A few weeks ago, Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls Online Imperial Edition, a special collectors edition that allow players to play as the Imperial race in Elder Scrolls Online. Although some players were fearful that Imperials would be significantly more powerful, the studio has confirmed that the Imperials will not have any overall gameplay advantage over any other races in Elder Scrolls Online. Instead, it is an opportunity for players to stand out visually in the game. Those who purchased the standard edition of Elder Scrolls Online, has the option to upgrade to the Imperial Edition if they intend to play as an Imperial and enjoy all of its bonuses.
Even the dog is jealous of the Imperial's snazzy mount
So who exactly are the Imperials? In this week's special feature, we take a look at the Imperial race of Elder Scrolls Online, and look at what makes them stand out from the other races of Tamriel.
A Primer on the Imperials
The Imperials are essentially humans, related from the Nords who eventually settled in Cyrodiil, the capital province of Tamriel (also known as the Imperial Province) and homeland of the Imperials. With a long and rich history in the world of the Elder Scrolls, the Imperials aren’t as pale as the Bretons and Nords, yet they are not as dark as the Redguards. In addition, their facial features are ‘sharper’ and more well-defined than the other human races.
Known to be well-educated, well-spoken, well-disciplined, well-rounded characters, the Imperials are also synonymous with their good diplomatic skills, and are typically wealthy. It's not hard to see that the Imperials are modeled after the Roman empire in real life with their military and technological advancements. Imagine, if you will, the Spartan warriors from the movie 300, but with waaaaay better armor and military strategy - that was how impressive and powerful the Roman empire was back then.
Face variants of the Imperial race from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Council, along with the Emperor of the entire Empire, has historically resided in the Imperial Palace in the Imperial City. Together, they yield power over the mighty Imperial Legion, the most powerful and well-organized military force in Cyrodiil and the Empire. In Elder Scrolls Online, the Imperials are non-playable antagonists since they have an alliance with the Tharn Family and Mannimarco, King of Worms, due to the corrupting influence of chancellor Abnur Tharn on the Elder Council. However, if you play as an Imperial, your character is considered an outcast, so you’re free to join the Ebonheart Pact, the Daggerfall Covenant, or the Aldmeri Dominion.
In previous Elder Scrolls games, Cyrodiil is a massive cosmopolitan city but in Elder Scrolls Online which is set way before Skyrim, the city has been transformed into a giant PVP zone where all three factions fight over. Considering the Elder Scrolls Online take place during the Second Era of the Elder Scrolls history where chaos regularly reigned throughout Tamriel, the depiction of Cyrodiil as a PVP zone is quite befitting. Imperials also come with their own White Horse mount (useful for traversing the massive world of Tamriel), and they can craft items and armors into the Imperial style...which just goes to show they're probably homesick for their own kind.
I'll never remove this shiny Imperial armor till the day I die!
As an Imperial, you get an exclusive quest called the Ritual of Mara. Upon completing the Ritual of Mara (the goddess of love) with a friend, you receive the Rings of Mara, which confers a boost in experience when you play together. It’s a nice little addition for online couples who wish to experience marriage in Elder Scrolls Online.
Previous Elder Scrolls Appearances
The Elder Scrolls: Arena (non-playable)
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (non-playable)
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Elder Scrolls IV: Olivion
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls Online
Racial Skills
Like all the other races in Elder Scrolls Online, the Imperials also have a unique racial skill line and passive skill bonuses, though details are still unknown. However, they have been known to have the Voice of the Emperor ability in previous games, which calms or charms nearby targets. One of the common traits that Imperials have in previous Elder Scrolls titles is their affinity for heavy armor, one-handed weaponry, and hand-to-hand combat. They are historically known to make good battlemages (a mage that fights at the forefront of battle) due to their broad skill set.
The Imperials is a great race to pick from for history and military buffs out there. The similarities to real-life ancient empires is aptly reflected through their way of life, characteristics, race bonus and specialized skills and of course, their look. While some may find this combination rigid and lacking imagination, the choice is almost a no-brainer those with an affinity to the military lifestyle.
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Preorders for The Elder Scrolls Online Imperial Edition is now open, and it will be sold at the recommended retail price SGD149.90. The Standard Edition of The Elder Scrolls Online will retail at SGD79.90, and comes with 3 days Early Access to the game. This offer is available through participating retailers in all countries within Asia, except in Singapore where it will be available only as part of a Singtel Bundle. For more information, please visit
