This can happen whether or not the player has entered the Thalmor Embassy during the main quest Diplomatic Immunity.
• Aside from this, the Thalmor will generally not notice or care if the player is a Mer (or even a High Elf).
• The Thalmor's Elven Armor they tend to wear can be very useful to low level characters, but acquiring it can be difficult as they travel in groups of three and can easily overpower you if you are not properly prepared.
• The Thalmor at Northwatch keep are identified by different generic names, the Northwatch Archers are normal Thalmor Archers, and the Northwatch Guards are normal Thalmor Soldiers.