Redguard ( Skyrim ) Redguards hail from the great desert province of Hammerfell . They are descended from a long line of warriors and mystic seers . Legend has it that Redguards are innately more proficient with the use of weaponry than any other race . They excel in all arts concerning blade and shield . The most naturally talented warriors in Tamriel , the dark - skinned Redguards of Hammerfell seem born to battle . However , their pride and fierce independence of spirit makes them more suitable as scout s or skirmishers , or as free ranging heroes and adventurers , than as rank and file soldiers . In addition to their cultural affinities for many weapon and armor styles , Redguards are also blessed with hardy constitutions and fleetness of foot . History . Fourth Era . Hammerfell , the Redguard ' s homeland , had recently survived a massive invasion by the Aldmeri Dominion . Though they were aided by the Imperial Legion , the following peace treaty gave a large chunk of the region to the elves . The Redguards refused to accept those terms , and succeeded in reclaiming their homeland from the Dominion , which lead to the separation of Hammerfell from the Mede Empire as an independent nation . There is now distrust between the Redguard and the Imperials . It is interesting to note that the Redguards pushed back the Elven armies twice before , and would have dominated Tamriel if not for the opposition in Cyrodiil during the Empire ' s formation . With the signing of the Second Treaty of Stros M ' kai in 4E 180 , the Aldmeri Dominion completely withdrew from Hammerfell . This makes Hammerfell the only country to have actually defeated the Aldmeri Dominion , and this largely without the aid of the Empire . The history of Hammerfell was filled with war until finally , because of forced cooperation between Forebears and Crowns , the civil war in Hammerfell has ended , which is likely to lead to a prosperous future . Religion and culture . The main religion of Hammerfell is a mix between ancestor worship and faith in the traditional Yokuda n pantheon . According to Trayvond the Redguard , in Hammerfell , they " don ' t much like spell casters , because Wizards steal souls and tamper with minds . If you use magic , you ' re weak or wicked . " They are not fond of Conjuration , relating it to Necromancy , or Illusion , because it unwillingly alters the mind of an opponent . However , he does mention that he and other Redguards are rather fond of Destruction spells , as that school of magic suits their culture well . Popular usage and unique gameplay . As in previous " Elder Scrolls " games , the Redguards excel in combat . In , unlike previous games , they are more magically inclined than Nords or Orcs . With Orcs as a possible exception , they make for the best defensive fighters due to having the best starting skill in One - Handed in addition to their skill in Block . Their poison resistance helps to withstand deadly poisons of any kind , while the Adrenaline Rush ability allows for a continuous offensive onslaught . The fact that they also favor Alteration and Destruction alongside their traditional warrior abilities makes Redguards a great choice for a spellsword or battlemage . Naming convention . Most Redguard names in are based on Arabic names , such as Nazir ( " observer " ) . This is a departure from previous installments in which Redguard names were commonly of western European origins .