Bosmer
The Bosmer, commonly known as Wood Elves, are the elven people of Valenwood. They live in harmony with nature, preferring a simple existence close to the land and its creatures. Renowned as the finest archers in all of Tamriel, they possess unmatched skill in commanding wild animals. Their agility and stealth make them exceptional scouts and thieves.
Fourth Era History
The Aldmeri Dominion
After the War of the Blue Divide in the Third Era, where the Altmer defeated the Bosmer in Valenwood, the two races became the foundation of the newly-formed Aldmeri Dominion and its Thalmor forces. The Dominion nearly crushed the Empire during the Great War, but its forces were forced to withdraw after the Battle of the Red Ring.
The Third Aldmeri Dominion experienced a resurgence in prestige and power unseen since the First Aldmeri Dominion's defeat by Tiber Septim in the Second Era. Emboldened, it expanded its influence across Tamriel, including Skyrim, while maintaining strained diplomatic relations with the weakened Mede Empire.
The Thalmor's Influence
The Thalmor's presence caused widespread unrest, including in Valenwood, where families loyal to the Empire suffered greatly. Malborn, a Bosmer encountered during the Diplomatic Immunity quest, aids the Dragonborn against the Thalmor in part due to his family being killed by them. This implies the existence of Imperial sympathizers among the Bosmer, despite their forced allegiance to the Dominion.
Bosmer Traits
- Age: Bosmer reach adulthood at around age 18 and live to be 300-400 years old, though some live longer due to their connection with nature and magic.
- Size: Bosmer are smaller and leaner than other elves, standing 4 to 5 feet tall and weighing around 100-140 pounds. Your size is Medium.
- Speed: Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
- Darkvision: Accustomed to life in dense forests and twilight groves, you can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
- Bosmer Blood: You gain resistance against being poisoned and diseased.
- Kindred Spirit: Once per Long Rest, you can cast Animal Friendship.
- Mask of the Wild: You can attempt to hide even when you are only lightly obscured by natural phenomena, such as foliage, heavy rain, falling snow, mist, or other environmental features.
- Languages: You can speak, read, and write Tamrielic and Bosmeri. The Elvish language is fluid and expressive, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar.