04-19-2006, 09:25 PM
Remember, this is biased. The guy is TRYING to be objective, but he is writing this for the best interests of Cyrodiilic travelers, so keep that in mind when you read this short guide
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Having gone to many Argonian (lizardmen) tribes in Argonia I must say that the Argonians have a very diverse culture. Actually, it can be said that there are actually three kinds of Argonian culture. One would be the more war-like hunter tribes inhabiting the north and west and central areas. Another would be more peaceful farmer tribes of the south and central, and yet another would be the tough but peaceful fisher tribes of the eastern coast. Yet another emerging culture would be the kleptocratic culture. Frankly I can say that if we are all citizens of the Empire, then us Cyrodiilics are the greatest kleptocrats as we suck revenues from the other provinces. Regardless, these local kingdoms, fiefdoms, and large estates are ruled by Argonian nobles and those who served in the Legion to help conquer their own people. They have formed a sort of ruling elite and mercenary class that tries to create a sort of union. They have created regimes in certain areas but are the most civilized of the Argonians.
Regardless, traditional Argonian society is based around the tribe or clan. The enitre tribe works for the mutual benefit of the whole as well as looking out for personal needs. They worship nature and the Hist trees and are led by chiefs or shamans.
The war-like tribes tend to be nomadic tribes of the north, central, and west. They have been fighting Dunmer, Marsh Cats, and Cyrodiilics for ages and have become adept guerillas as well was conventional warriors. They are also often the ones that will more readily ally with those that are normally enemies- Naga and Paatru, to fight off Dunmer or Imperials. Their society is normally based around a chief and the best warriors or a chief and the shaman. They are hunters and foragers. I did not stay long with them and had hired two bodyguards before attempting to contact one of their tribes. They appear to live farther away from the central Hist-forests and also seem to all have a sort of collective pride that they are the defenders of Argonia. It would be best to avoid these tribes if you should travel in Argonia.
Now, the semi-agrarian tribes of the south and central regions. Here farming on a small scale is possible and many tribes engage in farming and occasional hunting. It is also these tribes that are most peaceful with us Cyrodiilics and they are very welcoming. These tribes trade with one another often and also bring produce to local market gatherings. They are all led by chieftains or matriarchs as any tribe but their chief has less of a martial role, he is often the oldest or the wisest member of the tribe. Obviously this shows that they are a peaceful people. However, do not underestimate their martial capabilities, if on their own land in their own territories, their hunting skills can be used against you.
Thirdly, the hunter/fisher-folk of the center and eastern coast. These are hardy Argonians who have long lived in relative peace and have been relatively undisturbed by outsiders. Although the occasional House Dres slave raid would occur, House Dres acquired most slaves from the northern tribes who were often at war with the Dunmer. Also, slavery has been abolished already in Morrowind. Although not necessarily war-like, these tribes will fiercely defend their homes. They are distrustful and are more affiliated with the war-like tribes than the compliant farmer tribes. They do however value steel and iron tools and weaponry.
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Imperials' Guide to Argonian Tribes
by Juliek Marconius
by Juliek Marconius
Having gone to many Argonian (lizardmen) tribes in Argonia I must say that the Argonians have a very diverse culture. Actually, it can be said that there are actually three kinds of Argonian culture. One would be the more war-like hunter tribes inhabiting the north and west and central areas. Another would be more peaceful farmer tribes of the south and central, and yet another would be the tough but peaceful fisher tribes of the eastern coast. Yet another emerging culture would be the kleptocratic culture. Frankly I can say that if we are all citizens of the Empire, then us Cyrodiilics are the greatest kleptocrats as we suck revenues from the other provinces. Regardless, these local kingdoms, fiefdoms, and large estates are ruled by Argonian nobles and those who served in the Legion to help conquer their own people. They have formed a sort of ruling elite and mercenary class that tries to create a sort of union. They have created regimes in certain areas but are the most civilized of the Argonians.
Regardless, traditional Argonian society is based around the tribe or clan. The enitre tribe works for the mutual benefit of the whole as well as looking out for personal needs. They worship nature and the Hist trees and are led by chiefs or shamans.
The war-like tribes tend to be nomadic tribes of the north, central, and west. They have been fighting Dunmer, Marsh Cats, and Cyrodiilics for ages and have become adept guerillas as well was conventional warriors. They are also often the ones that will more readily ally with those that are normally enemies- Naga and Paatru, to fight off Dunmer or Imperials. Their society is normally based around a chief and the best warriors or a chief and the shaman. They are hunters and foragers. I did not stay long with them and had hired two bodyguards before attempting to contact one of their tribes. They appear to live farther away from the central Hist-forests and also seem to all have a sort of collective pride that they are the defenders of Argonia. It would be best to avoid these tribes if you should travel in Argonia.
Now, the semi-agrarian tribes of the south and central regions. Here farming on a small scale is possible and many tribes engage in farming and occasional hunting. It is also these tribes that are most peaceful with us Cyrodiilics and they are very welcoming. These tribes trade with one another often and also bring produce to local market gatherings. They are all led by chieftains or matriarchs as any tribe but their chief has less of a martial role, he is often the oldest or the wisest member of the tribe. Obviously this shows that they are a peaceful people. However, do not underestimate their martial capabilities, if on their own land in their own territories, their hunting skills can be used against you.
Thirdly, the hunter/fisher-folk of the center and eastern coast. These are hardy Argonians who have long lived in relative peace and have been relatively undisturbed by outsiders. Although the occasional House Dres slave raid would occur, House Dres acquired most slaves from the northern tribes who were often at war with the Dunmer. Also, slavery has been abolished already in Morrowind. Although not necessarily war-like, these tribes will fiercely defend their homes. They are distrustful and are more affiliated with the war-like tribes than the compliant farmer tribes. They do however value steel and iron tools and weaponry.
