Elder Scrolls Lore » Discussions


High Elves and Their Society: What Is Their Economic State?

  • Member
    November 7, 2015

    I've always been interested in the ways of Altmer, regardless whether I agree with them, but what's been itching at me is the question of economics.

    What is their economic policy? Are they socialist, communist, or capitalistic? Their form of government: what is it? It seems more like a monarchy, but the Thalmor seem to have more influence than even the Queen. 

    Any thoughts?

  • November 7, 2015
    From what I understand, it is organized actually like petty states or kingdoms that then answer to a high king. The Thalmor, in I think 4e 22, removed the High King. Didn't say whether they killed him. Firsthold, at one point and possibly still is ruler by the family of Barenziah's daughter. Shimmerene's princess was assassinated by the Beautiful. So this is more evidence that the Altmer government is city-statish or petty kingdoms. They used to be more egalitarian, but they evolved to have echelons of society. I did research on this way back. I am oversimplifying, but I'm not in a position where I can really elaborate. On my phone, lol. You've read the 5 part series on the Altmer here, though I did read a lot of lore books to. I really like using primary evidence when it's available.
  • Member
    November 7, 2015

    It's good enough for me! I've begun to express more interest in economics and government, and would like to see a fanfiction that really gets into the nitty-gritty of society.

  • November 7, 2015
    I'm just laughing right now. Straag Rod does delves into it quite a bit but I dunno, I certainly take liberties where information is limited. Chapters 5 & 6, and 19-25 are set in Summerset or talk about it. Aelberon is an Altmer, it's important. Accursed Gloom also sets a lot of his in Summerset as well. It's guess work really. Lol
  • Tom
    Member
    November 7, 2015

    They definitely have an aristocracy (Lord Naarifin), and historically they've been known to have a very strict class system (Galerion the Mystic).

    Current information is lacking and intentionally so. The Dominion cut off all communication with the Empire for 70 years prior to initiating the Great War.

  • Member
    November 7, 2015
    I wouldn't say I have a lot, but I do have a chapter set just north of Alinor (city, of course) and have some references to their culture. There should be some more in Summerset soon, though. I've been meaning to flesh out Aldaril for some time now.
    Back to the topic!
    Historically it's been very much like Skyrim; the Isles were divided up into smaller sections, each with their own ruler, who in turn answered to the High King. In my opinion, though, it now seems that the Thalmor run things totally. There isn't much information, but it certainly seems that any trace of power the royal families held has been ursuped by the Thalmor with the aristocracy acting more as figureheads than actual rulers. A bit like what happened in Japan; the Emporer existed, but only as a figurehead, with the Shoguns in control.
    As for their economy... I'd assume that they have been and still are fairly free market, though I'm guessing that this would be slightly limited in their culture.
  • Member
    November 7, 2015

    I expect a lot of aspects of life to be strict with Thalmor rules. Especially education and such.

  • Member
    November 7, 2015

    Oh, cool! I should focus more on the lore books to get a better idea of things.

  • November 7, 2015

    Yep Pocket Guide.   One of the sources I definitely looked at, and Galerion the Mystic too. 

    Another book that has some interesting clues on Religion is Feyfolken

    There's definitely stuff out there, but yeah, it will be on the older side. 

  • November 7, 2015

    Oh, you are too modest, you done buried and married Altmer in your story.