Altmer ( Oblivion ) The Altmer , or High Elves , are a race of elves who inhabit parts of Tamriel . They hail from the Summerset Isle , are one of the ten default playable races , and are primarily known for their enhanced magic al abilities . Physiology . As a race , the Altmer strive to maintain the appearance of their ancestor race , the Aldmer , primarily through highly selective traditions surrounding marriage and reproduction . They are among the tallest of the humanoid races , taller than most humans and even most other mer i races . Their skin maintains a very pale golden hue , not quite the pale white of the northern human races such as the Nords , but far lighter than the Bosmer . They are slender , with prominently pointed ears and almond - shaped eyes . Compared with other races . On average , Altmer are of a more slender build than humans , and generally not as strong . Their tall stature also makes them less agile than their Bosmeri cousins . However , Altmer are among the most intelligent and magically - inclined races on Nirn , surpassing even the Bretons in magical aptitude . This strong tie to Magnus , the god of magic , has the unfortunate side effect of opening Altmer up to magical attacks more than most other races . To their benefit , however , their years of selective breeding have also provided them with a strong resistance to disease . Usage . Altmer are best used to make aggressive or semi - aggressive mages . This is due to the higher magicka pool and higher Destruction skill when compared to Bretons . In , a magicka boosting birthsign is usually combined with the Altmer ' s own magicka boost in order to give the player a large pool of magicka . Different signs provide varying boosts in magicka with varying risks tied to the boosts . The larger the magicka boost the larger the risk or setback . The order of risk / boost size goes Mage , Apprentice , and Atronach . The Mage . The Mage Altmers with this stone provides a high elf with slightly more magicka than a Breton / Mage . The Apprentice . The Apprentice Altmer using this stone provides an extremely aggressive mage that can cast expensive spells many times without worry . However this advantage is offset by an extreme weakness to magical attacks . With this build a lot of players like to add skills that help boost endurance , which in turn boosts maximum health . Without the health boosting skills these mages can die in one hit if a spell is either cast at them , or reflected back at them . The Atronach . The Atronach Altmer has the largest magicka pool in the game , but cannot regenerate magicka . At early levels this type of mage must rely on Welkynd Stones , absorb ed spells , potions , staves , and primitive Alchemy . At higher levels , however , this type of mage can be extremely aggressive and extremely resistant to magical attacks . A few enchanted items with " absorb spell " will help boost the Magicka absorption rate up to 100 % , fully offsetting all of the Altmers ' weaknesses . Equipment . Purchasing the Hands of the Atronach heavy gauntlets is advised for Altmeri characters of all classes . These gauntlets add 20 % resistances to frost , fire , and shock damage . These gauntlets can be purchased from the Mystic Emporium in the Imperial City , Market District for 7 , 000