Argonians are one of 10 playable races players can choose from in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The Argonians are a reptilian race native to the treacherous swamps of Black Marsh.
Argonian Race Overview
Argonians are well known for being the unique reptilian race of Skyrim. As far as the game’s playable races go, Argonians have a solid balance of resilience and adaptability, being highly resistant to diseases as well as having the ability to breathe underwater.
Argonian society is deeply connected to the Hist, a species of sentient trees that guide the Argonians in their spiritual beliefs.
Argonian Culture and Politics
Argonians hail from the province of Black Marsh, also known as Argonia, a region known for its hostile environment filled with deadly creatures, diseases, and impenetrable swamps. This harsh setting has shaped Argonian culture and society in many ways, leading to a people who are not only resilient but also deeply attuned to the natural world.
Argonian culture is tied to the Hist, a race of ancient, sentient trees found in Black Marsh. The Hist are revered by the Argonians, who believe these trees to be wise and all-knowing. It’s said that the Hist shares a symbiotic relationship with the Argonians, even influencing their life cycle. When Argonians are born, they ingest the sap of the Hist, which supposedly determines their physical form and grants them a soul.
In terms of society, Argonians typically live in tribal communities scattered throughout the swamps of Black Marsh. Each tribe is unique and has its own customs, traditions, and societal structures. Some tribes are known to be peaceful, living off the land and maintaining a harmonious relationship with their surroundings, while others are more aggressive, partaking in raids and guerrilla warfare.
Despite their tribal and seemingly primitive social structures, Argonians have a rich and nuanced society that deeply respects the natural world and values the collective over the individual. Their complex relationship with the Hist, their diverse tribes, and their shrewd political structures make the Argonians one of the most intriguing races in The Elder Scrolls series.
Argonian Character Creation
“This reptilian race, well-suited for the treacherous swamps of their Black Marsh homeland, has developed a natural resistance to diseases and the ability to breathe underwater. They can call upon the Histskin to regenerate health very quickly.”
Argonian Starting Skill Bonuses
Argonians in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim start with the following skill bonuses:
- One-Handed (15)
- Two-Handed (15)
- Archery (15)
- Illusion (15)
- Conjuration (15)
- Destruction (15)
- Restoration (20)
- Alteration (20)
- Light Armor (20)
- Heavy Armor (15)
- Block (15)
- Sneak (20)
- Pickpocket (20)
- Lockpicking (25)
- Speech (15)
- Alchemy (15)
- Smithing (15)
- Enchanting (15)
Skyrim Argonian Racial Bonuses
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Argonians have some very unique racial bonuses that make them particularly well-suited for certain playstyles, specifically those that benefit from their natural resistances and adaptability:
- Resist Disease: Argonians have a 50% resistance to diseases, making them less likely to contract the various illnesses found throughout Skyrim. This passive skill can be particularly useful in situations where the player is frequently exposed to disease-ridden enemies or environments.
- Water Breathing: Argonians have the unique ability to breathe underwater indefinitely. This is a significant advantage when exploring underwater areas, searching for sunken treasures, or when escaping from enemies by diving into deep bodies of water.
- Histskin: As a racial power, Argonians can use the “Histskin” ability once per day. This allows them to regenerate health ten times faster for 60 seconds. It can be a literal lifesaver in tough combat situations, allowing the player to recover health quickly when it’s most needed.
Argonian Starting Spells
Argonians in Skyrim begin with both the Flames spell and the Healing spell.
Argonian Builds and Playstyle
Argonians’ natural resilience and adaptability make them an excellent choice for players who want to create a versatile character that can handle a variety of challenges. They excel in roles that require stealth, such as thieves or assassins, but their racial abilities also make them effective as warriors, especially when their Histskin ability is put to good use. However, their versatility allows them to succeed in any playstyle, whether that be focused on magic, melee combat, or ranged combat, depending on the player’s preferences.
Notable Argonians of Skyrim
- Derkeethus: In Skyrim, Derkeethus is an Argonian ranger who can become a follower and potential spouse for the player character. He is the only Argonian follower in the game and has the unique ability to breathe underwater, like all Argonians.
- From-Deepest-Fathoms: Another Argonian in Skyrim, From-Deepest-Fathoms is found on the Riften Docks. She gives the player the quest “Unfathomable Depths,” leading the player to an ancient Dwemer ruin.
- Gulum-Ei: Also known as Steve, Gulum-Ei is an Argonian merchant and a member of the Thieves Guild in Skyrim. The player interacts with him during the Thieves Guild questline.
- Wujeeta: In Skyrim, Wujeeta is an Argonian who works at the Riften Fishery. She plays a small but important role in the player’s path to becoming Thane of Riften.
- Veezara: Veezara is a Shadowscale, a unique order of Argonian assassins, serving the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Originally from Black Marsh, Veezara is a dedicated member of the Brotherhood, providing the Dragonborn with various insights into the practices and traditions of the Shadowscales. Despite the harsh realities of his profession, he maintains a light-hearted demeanor and offers camaraderie to his fellow assassins.
Tips for Playing as an Argonian in Skyrim
Choosing to play as an Argonian in Skyrim opens up unique gameplay possibilities and strategies, thanks to their racial abilities and bonuses:
- Use Your Racial Abilities: Argonians can breathe while underwater indefinitely and have a 50% resistance to diseases, both of which can be very useful. Use underwater breathing to explore submerged areas and escape from enemies. The disease resistance is especially helpful in fights against creatures like vampires or when exploring disease-ridden locations.
- Leverage Histskin: The Argonian racial power, Histskin, regenerates health ten times faster for 60 seconds once per day. Use it strategically during tough battles to turn the tide in your favor, especially when your health is critically low.
- Focus on Stealth: Argonians start with a bonus to Lockpicking, Sneak, and Light Armor, making them naturally good at stealth-based roles. Consider focusing on these skills and pursuing the Thieves Guild or Dark Brotherhood questlines.
- Be Versatile: Argonians’ balanced skill bonuses in both combat and stealth give them versatility. While they can excel as thieves or assassins, don’t hesitate to experiment with other playstyles. They can be competent mages or warriors as well.
- Try Alchemy: Given their cultural connection to nature and initial skill bonus in Alchemy, playing an Argonian alchemist could be rewarding. Gather ingredients as you traverse Skyrim and create powerful potions and poisons.
Other Races in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Other races available for players in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim include:
