A Justiciary Report on Elsweyr

The following is my observations and discoveries made whilst on duty in Elsweyr, covering the areas of Senchal, Torval, Dune, Corinthe and various regions of rural Elsweyr from 4E 8-10. Officially finished and dated 4E 11.

Culture: The Khajiit are far more complex than what I had been told. Not only do they vary widely in shape and supposedly species, there are very different outlooks to Khajiiti life. The Northerners are far less civilised due to a higher focus on nomadism, martial prowess and navigation through signs that are allegedly evident to Khajiit, but I think they were just trying to look impressive. Even if I argued that it was a merely a desert like any other they would simply state that I was “without bearing”; the heat had clearly gone to their heads. The Southerners, however, appear far more civilised, academic (slightly) and mercantile than their northern brothers. There are those who have only the slightest differences between being a “Neh Qwiniit” and “Pa La Tiit” yet others are extremely different to the point of inciting violence simply out of contempt for the opposing culture; though this only occurred once and the northerner appeared to be a very old cat and likely stubborn. Very few elderly Khajiit are as stubborn and bitter as, say, Nordic or Dunmeri elders as there appears to be an underlying “carefree” attitude to most, similar to the neighbouring Bosmer – yet not quite as much. Not only are the Northerners and Southerners different, but each major city has their own subtle differences in those split cultures. Senchal presented the far more mercantile aspects of the “Pa La Tiit” Khajiit, yet those in Torval displayed the stark differences in Southerners when working hard or relaxing as they were either very intensive workers or very pampered in their leisure.

Language: Whilst using their own odd language “Ta’agra” between most fellow Khajiit, many would still be able to talk in Tamrielic though very few could speak Altmeri. I often wonder how Khajiit even know what they’re saying to one another as there are multiple translations to single sentences. It’s as though they are speaking in equations, with each word a number but the result being something entirely different. I could only describe it as mathematics without logic. I can personally understand Altmeri (obviously), Tamrielic, Ayleidoon and some Dwemeri (like that does me any good) and yet learning this is far more challenging. Only someone who lived as a Khajiit must be able to understand it, because it doesn’t make sense elsewhere.

Geometry: The Khajiit are, at least in regards to what I know, unique in their geometrical appreciations. The dominant and most loved shape is the circle/sphere, or at least that which is spherical; unlike the man-favoured “golden ratio” and our own more minute and beautiful forms. Many would suggest this is due to the Khajiiti obsession over the moons, however it should not be ruled out that the spherical Aedric bodies do not also have some influence involved. Even in some forms of martial arts, attacks involve moving in spherical/curved motions; though other attacks which are more simple, swift and primal are taught as “necessary for survival yet brutally crude”. In much of Torval’s architecture, the Khajiit have done what they can to make as many buildings be curved to the point of questioning whether it truly is architecture. This is excluding the areas in which Valenwood lumber is present as the Mane of the time desired it to be installed as soon as possible after the 5 Year War; much of this wood is around the lower regions of the Mane’s temple, in which it provides a large vertical and horizontal garden that builds up like steps which, from afar, look as though it could be spherical. Other pieces are found scattered throughout the town that have either been “defiled” via a variety of cuts and scratches to the wood which designate a certain clans presence in the area or have been carved into “humerous” parodical depictions of Bosmer and, recently, of past Septim Emperors.

Senchal presents the sphere obsession (which I like to call a “sphetish”) with more soft and wide shapes on the lower levels of the town and ramps that slightly spiral. At the higher levels, there are obviously very regular boxed and straight buildings to reach said heights reliably, but the surrounding fauna is shaped – either by nature or botanist – to have spherical aspects; even the artistic carvings are mostly curved patterns.

Throughout rural Elsweyr, the homes and buildings of farmers and junglecats alike have roofs which – whilst typically triangular to separate and catch rain – are curved with features similar to spikes at each end of the house to maintain a spherical outline and shadow (when possible). Several Sugar Canes are even planted in semi-circular patterns in which farmers will work them whilst moving in a pendulum-like fashion from the longest and furthest row until reaching the last inner circle of canes (which is said to instil great relief once finished as the workload shortens each time).

Further north amongst the nomads they have very light mobile buidings which are transported with a tribe (clan? litter?); though come to much sharper points at each end. The most popular form is that which the roof comes to a single sharp point at the entrance and the other flat portions are pushed into the sand and earth. Some Khajiit had told me that it was useful for hunting, but nothing sane could live that far out. What it was useful for, however, was breaking the hot winds and sand from flying into the group as they travelled through the deserts by having the point face forward and a few Khajiit hold on behind and walk on, completely unbothered by the storm. Whilst the more dexterous forms held the roof (shield?) the other quadrupedal forms carried the rugs and cloths that would be used over the sand in their mobile hut.

The Northern cats have much sharper circular geometry present in their architecture that you would think they built their houses out of weapons (which, in most cases, have curved and circular blades). Many towers that cannot be held by the roundness of smaller buildings instead have many curved extensions on the side of the tower which mimic the style of the roof. Cloth materials are often found extended outside of buildings in a loose manner for a curved design, particularly in markets that are completely covered from the sun. Whilst the Empire has a very weak presence in Elsweyr, smugglers are believed to use these many sheets to store goods for other smugglers to take later and, due to the complexity of the layout, made it very hard for Imperial guards to catch and apprehend those who used this system; along with finding the illicit goods before smugglers.

Fashion: Despite the aforementioned obsessions with circles and spheres, they seem to understand where practicality comes into play as, unlike their architecture, Khajiit are far more forgiving when it comes to dress. The most popular form of attire is the “Budiit”. It’s a peculiar style of robe or shirt which is tied up on the right side of the body (I am yet to understand why. Perhaps it’s easier for their quadrupedal brothers to wear them if another can dress them whilst they stand?). Almost all manner of dress is vibrant and colourful, though this is less common for rural Khajiit. Covering the torso is crucial as exposing it, even just the fur, is considered very offensive and shameful. The Khajiit also fashion their hair in many ways, sometimes even in conjunction with the very popular metal (often golden) rings. For the Khajiit who do not remove the extended hair on their heads, Khajiit often have braided locks or the “dry lock” (sometimes called “Dread” locks) fashion of hair style, which is also found amongst Redguards. Along with this, the more aesthetically concerned pierce their ears to hold rings and jewels; the Ohmes and Ohmes-Raht form (those that look like Men and Mer) sometimes do this with their noses and lips, though it is less common. Most Northerners who are more martially-focused do not wear jewellery as they fear they can be ripped out in combat or by thieves.

Law: Whilst Khajiit are often seen as low-end criminals, there are many laws and lawful figures in Elsweyr. The Mane has much popularity, yet I am informed that they love the Empire too. And yet the same thing is said for clan leaders, “Clan Mothers”, city governors, guild councils and more. I believe that this must be a lie and that the law has such little effect on Khajiiti life that they don’t need to worry about the law in general as “common sense”, as unlikely as it sounds for them, dictates what would and wouldn’t be permitted. Depending on the area, some are even allowed to have an explanation as to why their actions were illegal and let go for their first offence. Whilst it sounds bizarre, it appears to work as there are very few counts of recidivism with those who have had their crime explained. This was briefly introduced with Imperial Law, however many Imperial magistrates believed it to be unjust and had scrapped it 2 years after it was introduced to them.

The Mane, apparently, is not much of a “powerful” figure in the usual sense. He (it is currently male) does not even set laws. His word is powerful and has influence across all of Elsweyr and allegedly reincarnates but he acts more like a priest than a king. At least, this is from what I have heard; I was unable to see the Mane as the line to this temple was very long and once I reached the guards at the entrance I had been thrown out and threatened with death, which I am told is normal for those who are not Khajiit; apparently more so after the Oblivion Crisis. Speaking of which, the northern part had fared much better than the south, though those areas of the north that were struck hard still appear damaged; whereas the south had been quick to rebuild, Senchal organisations funding much of it from trade missions involving other nations and much of Elsweyr has been repaired as opposed to some nations such as Morrowind and Skyrim.

Conclusion: Now is not the time to attempt assimilation. Once Valenwood can be taken it will be much easier and less costly to attempt a coup. The Khajiit are far less passive than the neighbouring Bosmer and will not be as easily swayed. Once we solidify our place in all of Summerset and then move to Valenwood we should consider Elsweyr. If we try to invade like the Empire we will only have as much success as they did, which appears to be very little. We should wait a good dozen or so decades until the Mane dies and nationalistic emotions of the north and south can be utilised in its absence. Also, it is worth looking into how the moons affect the Khajiit, it is possible that if we remove them from the birth equation we can create a nation of pure Aldmer right beside Cyrodiil.