The UESPWiki – Your source for The Elder Scrolls since 1995
Jump to: navigation, search
- 3Religion
- 4Morphology
- 4.1Furstocks
- 7See Also
- 8References
Elsweyr, the land of the Khajiit
![Long Long](/uploads/1/2/3/7/123721510/314887323.jpg)
A Khajiiti skeleton
Khajiit are cat-like people who come from Elsweyr, known for high intelligence and agility.[1] These traits make them very good thieves and acrobats, but Khajiit are also fearsome warriors. However, they are rarely known to be mages.[2] Khajiit mostly stay on land, but piracy and skooma trade does draw some to work as sailors.[3]
Khajiit anatomy differs greatly from both men and elves, not only because of their fur, tail, and sometimes toe-walking stance, but also their digestive system and metabolism.[4] Khajiit, Argonians, and Imga are the so-called 'beast races' of Tamriel because of these large differences.[1] Khajiit have a lifespan similar to that of humans.[5] There are no well-documented cases of cross-breeding between Khajiit and other races, though there are rumors of such a thing.[4][6] The foreign appearance and behavior of Khajiit make them common targets of racial discrimination.[7][8]
Origin[edit]
Even before the first Men or Mer set foot on Tamriel, the Khajiit were already native to the continent.[9][10] However, the origin of the cat-folk on the Tamriel still remains debated. Legend speaks of the Khajiit to have originated from an intelligent feline race or being their cousins.[11][12][13] This belief could be supported by the interpretation of the encounter with four and two legged cat demons by Topal the Pilot to be ancient Khajiit, just as Tamriel was still being explored the first time by Aldmer.[14][1]
Other theories speak of them being descendants of Aldmeri settlers, proved by the visual similarity of Ohmes and Ohmes-raht to Men and Mer, especially Bosmer.[UOL 1][15][16] The Khajiiti creation myth suggests the Bosmer and Khajiit to have common ancestors; Azurah having taken the forest people that were torn between the shape of beast and man and given them the many shapes of the Khajiit. But with Y'ffre telling Nirni of Azurah's doings and shaping the remaining forest people into the Bosmer, this link was cut.[17]
The following history and culture of the Khajiit is very closely connected to their homeland.
- → See main article: History of Elsweyr
Society[edit]
The Mane, while the unofficial head-of-state, is no more a 'breed' of Khajiit than any other is; he is simply unique. Khajiit tradition holds that only one Mane may be alive at any one time, since the Mane is one entity reborn in different bodies with the passage of time. The veracity of this is unknown, but there has been no recorded instance of multiple Manes contending for power.[15] The Khajiit are divided by two disparate ways of life: the civilized jungles and river basins of southern Elsweyr, which have ancient mercantile traditions, a stable agrarian aristocracy based on the exportation of saltrice and Moon Sugar, and a thriving artistic culture, which contrasts greatly with the nomadic tribe or pride-centric Khajiit of the dry northern wastes and grasslands, where aggressive and territorial raiders occasionally unite under a single chieftain.[18][19] It is widely held that the greatest force among the Khajiit are the Clan Mothers. It is they, ultimately, who control both the harvest and refining of Moon Sugar, and thus they who are seen as the most influential.
The Khajiit often refer to Moon Sugar as 'crystallized moonlight', trapped by the glimmering waters of the Topal Sea and washed to the sugarcane groves of the Tenmar Forest by the tides, under the guidance of Hermorah. The Khajiit believe that by consuming it, they are consuming a small portion of the eternal souls of the moon gods, Jone and Jode. It drives them into fits of ecstasy and abandon, purportedly leaving the streets of Elsweyr's major cities strewn with catmen shivering in the grip of sugar-fits. Despite the extremely addictive nature of the sugar, it is an integral part of Khajiit life and the chief export of Elsweyr, where it is smuggled out in both raw and refined forms.[15][20] It helps support a thriving black market; it is said one can purchase practically anything among the Khajiit. Khajiit of the desert tribes are often buried with only a small cairn of stones, so their bodies can be easily used by Necromancers.[1][21]
This love of Moon Sugar has given them a 'sweet tooth'; candies, cakes, puddings, and sugar-meats are the staples of the Khajiit diet, each generously enriched with Moon Sugar.[15] This relationship between religion and cultural practice goes deeper than appearances suggest.[15] According to legend, the Khajiit and their deities are bound up in the Lunar Lattice, no less than the famed Liminal Barriers, the tendency of Mundus to remain discrete from the Sea of Oblivion and the force that keeps the Daedra out of Nirn.[15] In this way the Khajiit, Moon Sugar, Lorkhan's Moons, Lorkhan's Heart, and White Gold Tower are all related, as all play a part in shaping the fundamental structure of the mortal plane.[15][22]
The typical bipedal Khajiit dresses in an ample shawl of brightly-colored cloth, known as a budi, for defense against the harsh rays of the sun. This shirt is tightly fastened in braids down the right side, in order to prevent any part of the torso fur from being seen, as the exposure of such in public is deemed both offensive and unsightly. In battle, those who walk upright traditionally don medium-weight armor, exquisitely fashioned from loose-fitting leather overlaid with lacquered and highly-burnished metal plates. While leather caps are generally preferred, those with the means to procure such will often don helms of fluted silver.[15] Furthermore, most Khajiit bedeck themselves with jewelry, trinkets, and occasionally even herbs such as Nightshade.[23] Their tattoos often have deep cultural and religious significance, as they signify their race, tribe, and the gods of their worship.[15]
Over the years, Khajiit frequently have had to deal with the worry of being kidnapped and sold into slavery, especially in Morrowind, so they have to take self-defense seriously.[24][25][26][27][28] While the majority of Khajiit prefer to use their razor-sharp and retractable claws as weapons in numerous forms of Khajiiti martial arts like Goutfang, Whispering Fang and Rawlith Khaj, many have mastered the use of the sabre, scimitar, dagger, and longbow. Their chosen mastery is often reflected in male Khajiit names, through which they display their status in life with the prefix; though care is always taken, for the use of two titles is perceived as the result of either great pride or ignorance. While widely speculated, it is unknown whether the Khajiit are in any way related to the Po' Tun (currently Ka Po' Tun) cat people of Akavir or the Lilmothiit, a vulpine beast race which once inhabited Black Marsh.[29][30]
Religion[edit]
A monomythic society, the Khajiit are led in their beliefs by mysterious figures known as 'Clan Mothers', whose duty it is to disseminate the cultural myths among their kind, and who maintain autonomy from the Mane and the disparate tribal leaders.[17] On the origin of their species, the Khajiit believe that life originated with two litter-mates, Ahnurr and Fadomai, who gave birth to the first cat, Alkosh.[17] To Alkosh was given the guardianship of time, and whose birth prompted Ahnurr and Fadomai to bring forth further life into the world, thus they created Khenarthi, guardian of the winds; Magrus, guardian of the sun; Mara, guardian of love; and S'rendarr, guardian of mercy.[17] In time, Ahnurr and Fadomai wished to share the happiness they felt in life with further children, and so, Fadomai gave birth to Hermorah of the tides, Hircine of hunger, Merrunz of destruction, Mafala of the Clan Mothers, Sangiin of blood and life, Sheggorath of insanity, and many others.[17]
Ahnurr decided to stop having children since further offspring would dilute their own happiness. However, Fadomai was persuaded by Khenarthi - who had grown lonely in the realm of the winds - to give birth to further children, and this she did, bringing forth Nirni, the majestic sands and lush forests, and Azurah, the dusk and dawn, as well as the Moons and their Motions. It was at the time of her birthing that Fadomai was caught by Ahnurr who, angered at her trickery and disobedience, struck her. She, fearing for her life and children, fled with them to the Great Darkness and hid, giving birth to her final child, Lorkhaj. Having been born amidst the Great Darkness, the Khajiit believe that Lorkhaj's heart was filled with such, and thus was the Great Darkness made aware of itself and then known as Namiira.[17]
Amidst the darkness, surrounded by her children, Fadomai realized her death was near and set the moons, Jone and Jode, in the skies to guide her children and protect them from Ahnurr's wrath. She gave Nirni her 'greatest gift', proclaiming that she would give birth to as many children as Fadomai had. Nirni was pleased because Azurah, with whom she routinely squabbled, had been left with nothing. Protected by the Lunar Lattice, the children of Fadomai left, save for Azurah. Into the silence and void their absence caused, Azurah approached her mother and was then given her gifts in the form of three secrets. She was told to take one of Nirni's children and change them, making them the fastest, cleverest, and most beautiful of creatures, naming them the Khajiit; second, that they must be fashioned as the best climbers, to climb upon the winds of Khenarthi's breath and set Masser and Secunda aright, lest they fail; lastly, that the Khajiit must be the best deceivers, able to hide their true nature from others. Then Fadomai died, and Azurah left to join her kin.[17]
Nirni approached Lorkhaj, whom she asked to create for her children a dwelling; he did so, and yet the Great Darkness in his heart forced him to deceive his siblings so that they were trapped in the new place with Nirni. Some managed to escape death and become the stars, and those who remained punished Lorkhaj by tearing out his heart and hiding it deep within Nirni, so that he would be with her whom he had done the most harm. Thus among the new world of Lorkhaj's creation, Nirni came to give birth to her children, who were many, but wept bitter tears for her favorite—the forest people—who did not know their proper shape. It was at this time that Azurah came forth and comforted her, taking some of the forest people and placing them in the deserts and forests, where she fashioned them in many forms, one for each purpose they might need, and having done so, named them the Khajiit, teaching them the secrets entrusted to her, and binding them to the Lunar Lattice.[17]
In speaking the secrets, the first was heard by Y'ffer, who told Nirni of Azurah's deed. Nirni, in retribution for her changed, and now lost, children made the deserts hot and sands biting, and filled the forests with water and poison. To separate her beloved children from those of Azurah, she allowed Y'ffer to change those who remained so that they would always be of the mer, and never beasts, and named them Bosmer. From that moment forth, the two were eternally separated and, as with their makers, were bound in animosity one with the other. In this fashion, the Khajiit explain not only their origins, but their bind to the moons and conflict with the Bosmer.[17]
Contradictions to this explanation of Khajiiti origin have been raised by Imperial scholars, who purport that the Khajiit are descendants of a race of great cats of the desert regions of Nirn, backing their claim with the fragmented letters of Topal the Pilot - the earliest known Aldmeri adventurer, after whom the Topal Sea is named - which reference both quad- and bipedal cats:
'The cat demons of four legs and two ran the river's
Length, always keeping the boat in their
Green-eyed sight, hissing, and spitting, and
Roaring with rage.' [1]Green-eyed sight, hissing, and spitting, and
However, even this obscure evidence may yet be debated, as Pelinal Whitestrake, leader of the Elven Pogrom, slew many thousands of the Khajiit, during the same era, under the mistaken impression that they were 'another strain of Aldmeri' so closely did they resemble such. There are other such reports, and they raise the possibility that the Khajiit in general may actually have elven ancestry.[1]
Khajiiti Pantheon[edit]
The Khajiiti pantheon encompasses a myriad of gods, both temporal and otherwise, a fraction of which are detailed below. Of the dark spirits, or dro-m'Athra, who are represented by the inverse phases of the moons and are associated with the gods Lorkhaj and Namiira, the Khajiit rarely speak.
Alkosh (Dragon King of Cats / God of Time)
A cultural hero, and one of the earliest gods among the Khajiit culture, his worship was co-opted during the establishment of the Riddle'thar, although worship of Alkosh as a deity continues to flourish among Elsweyr's desert-blasted regions. Most commonly depicted as a fearsome dragon with feline features, the Khajiit typically describe Alkosh as 'a real big cat'. Popular myth among the Khajiiti holds that he repelled an early Aldmeri pogrom of Pelinal Whitestrake.[31]
A cultural hero, and one of the earliest gods among the Khajiit culture, his worship was co-opted during the establishment of the Riddle'thar, although worship of Alkosh as a deity continues to flourish among Elsweyr's desert-blasted regions. Most commonly depicted as a fearsome dragon with feline features, the Khajiit typically describe Alkosh as 'a real big cat'. Popular myth among the Khajiiti holds that he repelled an early Aldmeri pogrom of Pelinal Whitestrake.[31]
Khajiiti door carving depicting Azurah as a Khajiit, Mer, and Human
Azurah (Goddess of Dusk and Dawn / Queen of the Night Sky)
The Khajiit name for Azura. She is the Sister to Nirni, the plane and goddess upon which the Khajiiti dwell, Azurah is the goddess to whom the Khajiit attribute both their current form and the mysterious tie between them and the Lunar Lattice. She makes few appearances among Khajiiti myth apart from that of their origin.[31] In some art, she is represented as a Khajiit with oversized eyes and star-like pupils.[32] In others, she depicted with three faces—of a Khajiit, a Mer, and a Human woman. She is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33]
The Khajiit name for Azura. She is the Sister to Nirni, the plane and goddess upon which the Khajiiti dwell, Azurah is the goddess to whom the Khajiit attribute both their current form and the mysterious tie between them and the Lunar Lattice. She makes few appearances among Khajiiti myth apart from that of their origin.[31] In some art, she is represented as a Khajiit with oversized eyes and star-like pupils.[32] In others, she depicted with three faces—of a Khajiit, a Mer, and a Human woman. She is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33]
Baan Dar (The Pariah)
Regarded more as a manifestation than a formal god, Baan Dar is the personification of Khajiiti cleverness and the wit engendered of long-suffering on their part.[31] He is commonly attributed with that genius which lends itself to the creation of last-minute plans to foil the machinations of the Khajiit's foes, man or mer.[31]
Regarded more as a manifestation than a formal god, Baan Dar is the personification of Khajiiti cleverness and the wit engendered of long-suffering on their part.[31] He is commonly attributed with that genius which lends itself to the creation of last-minute plans to foil the machinations of the Khajiit's foes, man or mer.[31]
Boethra
The Khajiit name for Boethiah, little is known of her worship. Khajiit describe her as having a sharp tongue,[34] and is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33]
The Khajiit name for Boethiah, little is known of her worship. Khajiit describe her as having a sharp tongue,[34] and is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33]
Hermorah
Little is known about his worship, though he is comparable to Hermaeus Mora. To the Khajiit, he represents the Tides.[17]
Little is known about his worship, though he is comparable to Hermaeus Mora. To the Khajiit, he represents the Tides.[17]
Hircine (The Hungry Cat)
He is the god of hunting and skinchanging, revered for his fierceness and cunning.[16] To gain his favor, the Khajiit partake in a hunt and offer their game in hopes that he will reward them by strengthening their claws and sharpening their senses.[35]
He is the god of hunting and skinchanging, revered for his fierceness and cunning.[16] To gain his favor, the Khajiit partake in a hunt and offer their game in hopes that he will reward them by strengthening their claws and sharpening their senses.[35]
Khenarthi (Goddess of the Winds / Gatherer of Waters)
Little is known of the worship of Khenarthi, whom the Khajiit hold to be the Goddess of the Winds, whose breath sustains her kin, Jode and Jone, on their path through the sky. She is also credited with aiding the Khajiit with swiftness.[31] When 'true cats' die, Khenarthi flies their souls to the Sands Behind the Stars.[36] She is usually represented as a great hawk, and is popular among sailors and farmers.[37] When worshiped in her agricultural aspect, she is known as the Gatherer of Waters.[38]
Little is known of the worship of Khenarthi, whom the Khajiit hold to be the Goddess of the Winds, whose breath sustains her kin, Jode and Jone, on their path through the sky. She is also credited with aiding the Khajiit with swiftness.[31] When 'true cats' die, Khenarthi flies their souls to the Sands Behind the Stars.[36] She is usually represented as a great hawk, and is popular among sailors and farmers.[37] When worshiped in her agricultural aspect, she is known as the Gatherer of Waters.[38]
Jode (Big Moon God)
One aspect of the Lunar Lattice, Jode is revered in a unique manner by each sub-species of Khajiit, as regards their aspect at the time of the Khajiit's birth.[31]
One aspect of the Lunar Lattice, Jode is revered in a unique manner by each sub-species of Khajiit, as regards their aspect at the time of the Khajiit's birth.[31]
Jone (Little Moon God)
One aspect of the Lunar Lattice,[31] Jone is revered in a unique manner by each sub-species of Khajiit, as regards their aspect at the time of the Khajiit's birth.
One aspect of the Lunar Lattice,[31] Jone is revered in a unique manner by each sub-species of Khajiit, as regards their aspect at the time of the Khajiit's birth.
Lorkhaj (The Moon Beast)
Held between admiration and contempt for his great deceit and cunning, Lorkhaj is easily identifiable with the tales of Lorkhan, and among the Khajiit is credited with the creation of the mortal plane.[31]
Held between admiration and contempt for his great deceit and cunning, Lorkhaj is easily identifiable with the tales of Lorkhan, and among the Khajiit is credited with the creation of the mortal plane.[31]
Mafala (Clan Mother of Dark Secrets)
The Khajiit name for Mephala. She is known to be the recorder of hidden guilt and eternal shame. She is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33] However, her worship fell out of favor after the event known as the 'Sinner Suicides'.[39]
The Khajiit name for Mephala. She is known to be the recorder of hidden guilt and eternal shame. She is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33] However, her worship fell out of favor after the event known as the 'Sinner Suicides'.[39]
Magrus (Cat's Eye, Sun God)
The Khajiit name for Magnus. Known to them as the god of the sun and sorcery, although Khajiit magicians revere Azurah more.[16]
The Khajiit name for Magnus. Known to them as the god of the sun and sorcery, although Khajiit magicians revere Azurah more.[16]
Mara (The Mother Cat / Goddess of Love)
The Goddess of Love, to Mara is attributed all the passion of the Khajiit. Nothing is known of her worship among the Khajiiti.[31]
The Goddess of Love, to Mara is attributed all the passion of the Khajiit. Nothing is known of her worship among the Khajiiti.[31]
Merrunz (Ja'Khajiit / Fire-Cat)
Also known by his Imperial name Mehrunes Dagon, Merrunz is an eternally-young god of cat-like form; thus, as a kitten, do the Khajiit explain his natural tendency to rend and destroy the world around him.
Also known by his Imperial name Mehrunes Dagon, Merrunz is an eternally-young god of cat-like form; thus, as a kitten, do the Khajiit explain his natural tendency to rend and destroy the world around him.
Namiira (The Great Darkness)
The Khajiit name for Namira, Namiira is the Great Darkness found within Lorkhaj's heart and the void from which he was born. It is said that the Khajiit entrust the souls of the dead to Namiira.[40] She is associated with the dro-m'Athra.
The Khajiit name for Namira, Namiira is the Great Darkness found within Lorkhaj's heart and the void from which he was born. It is said that the Khajiit entrust the souls of the dead to Namiira.[40] She is associated with the dro-m'Athra.
Rajhin (The Footpad / The Silent Walker)
The thief-god of the Khajiiti, legend holds that Rajhin grew up in the Black Kiergo section of Senchal. In life, Rajhin was the most infamous burglar in Elsweyr's history, said to have stolen a tattoo from the neck of the Empress Kintyra as she slept.[31][41] He is accredited with using the Ring of Khajiiti in his thievery, making the ring famous. After his death, Rajhin was inculcated among the Khajiit gods, to serve as an example to them of cleverness and adroit ability. His blessing is most often asked for before undertaking activities of a less-than-lawful nature.
The thief-god of the Khajiiti, legend holds that Rajhin grew up in the Black Kiergo section of Senchal. In life, Rajhin was the most infamous burglar in Elsweyr's history, said to have stolen a tattoo from the neck of the Empress Kintyra as she slept.[31][41] He is accredited with using the Ring of Khajiiti in his thievery, making the ring famous. After his death, Rajhin was inculcated among the Khajiit gods, to serve as an example to them of cleverness and adroit ability. His blessing is most often asked for before undertaking activities of a less-than-lawful nature.
Riddle'thar (Two-Moons Dance / The Sugar God)
The cosmic order deity of the Khajiit, the Riddle'thar was revealed to the citizens of Elsweyr by the prophet Rid-Thar-ri'Datta. The Riddle'thar is more a set of guidelines than a single entity, although it has been known that some of his avatars appear as humble messengers of the gods to those in need.[31]
The cosmic order deity of the Khajiit, the Riddle'thar was revealed to the citizens of Elsweyr by the prophet Rid-Thar-ri'Datta. The Riddle'thar is more a set of guidelines than a single entity, although it has been known that some of his avatars appear as humble messengers of the gods to those in need.[31]
Sangiin (Blood Cat)
Little is known of Sangiin, though he is comparable to the Sanguine. He is the god of Death and Secret Murder, and his worship is hidden from Magrus.[16]
Little is known of Sangiin, though he is comparable to the Sanguine. He is the god of Death and Secret Murder, and his worship is hidden from Magrus.[16]
S'rendarr (The Runt / God of Mercy)
Nothing is known of S'rendarr, save that the Khajiit revere him as the God of Mercy. Due to the similarities in the names S'rendaar and Stendarr, which may have been caused by Khajiiti mispronunciation, S'rendarr may in fact be the Khajiiti form of the Imperial Stendarr supported by the fact that both deities are gods of mercy.
Nothing is known of S'rendarr, save that the Khajiit revere him as the God of Mercy. Due to the similarities in the names S'rendaar and Stendarr, which may have been caused by Khajiiti mispronunciation, S'rendarr may in fact be the Khajiiti form of the Imperial Stendarr supported by the fact that both deities are gods of mercy.
Sheggorath (Skooma Cat)
The God of Madness, Sheggorath is easily identifiable with the Imperial Sheogorath, the negative effects of Skooma and Moon Sugar being attributed to his presence among the Khajiit.[31]
The God of Madness, Sheggorath is easily identifiable with the Imperial Sheogorath, the negative effects of Skooma and Moon Sugar being attributed to his presence among the Khajiit.[31]
Morphology[edit]
Khajiit in many shapes and sizes
The morphology of Khajiit is determined at their date of birth,[42] intrinsically tied to the phases of Jone and Jode, the Lunar Lattice.[43] After birth, Khajiit look very similar, and smaller than human newborns. Within weeks after, their individual morphology becomes more clear, and their growth is faster than that of humans.[UOL 1] The lifespan of Khajiit is about one hundred years.[5]
Once a Khajiit's shape was determined on birth, it will stay for the rest of their life. It is not to be compared to shape shifting, as Lycanthrophy. Such is considered heretical to the Lunar Lattice,[43] but possible.[44]
Furstocks[edit]
There are seventeen distinct 'furstocks', different variations of Khajiit,[43][UOL 2] although the Imperial Geographical Society has previously claimed that there are more than twenty.[15] Furstocks with the suffix of -raht are generally bigger than their non -raht counterparts.[UOL 3] Common to all furstocks is their weakness for sweets, especially Skooma.[45] Within Khajitti society, all forms are granted respect regardless of size or shape, but, outside of Elsweyr, the forms that are less humanoid face more discrimination than their humanoid counterparts.[46] Different furstocks can engage in romantic pairings, though some can prove to be more physically challenging than others.[UOL 3]
How Long Do Khajiit Live Without
Furstocks by Moon Phases[edit]
The following table shows what furstock comes to be at which moon-phase.[UOL 1] Train simulator world free download. Note how different books partially speak of different moon-phases for the same furstocks.
Masser Phases | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Waxing | Full | Waning | New | ||
Secunda Phases | Waxing | Cathay-raht | Senche-raht | Alfiq-raht | Ohmes-raht |
Full | Cathay or Senche-raht[42] | Senche | Alfiq[15] | Ohmes | |
Waning | Tojay-raht | Pahmar-raht or Senche-raht[15] | Dagi-raht | Suthay-raht | |
New | Tojay or Ohmes-raht[42] | Pahmar | Dagi | Suthay[42] |
Eclipse[47] (Dark Moon) (Masser and Secunda aligned)[48] |
---|
Mane |
Ohmes[edit]
They are described as man-like[49], or man-faced[15], and visually like Bosmer, though sometimes shorter. To avoid being mistaken as such, many Ohmes tattoo or paint their faces to resemble a feline-aspect.[UOL 1][11] The Imperial Geographical Society previously claimed them to be the most common kind of khajiit to be encountered outside of Elsweyr, usually as adventurers or diplomats[15], though they are in fact seen far less often than other furstocks of Khajiit.
- An Ohmes[UOL 4]
Ohmes-raht[edit]
Like Ohmes, they can easily be mistaken as elves or men.[1][49] Just as men, they also walk on their heels. In difference to men and mer, the body of an Ohmes-raht is covered by light fur, and they do have a tail.[UOL 1] As Ohmes, they also paint their faces to resemble a feline-aspect.[12]
- An Ohmes-raht statue
Suthay[edit]
They are similar to the Suthay-raht, save that they are of lesser stature.[UOL 1] Like Suthay-raht, they evidently are bipedal and have digitigrade legs.[50]
- A Suthay
Suthay-raht[edit]
The Suthay-raht are sometimes, incomprehensibly for Khajiit themselves, nicknamed 'ja'khajiit'.[UOL 1] They are similar in height and build to the races of man. They are completely covered in fur of different colours and patterns, and have a tail. Claws are present on hands and feet, and their heads appear very cat-like.[51] Suthay-raht are known to be good jumpers, agile, sneaky and having a bold spirit. This makes them good adventurers, traders and suitable for slaves. They are however not as good warriors as Cathay-raht.[52] Suthay-raht are able to purr and hiss.[53] They also have slight phallic barbs.[UOL 4] The furstock of Suthay-raht is the most common to be found in Morrowind[45][UOL 1], specifically on Vvardenfell[52].
- A Suthay-raht
Cathay[edit]
Cathay are slightly larger and stronger than Suthay-raht, but the most obvious difference is that they have plantigrade legs.[UOL 5][54][55]
- A Cathay
Cathay-raht[edit]
Khajiit of this furstock were nicknamed as 'jaguar-men' by the Imperial Geographical Society[15], but also come with other fur patterns than those of jaguars.[45] They are said to be more agile than a werewolf.[56] They possess phallic barbs.[57][UOL 4]
- A Cathay-raht
Tojay[edit]
Little is known of the Tojay, except that they live in the southern marshes and jungle regions of Elsweyr, as well as the Tenmar Forest.[UOL 1]
Tojay-raht[edit]
Little is known of the Tojay-raht, except that they evidently are bipedal and have digitigrade legs.[58]
- A Tojay-Raht statue
Alfiq[edit]
The Alfiq are a diminutive form of magically gifted Khajiit[UOL 6] resembling typical housecats.[15][59] Their resemblance to common housecats has led many to treat them as such, whether by downplaying their intelligence, or even cooing or attempting to cuddle them.[60][61] While it is rumored that Alfiq are mute,[UOL 1] they are in fact capable of speech, a misconception which may derive from scholarly reduction of Alfiq to the status of housecats, or from a disinclination of Alfiq to talk in the presence of outsiders.[60] Due to the disrespect that Alfiq get as a result of their form, they rarely travel outside Elsweyr.[60] All these factors resulted in Alfiq resenting being labeled as housecats, which they consider patronizing and irritating.[62] The various misconceptions, however, do allow Alfiq to pose as housecats in order to serve as information gatherers.[62] Alfiq wear clothing, but as they are unable to naturally put it on themselves, they have others do it for them, or use magic to clothe themselves.[UOL 6] The form of an Alfiq is chosen by Sheogorath when he dons the identity of the Skooma Cat.[63]
- An Alfiq
Alfiq-raht[edit]
Nothing is known of the Alfiq-raht except that are probably bigger than the Alfiq.[UOL 3]
Dagi[edit]
Dagi are a less common form of the khajiit, living in the southern marshes and jungle regions of Elsweyr, as well as the Tenmar Forest.[UOL 1] Physically, they have facial features that are comparable to that of lynxes, and are short in stature, making them among the smallest of the furstocks.[64] Due to their light weight, they have been reported as being able to dwell in higher branches of trees that cannot hold a Bosmer. Due to their inclination to climb trees, they are compared to monkeys.[64] According to possibly unreliable reports of Bosmer, Dagi are suspected to be skilled spellcasters.[49]
- A Dagi
Dagi-raht[edit]
Similar to Dagi, Dagi-raht's facial features resemble that of lynxes. They also prefer to live among the trees rather than on the ground,[65] and are reported to live in Tenmar Forest where thanks to their stature, are able to dwell in higher branches that could not hold a Bosmer's weight. They are suspected to be skilled spellcasters.[49][65]
- A Dagi-raht
Senche[edit]
Senche are very often confused with their tiger-sized, catlike, and lesser sentient cousins, Senche-Cats.[15][45][66] This is due to Khajiit also using the term Senche to describe them.[UOL 2][UOL 7] The Senche furstock is said to be similar to Pahmar-raht in size. They are very large, standing about as tall as an Altmer or having a shoulder height of a horse. Some say their weight is comparable to that of twenty Altmer, which may be a bit of exaggeration. Their forelimbs are thick and their rear limbs one and a half times as long, giving them an apelike appearance. They have tawny fur, ribboned with stripes the color of dried blood.[3] Other Khajiit may use them as steeds if permitted.[15][UOL 1]
- A Senche
Senche-raht[edit]
Nicknamed 'battlecats', the Senche-raht are larger and slower than the Senche. They possess a shorter body-span and straighter legs. The average Senche-raht stands as tall as two Altmer and can weigh as much or more than fifty. However, these measurements may be exaggerated.[43] Nonetheless they are the largest of all Khajiit furstocks[UOL 2], although Imperial reports state Senche to be.[15] Due to their appearance, Senche-rahts are often mistaken for beasts outside of Elsweyr and may be attacked on sight as a result.[46] Senche-Rahts are intelligent beings with great memory,[67] are capable of speech,[68] and are even able to engage in spellcasting.[69] Although like the Senche, they can function as mounts and beasts of burden and war, they dislike being lowered to a beastly status. They like to be seen as equals and thus dislike their riders to be labeled as owners and handlers.[67]
- A Senche-raht
Pahmar[edit]
Little is known of the Pahmar, except that they may be comparable to tigers.[UOL 1]
Pahmar-raht[edit]
The Pahmar-raht is like a Pahmar, although larger and more dangerous.[UOL 1] They commonly have striped fur, and can be as tall as two Cathay.[70] They are said to be the strongest Khajiit and usually deployed as bodyguards and warriors.[71]
- A Pahmar-raht
Mane[edit]
The Mane is a unique breed of Khajiit. Khajiit tradition holds that only one Mane can be alive at one time and, more specifically, believe that there is actually only one Mane who is reborn again and again in different bodies. There has been no recorded incident of more than one Mane contending for power, although whether due to the truth in the Khajiit belief or whether the ruling Mane takes care of any potential rivals is unknown. Manes can only be born under a rare alignment of the moons Masser and Secunda when, according to legend, a third moon actually appears. In older days the Khajiit would shave off their manes in deference to the Mane, braiding them into locks which the Mane would incorporate into its own mane. The Mane is so weighted down by the hair that movement is difficult without aid and they often travel the countryside by means of a palanquin. As the population grew, however, this became impractical, although the Khajiit still remove their manes and the current Mane still wears the hair of its tribe and Warrior Guard which includes several hundred in number.
- Mane Akkhuz-ri; note the braids on his helmet
The Khajiiti Language: Ta'agra[edit]
For the Khajiit language of Ta'agra, please see the Lore Article Here.
Notes[edit]
- Arena features Ohmes as the playable Khajiit furstock.[UOL 4]
- Morrowind features Suthay-raht as the playable Khajiit furstock.[45]
- ESO features Cathay as the playable Khajiit furstock[UOL 3], although they were previously stated to be Suthay-raht[72].
See Also[edit]
- For Khajiit names, see here.
- For game-specific information, see the Arena, Daggerfall, Morrowind, Shadowkey, Oblivion, Skyrim, ESO, and Legends articles.
Books[edit]
- Ahzirr Traajijazeri by Anonymous — The public manifesto of the Khajiit organization Renrijra Krin
- Cherim's Heart of Anequina by Livillus Perus, Professor at the Imperial University — Interview with Cherim, a master tapestry weaver
- Corpse Preparation v I — How to obtain and prepare a corpse for necromantic purposes, volume one
- Crafting Motifs 7: The Khajiit by Doctor Alfidia Lupus — Being notes by Doctor Alfidia Lupus for a series of pamphlets on the major cultural styles of Tamriel
- Father of the Niben, Fragment Three by Florin Jaliil — Translation of the fragmented journal of Topal the Pilot
- Notes on Racial Phylogeny by the Council of Healers, Imperial University — About the similarities and differences between the races of Tamriel
- Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Elsweyr Confederacy — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
- Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: Sugar and Blood: the Cats of the South — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- Provinces of Tamriel — A brief analysis of the Imperial provinces of Tamriel
- The Tale of Dro'Zira by Sonia Vette — A Khajiit father in the grips of Moon Sugar gives his cub a history lesson
- Varieties of Faith in the Empire by Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College — An expansive list of the pantheons and associated divine spirits of Tamriel's dominant cultures
- Words of Clan Mother Ahnissi by Clan Mother Ahnissi — How a Khajiit explains the origin of the world
References[edit]
- ^ abcdefgPocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: Sugar and Blood: the Cats of the South — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- ^J'zargo's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ abThe Infernal City — Gregory Keyes
- ^ abNotes on Racial Phylogeny — the Council of Healers, Imperial University
- ^ abAsk Us Anything: Variety Pack 4
- ^The Real Barenziah, Part IV — Plitinius Mero
- ^Guide to Leyawiin — Alessia Ottus
- ^The Buying Game — Adabael Timsar-Dadisun
- ^Race Description of Khajiit in TES Travels: Shadowkey
- ^Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: All the Eras of Man, A Comprehensive History of our History — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- ^ abRace Description of Khajiit in TES:Arena
- ^ abRace Description of Khajiit in TES II: Daggerfall
- ^The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: Elsweyr — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
- ^Father Of The Niben — Florin Jaliil
- ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrsPocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Elsweyr Confederacy — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
- ^ abcdVarieties of Faith: The Khajiit — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
- ^ abcdefghijWords of Clan Mother Ahnissi — Clan Mother Ahnissi
- ^Cherim's Heart of Anequina — Livillus Perus, Professor at the Imperial University
- ^Provinces of Tamriel
- ^Confessions of a Skooma-Eater — Tilse Sendas
- ^Corpse Preparation v I
- ^Before the Ages of Man — Aicantar of Shimerene
- ^Special Flora of Tamriel — Hardin the Herbalist
- ^The Marksmanship Lesson — Alla Llaleth
- ^The Eastern Provinces
- ^Brown Book of 3E 426
- ^Realizations of Acrobacy — Master Rhunen Zebavi
- ^Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: Morrowind — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
- ^Mysterious Akavir
- ^Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: The War with the Trees: Argonia and the Black Marsh — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- ^ abcdefghijklVarieties of Faith.. — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
- ^Description of Golden Azurah Icon
- ^ abcShando-ri's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Mazza-Mirri's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Nisuzi's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Litter-Mates of Darkness — Moon-Bishop Hunal
- ^Khenarthi's Roost Loading screen in ESO
- ^Mane-of-Many-Rivers description
- ^Abode of Ignominy's Loading screen in ESO
- ^Persistence of Daedric Veneration — Lady Cinnabar of Taneth
- ^Famed Artifacts of Tamriel — Yagrum Bagarn
- ^ abcdThe Moon Cats and their Dance
- ^ abcdMoon Bishop Hunal Answers Your Questions — Moon Bishop Hunal
- ^Nusana as encountered in ESO
- ^ abcdeRace Description of Khajiit in TES III: Morrowind
- ^ abMunili's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Envoy Cashia's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Shazah's dialogue in ESO
- ^ abcdMixed Unit Tactics — Codus Callonus
- ^Suthay statue contained within the Moon Bishop’s Sanctuary Furnishing Pack sold in the Crown Store in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Visual appearance in TES III: Morowind
- ^ abRandom dialogue on topic Khajiit in TES III: Morrowind
- ^Voiced khajiit lines in TES III: Morrowind
- ^Visual appearance in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- ^Visual appearance in The Elder Scrolls: Online
- ^A Dance in Fire — Waughin Jarth
- ^The Real Barenziah, Part III — Plitinius Mero
- ^Tojay-raht statue sold by Lathahim in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Housecat pet description in The Elder Scrolls Online
- ^ abcRa'ri's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Nirahni's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ abMojzin's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Skooma Cat's appearance in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ abSamari's appearance in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ abRaiffi's appearance in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Tesusah's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ abSenche-rahts: Not Just Mounts — Saharrzag
- ^Pajmina's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Thannar the Graveprowler's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Appearance of Sharjo
- ^Dialogue of Sharjo
- ^Ask Us Anything: Aldmeri Dominion (Part 1)
Note: the following references are not from official sources. They are included to provide a rounder background to this article, but may not reflect established lore.
- ^ abcdefghijklmnInterview With Three Booksellers — Douglas Goodall, Todd Howard and Ken Rolston
- ^ abcForum posts of Lawrence Schick
- ^ abcdWelcome to the Elsweyr & Update 22 AUA
- ^ abcdForum posts of Douglas Goodall
- ^Forum posts of GT Noonan
- ^ abLeamon Tuttle on Alfiq Clothing-Bethesda Twitch Stream
- ^AMA With The ESO Writing Team
External Links[edit]
Information from the following sources has been used, in whole or in part, to establish the contents of this article:
|
Retrieved from 'https://en.uesp.net/w/index.php?title=Lore:Khajiit&oldid=1978437'
What makes the exotic homeland of the Khajiit so unique? Join the Elder Scrolls Online as you dive into the faraway lands of Elsweyr and the Khajiiti people who call it home. To be prepared for the Khajiit of TESO, maybe you want to buy some ESO Gold in advance. Well then, I recommend you a professional ESO Gold seller, MmoGah. MmoGah.com is ranked No. 1 during searching “ESO Gold” in Google. You can have a try. You’ll never be disappointed.
WALK ON WARM SANDS
In The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr, you’ll explore a massive, living world made up of windswept savannas, craggy desert canyons, and dense jungles--a very different environment from the pristine wilderness found in last year’s Chapter, The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset.
“For us, Summerset was more of departure from our usual milieu where we went to a high-fantasy, visually striking location,” explains Greg Roth, Elsweyr’s Zone Lead. “But with Elsweyr, we wanted to return to more traditional Elder Scrolls experience. That said, while Elsweyr might not be as green as Summerset, it is still a very exotic land, with its own aesthetic and appeal.”
When coming up with Elsweyr’s environment, the team drew inspiration from multiple real-world sources.
“In general, when planning a new zone, we always try to take multiple different real-world inspirations and mash them together,” says Joseph Watmough, the new zone’s Senior Concept Artist. “For Elsweyr’s grasslands for example, we looked at West Africa, and for the southern more tropical parts, we looked at southern India, Indonesia, and Thailand. This gives the player an experience that’s rooted in reality, but also something a little different.”
A concept height-map of Elsweyr
Even when designing the new zone’s rocky environments such as the Scar, a giant canyon that cuts through the heart of the map, the team looked to the world around them for inspiration and direction.
“We researched different types of faults, including the kind of rocks they would generate, and investigated what the actual stratification of the rocks would be throughout the whole zone. In The Elder Scrolls Online, there’s a reason for everything. We never just come up with something; we look for the reasons why something is here to ensure it’s appropriate for the biome and has a real-world analogue.”
There’s always a logic to the way things are in Tamriel, grounding it in reality. Because of this attention to detail, it provides unique challenges for ESO’s designers, who are tasked with crafting the environments in a way that is visually appealing, realistic, and fun to play.
“The challenge with Elsweyr was the verticality and traversal,” explains Kevin Boehm, ESO’s Lead Artist in charge of worldbuilding. “This new zone features a lot of cliffs and a huge gorge that runs right through the middle, so it was tricky to build all those canyons and vistas without making it difficult for the player to navigate. In several locations, we had to go back and add more paths out, because while they’re really cool to look at, if you’re stuck in a canyon and you have to ride 100 meters to find a path up, it can be frustrating.”
An abundant-but-dangerous world
Of course, the team also put a lot of work into making sure you can experience as much of Elsweyr’s stunning landmarks as possible, as there’s no shortage of unique locations to discover.
“We spent time near the end making sure key elements were visible at great distance, such as the aqueducts or the city of Orcrest, so you would always feel like you’re heading toward something interesting,” said Boehm.
THE CAT PEOPLE OF THE SOUTH
As reportedly one of the oldest Tamerelic civilizations (supposedly predating the arrival of the Elves), the Khajiit have developed their culture and civilization over thousands of years. The Khajiit people have something of a reputation across greater Tamriel as thieves or worse, but the team was careful when exploring their culture to avoid some of the more negative stereotypes.
“We already knew what the stereotypes were, so we had to make sure that we were showing other aspects of the Khajiiti culture, too,” says Roth. “For example, the way that their family units work.”
In Elsweyr, Khajiit families and Clans can consist of very different types of Khajiit, and this diversity of furstock is always there in the backdrop of your adventures in the new zone.
“All Khajiit are born looking roughly similar, but as they get older, they’ll grow into different forms, depending on when they were born. You can have a brother and sister that are very different physiologically. For example, one could be a Senche-raht, and one could be an Alfiq. It’s a very strange family unit as far as outsiders are concerned, but to the Khajiit, it’s very normal.”
The Khajiit come in all shapes and sizes
While you might have experienced some of the more nomadic Khajiit during your previous Tamerelic adventures, as you encounter them in their homeland, you’ll discover that many choose to stay put, too.
“Some Khajiit tend to stick around in areas such as Riverhold, Merryvale, or Rimmen, as they’ve decided to settle in the area or have things to take care of, and you’ll discover that a lot of Khajiit often come home to retire, too,” said Roth.
Just like the environment, the Khajiit are an ancient people, and you’ll see evidence of their age-old culture in the cities and ruins scattered throughout the zone.
“The beast races are some of the oldest in Tamriel, and we wanted to show that these people and this civilization has been here for a long time,” says Watmough.
To do this, the team came up with multiple types of Khajiit architecture.
“When it comes to the structures in Elsweyr, there’s an older ruined set and a newer set that we often used in conjunction,” explains Boehm. “The newer-style Khajiiti buildings were frequently placed on top of Khajiit ruins to show how the culture evolved over time. You can see a combination of those two styles often in the cities, but in the dungeons beneath the ground, you will only find the ruins where it’s much more ancient.”
Khajiit structures both ancient and modern
“All the surfaces in Elsweyr are covered in these layers of ornamentation that have been gradually worn away over time, giving the impression that this is where it all comes from,” says Watmough. “We want players to feel like there’s a real sense of inherent culture in this place, like this is where the Khajiiti people draw all their ideas from. Like it’s their home and wellspring.”
If you don’t have a lot of time to improve your level, you can use Safe ESO Gold to purchase not only gear and weapons, but also awesome ESO Items in the game. MmoGah.com is absolutely one of the best ESO Gold sellers nowadays. If you are a novice, read this guide to how to buy cheap ESO Gold without being scammed first, then you will find why MmoGah is the best choice! You can also buyESO Items trustfully right here in MmoGah.com. It is a so reliable Elder Scrolls Online Gold and Items supplier that more and more players chose to buy ESO Gold or Items from. Whenever you need to buy Cheap and Safe ESO Gold or ESO Items, our Live Chat is 24/7 online.
I am frankly completely awestruck at ZOS's dedication to doing the different 'furstocks' justice in this most recent expansion. We have literally never had this delivered in a TES game before, let alone so thoroughly and with so much variety within a single furstock. Absolutely stunning work, truly.
But with that said, how do the different furstocks stand up to expectations? Rather than linking primary source material as I usually like to do, I'm going to go off my memory for this post, since I've been imagining how these different forms appear for many years now and I feel that every player's individual expectations are going to be shaped by a personal reaction to whatever they first read or saw in a game, and that a bare-bones factual analysis doesn't do much justice to that experience.
Additionally, as we all know, each Khajiit furstock has a base form and a -raht form, which by my take is similar in shape to the base form, but larger. I will be presuming what each in-game depiction is meant to be as denoted by the title of that section. It does not appear to me, in my survey of Elsweyr so far, that every single one of the 16 forms, -rahts included, has been represented. This is fine, there is literally only so much time in the year and I never expected all 16 to be covered, but as such I'm going to be making assumptions about what is being shown based on my presuppositions and how the available labels match up to that.
Alfiq
Meets expectations. Always thought they were supposed to look like housecats, and here we are.
Alfiq-raht
Again, completely meets expectations. Larger hosuecats. Cray cray adorbs. Fancy outfits. Could not be better! I am of course assuming that the ones in this particular style are actually the -raht form and not just regular Alfiq, but it looks like it fits, so with this label it sits.
Dagi-raht
Again, making assumptions here because I truly don't know if this is regular Dagi or Dagi-raht. I always pictured the regular Dagi to be smaller than this, but this is 100% my expectation for Dagi-raht so yeah, could not be better.
Ohmes-raht
Based on statue description. Mmmmm yep that's about right! Ohmes were described as being much more elf-like and there we go, elf with a cat tail. Now Arena and Daggerfall can be canon, too!
Tojay
Statue description says Tojay, so hey, this is what those look like apparently! I can't really get a read on the height tbh so I can't say much on this. Also I don't think these were ever actually described, so hooray, breaking new lore ground! Maybe Tojay wear fancy hats as their defining trait?
Tojay-Raht
Again, don't know a description for these fellers and never had much in the way of expectations. These guys kiiiiiiind of remind me of the Really Big Monks from the new tutorial area because they're so long and spindly. But who knows, until we get more in the way of descriptions and self-referencing NPCs.
Suthay
According to statue label, this is a Suthay. Yeah, looks about right! I know the purists will say that it should be digitigrade bEcAuSe MoRrOwInD but honestly I'm more than happy to leave that fully retconned. That's not how bipedal legs work.
Suthay-Raht
Just making assumptions here, but I assume that PC and vanilla NPC characters are intended to be in Suthay-Raht height range. Of course, some may RP their character as being a different furstock, height, etc. (I myself always thought of Men'Do as like a 6'8' or so Cathay) but beyond such considerations this seems about right for Suthay-Raht given what we know from other games.
Cathay-Raht
First one for sure based on statue description, second one is my assumption. Really big dudes, are the Cathay-Raht! I mean like really big, just look at that! The sort of dude where at the end of a good date you have to go up on him. Absolutely meets expectations.
Senche
Could not find a depiction that I was sure about, since I didn't see any talking NPC Senche and the wild 'Senche-lions' and others are, as far as I can tell and recall based on previous ESO lore tidbits, just wild animals which people confuse for the actual Khajiit furstock. My expectation here was that they'd be larger but otherwise similar in appearance to lions and tigers and jaguars and such, so even if we don't have NPC for them for sure, the expectation appears to be met just based on the confusingly-named wild counterparts.
Senche-raht
*** boy, look at these bruisers! On the one hand, I always expected based on descriptions for them to be a lot bigger and have more elephant-shaped bodies (only, you know, still cats, and therefore way more terrifying), but I also heard there was a description of them in one of the novels where they're more gorilla-proportioned? Whatever, to hell with it, the way they look in ESO is AMAZING. Meets expectations for giant talking quadripedal war cat, and is at worst a lateral move in terms of what I initially imagined.
Pahmar
No known depiction. Lore says they're supposed to look like tigers, so I imagine another quadripedal form, midway in size between the Alfiq and Senche furstocks.
Pahmar-raht
Yikes. So apparently there's an NPC you can meet (haven't seen him myself yet) named Sharjo who says he's a Pahmar-raht. Here is, unfortunately, my first and only disappointment, as I was expecting another quadripedal form and not just Second Cathay-raht. Really not the worst thing in the world, though, since we never had much lore to go on for them.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
So yeah, with pretty much just a single exception, this was exactly what I've always pictured! What an amazing era for TES lore! No other game in the whole series was able and/or willing to get all these different furstocks on screen, so this is an absolute triumph! Especially since some people were worried closer to the launch of the game that the whole 'furstock' thing was just going to be glossed over and retconned fully. Instead, all of our hopes and wishes have been fully validated and expanded upon, so HUGE kudos to the ZOS team for their vision and execution!!!
What do you all think? Did they hit the nail on the head? Did they knock it completely out of the park? Or did they step on your fragile toes by getting something slightly off your elaborately-created if factually-unfounded headcanon? Let loose your feelings!
But with that said, how do the different furstocks stand up to expectations? Rather than linking primary source material as I usually like to do, I'm going to go off my memory for this post, since I've been imagining how these different forms appear for many years now and I feel that every player's individual expectations are going to be shaped by a personal reaction to whatever they first read or saw in a game, and that a bare-bones factual analysis doesn't do much justice to that experience.
Additionally, as we all know, each Khajiit furstock has a base form and a -raht form, which by my take is similar in shape to the base form, but larger. I will be presuming what each in-game depiction is meant to be as denoted by the title of that section. It does not appear to me, in my survey of Elsweyr so far, that every single one of the 16 forms, -rahts included, has been represented. This is fine, there is literally only so much time in the year and I never expected all 16 to be covered, but as such I'm going to be making assumptions about what is being shown based on my presuppositions and how the available labels match up to that.
Alfiq
Meets expectations. Always thought they were supposed to look like housecats, and here we are.
Alfiq-raht
Again, completely meets expectations. Larger hosuecats. Cray cray adorbs. Fancy outfits. Could not be better! I am of course assuming that the ones in this particular style are actually the -raht form and not just regular Alfiq, but it looks like it fits, so with this label it sits.
Dagi-raht
Again, making assumptions here because I truly don't know if this is regular Dagi or Dagi-raht. I always pictured the regular Dagi to be smaller than this, but this is 100% my expectation for Dagi-raht so yeah, could not be better.
Ohmes-raht
Based on statue description. Mmmmm yep that's about right! Ohmes were described as being much more elf-like and there we go, elf with a cat tail. Now Arena and Daggerfall can be canon, too!
Tojay
Statue description says Tojay, so hey, this is what those look like apparently! I can't really get a read on the height tbh so I can't say much on this. Also I don't think these were ever actually described, so hooray, breaking new lore ground! Maybe Tojay wear fancy hats as their defining trait?
Tojay-Raht
Again, don't know a description for these fellers and never had much in the way of expectations. These guys kiiiiiiind of remind me of the Really Big Monks from the new tutorial area because they're so long and spindly. But who knows, until we get more in the way of descriptions and self-referencing NPCs.
Suthay
According to statue label, this is a Suthay. Yeah, looks about right! I know the purists will say that it should be digitigrade bEcAuSe MoRrOwInD but honestly I'm more than happy to leave that fully retconned. That's not how bipedal legs work.
Suthay-Raht
Just making assumptions here, but I assume that PC and vanilla NPC characters are intended to be in Suthay-Raht height range. Of course, some may RP their character as being a different furstock, height, etc. (I myself always thought of Men'Do as like a 6'8' or so Cathay) but beyond such considerations this seems about right for Suthay-Raht given what we know from other games.
Cathay-Raht
First one for sure based on statue description, second one is my assumption. Really big dudes, are the Cathay-Raht! I mean like really big, just look at that! The sort of dude where at the end of a good date you have to go up on him. Absolutely meets expectations.
Senche
Could not find a depiction that I was sure about, since I didn't see any talking NPC Senche and the wild 'Senche-lions' and others are, as far as I can tell and recall based on previous ESO lore tidbits, just wild animals which people confuse for the actual Khajiit furstock. My expectation here was that they'd be larger but otherwise similar in appearance to lions and tigers and jaguars and such, so even if we don't have NPC for them for sure, the expectation appears to be met just based on the confusingly-named wild counterparts.
Senche-raht
*** boy, look at these bruisers! On the one hand, I always expected based on descriptions for them to be a lot bigger and have more elephant-shaped bodies (only, you know, still cats, and therefore way more terrifying), but I also heard there was a description of them in one of the novels where they're more gorilla-proportioned? Whatever, to hell with it, the way they look in ESO is AMAZING. Meets expectations for giant talking quadripedal war cat, and is at worst a lateral move in terms of what I initially imagined.
Pahmar
No known depiction. Lore says they're supposed to look like tigers, so I imagine another quadripedal form, midway in size between the Alfiq and Senche furstocks.
Pahmar-raht
Yikes. So apparently there's an NPC you can meet (haven't seen him myself yet) named Sharjo who says he's a Pahmar-raht. Here is, unfortunately, my first and only disappointment, as I was expecting another quadripedal form and not just Second Cathay-raht. Really not the worst thing in the world, though, since we never had much lore to go on for them.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
So yeah, with pretty much just a single exception, this was exactly what I've always pictured! What an amazing era for TES lore! No other game in the whole series was able and/or willing to get all these different furstocks on screen, so this is an absolute triumph! Especially since some people were worried closer to the launch of the game that the whole 'furstock' thing was just going to be glossed over and retconned fully. Instead, all of our hopes and wishes have been fully validated and expanded upon, so HUGE kudos to the ZOS team for their vision and execution!!!
What do you all think? Did they hit the nail on the head? Did they knock it completely out of the park? Or did they step on your fragile toes by getting something slightly off your elaborately-created if factually-unfounded headcanon? Let loose your feelings!
The UESPWiki – Your source for The Elder Scrolls since 1995
Jump to: navigation, search
- 3Religion
- 4Morphology
- 4.1Furstocks
- 7See Also
- 8References
Elsweyr, the land of the Khajiit
A Khajiiti skeleton
Khajiit are cat-like people who come from Elsweyr, known for high intelligence and agility.[1] These traits make them very good thieves and acrobats, but Khajiit are also fearsome warriors. However, they are rarely known to be mages.[2] Khajiit mostly stay on land, but piracy and skooma trade does draw some to work as sailors.[3]
Khajiit anatomy differs greatly from both men and elves, not only because of their fur, tail, and sometimes toe-walking stance, but also their digestive system and metabolism.[4] Khajiit, Argonians, and Imga are the so-called 'beast races' of Tamriel because of these large differences.[1] Khajiit have a lifespan similar to that of humans.[5] There are no well-documented cases of cross-breeding between Khajiit and other races, though there are rumors of such a thing.[4][6] The foreign appearance and behavior of Khajiit make them common targets of racial discrimination.[7][8]
Origin[edit]
Even before the first Men or Mer set foot on Tamriel, the Khajiit were already native to the continent.[9][10] However, the origin of the cat-folk on the Tamriel still remains debated. Legend speaks of the Khajiit to have originated from an intelligent feline race or being their cousins.[11][12][13] This belief could be supported by the interpretation of the encounter with four and two legged cat demons by Topal the Pilot to be ancient Khajiit, just as Tamriel was still being explored the first time by Aldmer.[14][1]
Other theories speak of them being descendants of Aldmeri settlers, proved by the visual similarity of Ohmes and Ohmes-raht to Men and Mer, especially Bosmer.[UOL 1][15][16] The Khajiiti creation myth suggests the Bosmer and Khajiit to have common ancestors; Azurah having taken the forest people that were torn between the shape of beast and man and given them the many shapes of the Khajiit. But with Y'ffre telling Nirni of Azurah's doings and shaping the remaining forest people into the Bosmer, this link was cut.[17]
The following history and culture of the Khajiit is very closely connected to their homeland.
- → See main article: History of Elsweyr
Society[edit]
The Mane, while the unofficial head-of-state, is no more a 'breed' of Khajiit than any other is; he is simply unique. Khajiit tradition holds that only one Mane may be alive at any one time, since the Mane is one entity reborn in different bodies with the passage of time. The veracity of this is unknown, but there has been no recorded instance of multiple Manes contending for power.[15] The Khajiit are divided by two disparate ways of life: the civilized jungles and river basins of southern Elsweyr, which have ancient mercantile traditions, a stable agrarian aristocracy based on the exportation of saltrice and Moon Sugar, and a thriving artistic culture, which contrasts greatly with the nomadic tribe or pride-centric Khajiit of the dry northern wastes and grasslands, where aggressive and territorial raiders occasionally unite under a single chieftain.[18][19] It is widely held that the greatest force among the Khajiit are the Clan Mothers. It is they, ultimately, who control both the harvest and refining of Moon Sugar, and thus they who are seen as the most influential.
The Khajiit often refer to Moon Sugar as 'crystallized moonlight', trapped by the glimmering waters of the Topal Sea and washed to the sugarcane groves of the Tenmar Forest by the tides, under the guidance of Hermorah. The Khajiit believe that by consuming it, they are consuming a small portion of the eternal souls of the moon gods, Jone and Jode. It drives them into fits of ecstasy and abandon, purportedly leaving the streets of Elsweyr's major cities strewn with catmen shivering in the grip of sugar-fits. Despite the extremely addictive nature of the sugar, it is an integral part of Khajiit life and the chief export of Elsweyr, where it is smuggled out in both raw and refined forms.[15][20] It helps support a thriving black market; it is said one can purchase practically anything among the Khajiit. Khajiit of the desert tribes are often buried with only a small cairn of stones, so their bodies can be easily used by Necromancers.[1][21]
This love of Moon Sugar has given them a 'sweet tooth'; candies, cakes, puddings, and sugar-meats are the staples of the Khajiit diet, each generously enriched with Moon Sugar.[15] This relationship between religion and cultural practice goes deeper than appearances suggest.[15] According to legend, the Khajiit and their deities are bound up in the Lunar Lattice, no less than the famed Liminal Barriers, the tendency of Mundus to remain discrete from the Sea of Oblivion and the force that keeps the Daedra out of Nirn.[15] In this way the Khajiit, Moon Sugar, Lorkhan's Moons, Lorkhan's Heart, and White Gold Tower are all related, as all play a part in shaping the fundamental structure of the mortal plane.[15][22]
The typical bipedal Khajiit dresses in an ample shawl of brightly-colored cloth, known as a budi, for defense against the harsh rays of the sun. This shirt is tightly fastened in braids down the right side, in order to prevent any part of the torso fur from being seen, as the exposure of such in public is deemed both offensive and unsightly. In battle, those who walk upright traditionally don medium-weight armor, exquisitely fashioned from loose-fitting leather overlaid with lacquered and highly-burnished metal plates. While leather caps are generally preferred, those with the means to procure such will often don helms of fluted silver.[15] Furthermore, most Khajiit bedeck themselves with jewelry, trinkets, and occasionally even herbs such as Nightshade.[23] Their tattoos often have deep cultural and religious significance, as they signify their race, tribe, and the gods of their worship.[15]
Over the years, Khajiit frequently have had to deal with the worry of being kidnapped and sold into slavery, especially in Morrowind, so they have to take self-defense seriously.[24][25][26][27][28] While the majority of Khajiit prefer to use their razor-sharp and retractable claws as weapons in numerous forms of Khajiiti martial arts like Goutfang, Whispering Fang and Rawlith Khaj, many have mastered the use of the sabre, scimitar, dagger, and longbow. Their chosen mastery is often reflected in male Khajiit names, through which they display their status in life with the prefix; though care is always taken, for the use of two titles is perceived as the result of either great pride or ignorance. While widely speculated, it is unknown whether the Khajiit are in any way related to the Po' Tun (currently Ka Po' Tun) cat people of Akavir or the Lilmothiit, a vulpine beast race which once inhabited Black Marsh.[29][30]
Religion[edit]
A monomythic society, the Khajiit are led in their beliefs by mysterious figures known as 'Clan Mothers', whose duty it is to disseminate the cultural myths among their kind, and who maintain autonomy from the Mane and the disparate tribal leaders.[17] On the origin of their species, the Khajiit believe that life originated with two litter-mates, Ahnurr and Fadomai, who gave birth to the first cat, Alkosh.[17] To Alkosh was given the guardianship of time, and whose birth prompted Ahnurr and Fadomai to bring forth further life into the world, thus they created Khenarthi, guardian of the winds; Magrus, guardian of the sun; Mara, guardian of love; and S'rendarr, guardian of mercy.[17] In time, Ahnurr and Fadomai wished to share the happiness they felt in life with further children, and so, Fadomai gave birth to Hermorah of the tides, Hircine of hunger, Merrunz of destruction, Mafala of the Clan Mothers, Sangiin of blood and life, Sheggorath of insanity, and many others.[17]
Ahnurr decided to stop having children since further offspring would dilute their own happiness. However, Fadomai was persuaded by Khenarthi - who had grown lonely in the realm of the winds - to give birth to further children, and this she did, bringing forth Nirni, the majestic sands and lush forests, and Azurah, the dusk and dawn, as well as the Moons and their Motions. It was at the time of her birthing that Fadomai was caught by Ahnurr who, angered at her trickery and disobedience, struck her. She, fearing for her life and children, fled with them to the Great Darkness and hid, giving birth to her final child, Lorkhaj. Having been born amidst the Great Darkness, the Khajiit believe that Lorkhaj's heart was filled with such, and thus was the Great Darkness made aware of itself and then known as Namiira.[17]
Amidst the darkness, surrounded by her children, Fadomai realized her death was near and set the moons, Jone and Jode, in the skies to guide her children and protect them from Ahnurr's wrath. She gave Nirni her 'greatest gift', proclaiming that she would give birth to as many children as Fadomai had. Nirni was pleased because Azurah, with whom she routinely squabbled, had been left with nothing. Protected by the Lunar Lattice, the children of Fadomai left, save for Azurah. Into the silence and void their absence caused, Azurah approached her mother and was then given her gifts in the form of three secrets. She was told to take one of Nirni's children and change them, making them the fastest, cleverest, and most beautiful of creatures, naming them the Khajiit; second, that they must be fashioned as the best climbers, to climb upon the winds of Khenarthi's breath and set Masser and Secunda aright, lest they fail; lastly, that the Khajiit must be the best deceivers, able to hide their true nature from others. Then Fadomai died, and Azurah left to join her kin.[17]
Nirni approached Lorkhaj, whom she asked to create for her children a dwelling; he did so, and yet the Great Darkness in his heart forced him to deceive his siblings so that they were trapped in the new place with Nirni. Some managed to escape death and become the stars, and those who remained punished Lorkhaj by tearing out his heart and hiding it deep within Nirni, so that he would be with her whom he had done the most harm. Thus among the new world of Lorkhaj's creation, Nirni came to give birth to her children, who were many, but wept bitter tears for her favorite—the forest people—who did not know their proper shape. It was at this time that Azurah came forth and comforted her, taking some of the forest people and placing them in the deserts and forests, where she fashioned them in many forms, one for each purpose they might need, and having done so, named them the Khajiit, teaching them the secrets entrusted to her, and binding them to the Lunar Lattice.[17]
In speaking the secrets, the first was heard by Y'ffer, who told Nirni of Azurah's deed. Nirni, in retribution for her changed, and now lost, children made the deserts hot and sands biting, and filled the forests with water and poison. To separate her beloved children from those of Azurah, she allowed Y'ffer to change those who remained so that they would always be of the mer, and never beasts, and named them Bosmer. From that moment forth, the two were eternally separated and, as with their makers, were bound in animosity one with the other. In this fashion, the Khajiit explain not only their origins, but their bind to the moons and conflict with the Bosmer.[17]
Contradictions to this explanation of Khajiiti origin have been raised by Imperial scholars, who purport that the Khajiit are descendants of a race of great cats of the desert regions of Nirn, backing their claim with the fragmented letters of Topal the Pilot - the earliest known Aldmeri adventurer, after whom the Topal Sea is named - which reference both quad- and bipedal cats:
'The cat demons of four legs and two ran the river's
Length, always keeping the boat in their
Green-eyed sight, hissing, and spitting, and
Roaring with rage.' [1]Green-eyed sight, hissing, and spitting, and
However, even this obscure evidence may yet be debated, as Pelinal Whitestrake, leader of the Elven Pogrom, slew many thousands of the Khajiit, during the same era, under the mistaken impression that they were 'another strain of Aldmeri' so closely did they resemble such. There are other such reports, and they raise the possibility that the Khajiit in general may actually have elven ancestry.[1]
Khajiiti Pantheon[edit]
The Khajiiti pantheon encompasses a myriad of gods, both temporal and otherwise, a fraction of which are detailed below. Of the dark spirits, or dro-m'Athra, who are represented by the inverse phases of the moons and are associated with the gods Lorkhaj and Namiira, the Khajiit rarely speak.
Alkosh (Dragon King of Cats / God of Time)
A cultural hero, and one of the earliest gods among the Khajiit culture, his worship was co-opted during the establishment of the Riddle'thar, although worship of Alkosh as a deity continues to flourish among Elsweyr's desert-blasted regions. Most commonly depicted as a fearsome dragon with feline features, the Khajiit typically describe Alkosh as 'a real big cat'. Popular myth among the Khajiiti holds that he repelled an early Aldmeri pogrom of Pelinal Whitestrake.[31]
A cultural hero, and one of the earliest gods among the Khajiit culture, his worship was co-opted during the establishment of the Riddle'thar, although worship of Alkosh as a deity continues to flourish among Elsweyr's desert-blasted regions. Most commonly depicted as a fearsome dragon with feline features, the Khajiit typically describe Alkosh as 'a real big cat'. Popular myth among the Khajiiti holds that he repelled an early Aldmeri pogrom of Pelinal Whitestrake.[31]
Khajiiti door carving depicting Azurah as a Khajiit, Mer, and Human
Azurah (Goddess of Dusk and Dawn / Queen of the Night Sky)
The Khajiit name for Azura. She is the Sister to Nirni, the plane and goddess upon which the Khajiiti dwell, Azurah is the goddess to whom the Khajiit attribute both their current form and the mysterious tie between them and the Lunar Lattice. She makes few appearances among Khajiiti myth apart from that of their origin.[31] In some art, she is represented as a Khajiit with oversized eyes and star-like pupils.[32] In others, she depicted with three faces—of a Khajiit, a Mer, and a Human woman. She is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33]
The Khajiit name for Azura. She is the Sister to Nirni, the plane and goddess upon which the Khajiiti dwell, Azurah is the goddess to whom the Khajiit attribute both their current form and the mysterious tie between them and the Lunar Lattice. She makes few appearances among Khajiiti myth apart from that of their origin.[31] In some art, she is represented as a Khajiit with oversized eyes and star-like pupils.[32] In others, she depicted with three faces—of a Khajiit, a Mer, and a Human woman. She is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33]
Baan Dar (The Pariah)
Regarded more as a manifestation than a formal god, Baan Dar is the personification of Khajiiti cleverness and the wit engendered of long-suffering on their part.[31] He is commonly attributed with that genius which lends itself to the creation of last-minute plans to foil the machinations of the Khajiit's foes, man or mer.[31]
Regarded more as a manifestation than a formal god, Baan Dar is the personification of Khajiiti cleverness and the wit engendered of long-suffering on their part.[31] He is commonly attributed with that genius which lends itself to the creation of last-minute plans to foil the machinations of the Khajiit's foes, man or mer.[31]
Boethra
The Khajiit name for Boethiah, little is known of her worship. Khajiit describe her as having a sharp tongue,[34] and is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33]
The Khajiit name for Boethiah, little is known of her worship. Khajiit describe her as having a sharp tongue,[34] and is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33]
Hermorah
Little is known about his worship, though he is comparable to Hermaeus Mora. To the Khajiit, he represents the Tides.[17]
Little is known about his worship, though he is comparable to Hermaeus Mora. To the Khajiit, he represents the Tides.[17]
Hircine (The Hungry Cat)
He is the god of hunting and skinchanging, revered for his fierceness and cunning.[16] To gain his favor, the Khajiit partake in a hunt and offer their game in hopes that he will reward them by strengthening their claws and sharpening their senses.[35]
He is the god of hunting and skinchanging, revered for his fierceness and cunning.[16] To gain his favor, the Khajiit partake in a hunt and offer their game in hopes that he will reward them by strengthening their claws and sharpening their senses.[35]
Khenarthi (Goddess of the Winds / Gatherer of Waters)
Little is known of the worship of Khenarthi, whom the Khajiit hold to be the Goddess of the Winds, whose breath sustains her kin, Jode and Jone, on their path through the sky. She is also credited with aiding the Khajiit with swiftness.[31] When 'true cats' die, Khenarthi flies their souls to the Sands Behind the Stars.[36] She is usually represented as a great hawk, and is popular among sailors and farmers.[37] When worshiped in her agricultural aspect, she is known as the Gatherer of Waters.[38]
Little is known of the worship of Khenarthi, whom the Khajiit hold to be the Goddess of the Winds, whose breath sustains her kin, Jode and Jone, on their path through the sky. She is also credited with aiding the Khajiit with swiftness.[31] When 'true cats' die, Khenarthi flies their souls to the Sands Behind the Stars.[36] She is usually represented as a great hawk, and is popular among sailors and farmers.[37] When worshiped in her agricultural aspect, she is known as the Gatherer of Waters.[38]
Jode (Big Moon God)
One aspect of the Lunar Lattice, Jode is revered in a unique manner by each sub-species of Khajiit, as regards their aspect at the time of the Khajiit's birth.[31]
One aspect of the Lunar Lattice, Jode is revered in a unique manner by each sub-species of Khajiit, as regards their aspect at the time of the Khajiit's birth.[31]
Jone (Little Moon God)
One aspect of the Lunar Lattice,[31] Jone is revered in a unique manner by each sub-species of Khajiit, as regards their aspect at the time of the Khajiit's birth.
One aspect of the Lunar Lattice,[31] Jone is revered in a unique manner by each sub-species of Khajiit, as regards their aspect at the time of the Khajiit's birth.
Lorkhaj (The Moon Beast)
Held between admiration and contempt for his great deceit and cunning, Lorkhaj is easily identifiable with the tales of Lorkhan, and among the Khajiit is credited with the creation of the mortal plane.[31]
Held between admiration and contempt for his great deceit and cunning, Lorkhaj is easily identifiable with the tales of Lorkhan, and among the Khajiit is credited with the creation of the mortal plane.[31]
Mafala (Clan Mother of Dark Secrets)
The Khajiit name for Mephala. She is known to be the recorder of hidden guilt and eternal shame. She is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33] However, her worship fell out of favor after the event known as the 'Sinner Suicides'.[39]
The Khajiit name for Mephala. She is known to be the recorder of hidden guilt and eternal shame. She is considered an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways.[33] However, her worship fell out of favor after the event known as the 'Sinner Suicides'.[39]
Magrus (Cat's Eye, Sun God)
The Khajiit name for Magnus. Known to them as the god of the sun and sorcery, although Khajiit magicians revere Azurah more.[16]
The Khajiit name for Magnus. Known to them as the god of the sun and sorcery, although Khajiit magicians revere Azurah more.[16]
Mara (The Mother Cat / Goddess of Love)
The Goddess of Love, to Mara is attributed all the passion of the Khajiit. Nothing is known of her worship among the Khajiiti.[31]
The Goddess of Love, to Mara is attributed all the passion of the Khajiit. Nothing is known of her worship among the Khajiiti.[31]
Merrunz (Ja'Khajiit / Fire-Cat)
Also known by his Imperial name Mehrunes Dagon, Merrunz is an eternally-young god of cat-like form; thus, as a kitten, do the Khajiit explain his natural tendency to rend and destroy the world around him.
Also known by his Imperial name Mehrunes Dagon, Merrunz is an eternally-young god of cat-like form; thus, as a kitten, do the Khajiit explain his natural tendency to rend and destroy the world around him.
Namiira (The Great Darkness)
The Khajiit name for Namira, Namiira is the Great Darkness found within Lorkhaj's heart and the void from which he was born. It is said that the Khajiit entrust the souls of the dead to Namiira.[40] She is associated with the dro-m'Athra.
The Khajiit name for Namira, Namiira is the Great Darkness found within Lorkhaj's heart and the void from which he was born. It is said that the Khajiit entrust the souls of the dead to Namiira.[40] She is associated with the dro-m'Athra.
Rajhin (The Footpad / The Silent Walker)
The thief-god of the Khajiiti, legend holds that Rajhin grew up in the Black Kiergo section of Senchal. In life, Rajhin was the most infamous burglar in Elsweyr's history, said to have stolen a tattoo from the neck of the Empress Kintyra as she slept.[31][41] He is accredited with using the Ring of Khajiiti in his thievery, making the ring famous. After his death, Rajhin was inculcated among the Khajiit gods, to serve as an example to them of cleverness and adroit ability. His blessing is most often asked for before undertaking activities of a less-than-lawful nature.
The thief-god of the Khajiiti, legend holds that Rajhin grew up in the Black Kiergo section of Senchal. In life, Rajhin was the most infamous burglar in Elsweyr's history, said to have stolen a tattoo from the neck of the Empress Kintyra as she slept.[31][41] He is accredited with using the Ring of Khajiiti in his thievery, making the ring famous. After his death, Rajhin was inculcated among the Khajiit gods, to serve as an example to them of cleverness and adroit ability. His blessing is most often asked for before undertaking activities of a less-than-lawful nature.
Riddle'thar (Two-Moons Dance / The Sugar God)
The cosmic order deity of the Khajiit, the Riddle'thar was revealed to the citizens of Elsweyr by the prophet Rid-Thar-ri'Datta. The Riddle'thar is more a set of guidelines than a single entity, although it has been known that some of his avatars appear as humble messengers of the gods to those in need.[31]
The cosmic order deity of the Khajiit, the Riddle'thar was revealed to the citizens of Elsweyr by the prophet Rid-Thar-ri'Datta. The Riddle'thar is more a set of guidelines than a single entity, although it has been known that some of his avatars appear as humble messengers of the gods to those in need.[31]
Sangiin (Blood Cat)
Little is known of Sangiin, though he is comparable to the Sanguine. He is the god of Death and Secret Murder, and his worship is hidden from Magrus.[16]
Little is known of Sangiin, though he is comparable to the Sanguine. He is the god of Death and Secret Murder, and his worship is hidden from Magrus.[16]
S'rendarr (The Runt / God of Mercy)
Nothing is known of S'rendarr, save that the Khajiit revere him as the God of Mercy. Due to the similarities in the names S'rendaar and Stendarr, which may have been caused by Khajiiti mispronunciation, S'rendarr may in fact be the Khajiiti form of the Imperial Stendarr supported by the fact that both deities are gods of mercy.
Nothing is known of S'rendarr, save that the Khajiit revere him as the God of Mercy. Due to the similarities in the names S'rendaar and Stendarr, which may have been caused by Khajiiti mispronunciation, S'rendarr may in fact be the Khajiiti form of the Imperial Stendarr supported by the fact that both deities are gods of mercy.
Sheggorath (Skooma Cat)
The God of Madness, Sheggorath is easily identifiable with the Imperial Sheogorath, the negative effects of Skooma and Moon Sugar being attributed to his presence among the Khajiit.[31]
The God of Madness, Sheggorath is easily identifiable with the Imperial Sheogorath, the negative effects of Skooma and Moon Sugar being attributed to his presence among the Khajiit.[31]
Morphology[edit]
Khajiit in many shapes and sizes
The morphology of Khajiit is determined at their date of birth,[42] intrinsically tied to the phases of Jone and Jode, the Lunar Lattice.[43] After birth, Khajiit look very similar, and smaller than human newborns. Within weeks after, their individual morphology becomes more clear, and their growth is faster than that of humans.[UOL 1] The lifespan of Khajiit is about one hundred years.[5]
Once a Khajiit's shape was determined on birth, it will stay for the rest of their life. It is not to be compared to shape shifting, as Lycanthrophy. Such is considered heretical to the Lunar Lattice,[43] but possible.[44]
Furstocks[edit]
There are seventeen distinct 'furstocks', different variations of Khajiit,[43][UOL 2] although the Imperial Geographical Society has previously claimed that there are more than twenty.[15] Furstocks with the suffix of -raht are generally bigger than their non -raht counterparts.[UOL 3] Common to all furstocks is their weakness for sweets, especially Skooma.[45] Within Khajitti society, all forms are granted respect regardless of size or shape, but, outside of Elsweyr, the forms that are less humanoid face more discrimination than their humanoid counterparts.[46] Different furstocks can engage in romantic pairings, though some can prove to be more physically challenging than others.[UOL 3]
Furstocks by Moon Phases[edit]
The following table shows what furstock comes to be at which moon-phase.[UOL 1] Note how different books partially speak of different moon-phases for the same furstocks.
Tags:,All rights to paintings and other images found on PaintingValley.com are owned by their respective owners (authors, artists), and the Administration of the website doesn't bear responsibility for their use. If you consider that any of the materials violates your rights, and you do not want your material to be displayed on this website, please get in touch with us via 'contact us' page and your copyrighted material will be immediately removed. All the materials are intended for educational purposes only. Apres moi le deluge translation.
Masser Phases | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Waxing | Full | Waning | New | ||
Secunda Phases | Waxing | Cathay-raht | Senche-raht | Alfiq-raht | Ohmes-raht |
Full | Cathay or Senche-raht[42] | Senche | Alfiq[15] | Ohmes | |
Waning | Tojay-raht | Pahmar-raht or Senche-raht[15] | Dagi-raht | Suthay-raht | |
New | Tojay or Ohmes-raht[42] | Pahmar | Dagi | Suthay[42] |
Eclipse[47] (Dark Moon) (Masser and Secunda aligned)[48] |
---|
Mane |
Ohmes[edit]
They are described as man-like[49], or man-faced[15], and visually like Bosmer, though sometimes shorter. To avoid being mistaken as such, many Ohmes tattoo or paint their faces to resemble a feline-aspect.[UOL 1][11] The Imperial Geographical Society previously claimed them to be the most common kind of khajiit to be encountered outside of Elsweyr, usually as adventurers or diplomats[15], though they are in fact seen far less often than other furstocks of Khajiit.
- An Ohmes[UOL 4]
Ohmes-raht[edit]
Like Ohmes, they can easily be mistaken as elves or men.[1][49] Just as men, they also walk on their heels. In difference to men and mer, the body of an Ohmes-raht is covered by light fur, and they do have a tail.[UOL 1] As Ohmes, they also paint their faces to resemble a feline-aspect.[12]
- An Ohmes-raht statue
Suthay[edit]
They are similar to the Suthay-raht, save that they are of lesser stature.[UOL 1] Like Suthay-raht, they evidently are bipedal and have digitigrade legs.[50]
- A Suthay
Suthay-raht[edit]
The Suthay-raht are sometimes, incomprehensibly for Khajiit themselves, nicknamed 'ja'khajiit'.[UOL 1] They are similar in height and build to the races of man. They are completely covered in fur of different colours and patterns, and have a tail. Claws are present on hands and feet, and their heads appear very cat-like.[51] Suthay-raht are known to be good jumpers, agile, sneaky and having a bold spirit. This makes them good adventurers, traders and suitable for slaves. They are however not as good warriors as Cathay-raht.[52] Suthay-raht are able to purr and hiss.[53] They also have slight phallic barbs.[UOL 4] The furstock of Suthay-raht is the most common to be found in Morrowind[45][UOL 1], specifically on Vvardenfell[52].
- A Suthay-raht
Cathay[edit]
Cathay are slightly larger and stronger than Suthay-raht, but the most obvious difference is that they have plantigrade legs.[UOL 5][54][55]
- A Cathay
Cathay-raht[edit]
Khajiit of this furstock were nicknamed as 'jaguar-men' by the Imperial Geographical Society[15], but also come with other fur patterns than those of jaguars.[45] They are said to be more agile than a werewolf.[56] They possess phallic barbs.[57][UOL 4]
- A Cathay-raht
Tojay[edit]
Little is known of the Tojay, except that they live in the southern marshes and jungle regions of Elsweyr, as well as the Tenmar Forest.[UOL 1]
Tojay-raht[edit]
Little is known of the Tojay-raht, except that they evidently are bipedal and have digitigrade legs.[58]
- A Tojay-Raht statue
Alfiq[edit]
The Alfiq are a diminutive form of magically gifted Khajiit[UOL 6] resembling typical housecats.[15][59] Their resemblance to common housecats has led many to treat them as such, whether by downplaying their intelligence, or even cooing or attempting to cuddle them.[60][61] While it is rumored that Alfiq are mute,[UOL 1] they are in fact capable of speech, a misconception which may derive from scholarly reduction of Alfiq to the status of housecats, or from a disinclination of Alfiq to talk in the presence of outsiders.[60] Due to the disrespect that Alfiq get as a result of their form, they rarely travel outside Elsweyr.[60] All these factors resulted in Alfiq resenting being labeled as housecats, which they consider patronizing and irritating.[62] The various misconceptions, however, do allow Alfiq to pose as housecats in order to serve as information gatherers.[62] Alfiq wear clothing, but as they are unable to naturally put it on themselves, they have others do it for them, or use magic to clothe themselves.[UOL 6] The form of an Alfiq is chosen by Sheogorath when he dons the identity of the Skooma Cat.[63]
- An Alfiq
Alfiq-raht[edit]
Nothing is known of the Alfiq-raht except that are probably bigger than the Alfiq.[UOL 3]
Dagi[edit]
Dagi are a less common form of the khajiit, living in the southern marshes and jungle regions of Elsweyr, as well as the Tenmar Forest.[UOL 1] Physically, they have facial features that are comparable to that of lynxes, and are short in stature, making them among the smallest of the furstocks.[64] Due to their light weight, they have been reported as being able to dwell in higher branches of trees that cannot hold a Bosmer. Due to their inclination to climb trees, they are compared to monkeys.[64] According to possibly unreliable reports of Bosmer, Dagi are suspected to be skilled spellcasters.[49]
- A Dagi
Dagi-raht[edit]
Similar to Dagi, Dagi-raht's facial features resemble that of lynxes. They also prefer to live among the trees rather than on the ground,[65] and are reported to live in Tenmar Forest where thanks to their stature, are able to dwell in higher branches that could not hold a Bosmer's weight. They are suspected to be skilled spellcasters.[49][65]
- A Dagi-raht
Senche[edit]
Senche are very often confused with their tiger-sized, catlike, and lesser sentient cousins, Senche-Cats.[15][45][66] This is due to Khajiit also using the term Senche to describe them.[UOL 2][UOL 7] The Senche furstock is said to be similar to Pahmar-raht in size. They are very large, standing about as tall as an Altmer or having a shoulder height of a horse. Some say their weight is comparable to that of twenty Altmer, which may be a bit of exaggeration. Their forelimbs are thick and their rear limbs one and a half times as long, giving them an apelike appearance. They have tawny fur, ribboned with stripes the color of dried blood.[3] Other Khajiit may use them as steeds if permitted.[15][UOL 1]
- A Senche
Senche-raht[edit]
Nicknamed 'battlecats', the Senche-raht are larger and slower than the Senche. They possess a shorter body-span and straighter legs. The average Senche-raht stands as tall as two Altmer and can weigh as much or more than fifty. However, these measurements may be exaggerated.[43] Nonetheless they are the largest of all Khajiit furstocks[UOL 2], although Imperial reports state Senche to be.[15] Due to their appearance, Senche-rahts are often mistaken for beasts outside of Elsweyr and may be attacked on sight as a result.[46] Senche-Rahts are intelligent beings with great memory,[67] are capable of speech,[68] and are even able to engage in spellcasting.[69] Although like the Senche, they can function as mounts and beasts of burden and war, they dislike being lowered to a beastly status. They like to be seen as equals and thus dislike their riders to be labeled as owners and handlers.[67]
- A Senche-raht
Pahmar[edit]
Little is known of the Pahmar, except that they may be comparable to tigers.[UOL 1]
Pahmar-raht[edit]
The Pahmar-raht is like a Pahmar, although larger and more dangerous.[UOL 1] They commonly have striped fur, and can be as tall as two Cathay.[70] They are said to be the strongest Khajiit and usually deployed as bodyguards and warriors.[71]
- A Pahmar-raht
Mane[edit]
The Mane is a unique breed of Khajiit. Khajiit tradition holds that only one Mane can be alive at one time and, more specifically, believe that there is actually only one Mane who is reborn again and again in different bodies. There has been no recorded incident of more than one Mane contending for power, although whether due to the truth in the Khajiit belief or whether the ruling Mane takes care of any potential rivals is unknown. Manes can only be born under a rare alignment of the moons Masser and Secunda when, according to legend, a third moon actually appears. In older days the Khajiit would shave off their manes in deference to the Mane, braiding them into locks which the Mane would incorporate into its own mane. The Mane is so weighted down by the hair that movement is difficult without aid and they often travel the countryside by means of a palanquin. As the population grew, however, this became impractical, although the Khajiit still remove their manes and the current Mane still wears the hair of its tribe and Warrior Guard which includes several hundred in number.
- Mane Akkhuz-ri; note the braids on his helmet
The Khajiiti Language: Ta'agra[edit]
For the Khajiit language of Ta'agra, please see the Lore Article Here.
Notes[edit]
- Arena features Ohmes as the playable Khajiit furstock.[UOL 4]
- Morrowind features Suthay-raht as the playable Khajiit furstock.[45]
- ESO features Cathay as the playable Khajiit furstock[UOL 3], although they were previously stated to be Suthay-raht[72].
See Also[edit]
- For Khajiit names, see here.
- For game-specific information, see the Arena, Daggerfall, Morrowind, Shadowkey, Oblivion, Skyrim, ESO, and Legends articles.
Books[edit]
- Ahzirr Traajijazeri by Anonymous — The public manifesto of the Khajiit organization Renrijra Krin
- Cherim's Heart of Anequina by Livillus Perus, Professor at the Imperial University — Interview with Cherim, a master tapestry weaver
- Corpse Preparation v I — How to obtain and prepare a corpse for necromantic purposes, volume one
- Crafting Motifs 7: The Khajiit by Doctor Alfidia Lupus — Being notes by Doctor Alfidia Lupus for a series of pamphlets on the major cultural styles of Tamriel
- Father of the Niben, Fragment Three by Florin Jaliil — Translation of the fragmented journal of Topal the Pilot
- Notes on Racial Phylogeny by the Council of Healers, Imperial University — About the similarities and differences between the races of Tamriel
- Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Elsweyr Confederacy — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
- Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: Sugar and Blood: the Cats of the South — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- Provinces of Tamriel — A brief analysis of the Imperial provinces of Tamriel
- The Tale of Dro'Zira by Sonia Vette — A Khajiit father in the grips of Moon Sugar gives his cub a history lesson
- Varieties of Faith in the Empire by Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College — An expansive list of the pantheons and associated divine spirits of Tamriel's dominant cultures
- Words of Clan Mother Ahnissi by Clan Mother Ahnissi — How a Khajiit explains the origin of the world
References[edit]
- ^ abcdefgPocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: Sugar and Blood: the Cats of the South — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- ^J'zargo's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ abThe Infernal City — Gregory Keyes
- ^ abNotes on Racial Phylogeny — the Council of Healers, Imperial University
- ^ abAsk Us Anything: Variety Pack 4
- ^The Real Barenziah, Part IV — Plitinius Mero
- ^Guide to Leyawiin — Alessia Ottus
- ^The Buying Game — Adabael Timsar-Dadisun
- ^Race Description of Khajiit in TES Travels: Shadowkey
- ^Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: All the Eras of Man, A Comprehensive History of our History — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- ^ abRace Description of Khajiit in TES:Arena
- ^ abRace Description of Khajiit in TES II: Daggerfall
- ^The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: Elsweyr — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
- ^Father Of The Niben — Florin Jaliil
- ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrsPocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Elsweyr Confederacy — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
- ^ abcdVarieties of Faith: The Khajiit — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
- ^ abcdefghijWords of Clan Mother Ahnissi — Clan Mother Ahnissi
- ^Cherim's Heart of Anequina — Livillus Perus, Professor at the Imperial University
- ^Provinces of Tamriel
- ^Confessions of a Skooma-Eater — Tilse Sendas
- ^Corpse Preparation v I
- ^Before the Ages of Man — Aicantar of Shimerene
- ^Special Flora of Tamriel — Hardin the Herbalist
- ^The Marksmanship Lesson — Alla Llaleth
- ^The Eastern Provinces
- ^Brown Book of 3E 426
- ^Realizations of Acrobacy — Master Rhunen Zebavi
- ^Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: Morrowind — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
- ^Mysterious Akavir
- ^Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: The War with the Trees: Argonia and the Black Marsh — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- ^ abcdefghijklVarieties of Faith.. — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
- ^Description of Golden Azurah Icon
- ^ abcShando-ri's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Mazza-Mirri's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Nisuzi's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Litter-Mates of Darkness — Moon-Bishop Hunal
- ^Khenarthi's Roost Loading screen in ESO
- ^Mane-of-Many-Rivers description
- ^Abode of Ignominy's Loading screen in ESO
- ^Persistence of Daedric Veneration — Lady Cinnabar of Taneth
- ^Famed Artifacts of Tamriel — Yagrum Bagarn
- ^ abcdThe Moon Cats and their Dance
- ^ abcdMoon Bishop Hunal Answers Your Questions — Moon Bishop Hunal
- ^Nusana as encountered in ESO
- ^ abcdeRace Description of Khajiit in TES III: Morrowind
- ^ abMunili's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Envoy Cashia's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Shazah's dialogue in ESO
- ^ abcdMixed Unit Tactics — Codus Callonus
- ^Suthay statue contained within the Moon Bishop’s Sanctuary Furnishing Pack sold in the Crown Store in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Visual appearance in TES III: Morowind
- ^ abRandom dialogue on topic Khajiit in TES III: Morrowind
- ^Voiced khajiit lines in TES III: Morrowind
- ^Visual appearance in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- ^Visual appearance in The Elder Scrolls: Online
- ^A Dance in Fire — Waughin Jarth
- ^The Real Barenziah, Part III — Plitinius Mero
- ^Tojay-raht statue sold by Lathahim in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Housecat pet description in The Elder Scrolls Online
- ^ abcRa'ri's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Nirahni's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ abMojzin's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Skooma Cat's appearance in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ abSamari's appearance in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ abRaiffi's appearance in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Tesusah's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ abSenche-rahts: Not Just Mounts — Saharrzag
- ^Pajmina's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Thannar the Graveprowler's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^Appearance of Sharjo
- ^Dialogue of Sharjo
- ^Ask Us Anything: Aldmeri Dominion (Part 1)
Note: the following references are not from official sources. They are included to provide a rounder background to this article, but may not reflect established lore.
- ^ abcdefghijklmnInterview With Three Booksellers — Douglas Goodall, Todd Howard and Ken Rolston
- ^ abcForum posts of Lawrence Schick
- ^ abcdWelcome to the Elsweyr & Update 22 AUA
- ^ abcdForum posts of Douglas Goodall
- ^Forum posts of GT Noonan
- ^ abLeamon Tuttle on Alfiq Clothing-Bethesda Twitch Stream
- ^AMA With The ESO Writing Team
External Links[edit]
Information from the following sources has been used, in whole or in part, to establish the contents of this article:
|
Retrieved from 'https://en.uesp.net/w/index.php?title=Lore:Khajiit&oldid=1978437'