<noinclude>{{Trail|Races}}{{cleanup|Needs links, reference incorporation from talk page}}[[Category:Lore-All Terms]]</noinclude>{{{image|[[File:Lore-race-Argonian.png|frame|Illustration of a typical Argonian male]]}}}'''Argonians''' (in their native tongue of {{Lore Link|Jel}} they call themselves the '''Saxhleel''', or '''People of the Root''') are the reptilian natives of [[Lore:Black Marsh|Black Marsh]], a vast swampland province in southeastern Tamriel. The other races often prefer to refer to them as ‘lizards’ or the ‘Lizard Folk’ instead, especially when meaning to be derogative. They are known as the foremost experts in guerrilla warfare throughout the Starry Heart, a reputation brought upon them by defending their borders from enemies for countless centuries. Argonians have a lifespan similar to that of humans.{{ref|[http://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en-us/news/post/2013/05/06/ask-us-anything-variety-pack-4 Ask Us Anything Variety Pack 4]}} According to the First Era Scholar Brendan the Persistent “the Argonian people have, throughout Tamrielic history, been perhaps the most misunderstood, vilified, and reviled of all the sentient races. Yet, those who have taken the time to experience Argonian culture have gained a greater appreciation for this noble and beautiful people". However, it should be noted that he himself went missing in his final expedition into the deeper swamps of their homeland.{{ref|name=PGE3|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Argonia}}}}{{ref|name=EGT|{{Cite book|EGT|Black Marsh}}}}{{FMI|dummy=}}<noinclude> [[File:Black Marsh map Oblivion.jpg|right|thumb|{{Lore Link|Black Marsh}}, the land of the Argonians]]==History=====Origin===Exactly when and how the Argonians came to be is unknown, but they were already living in established preliterate tribal communities around the time the [[Lore:Aldmer|Aldmer]] first began exploring Tamriel.{{ref|name=FoN|{{Cite book|Father of the Niben}}}}{{ref|name=PGE3}}{{ref|name=BtAoM|{{Cite book|Before the Ages of Man}}}} The ancient Argonians were quickly and swiftly displaced by the more technologically and magically advanced Elder Folk, and were driven back into the swamps of their homeland. Black Marsh in those times was inhabited by a multitude of races, from the diverse [[Lore:Kothringi|Kothringi]] tribes to the Cantemiric [[Lore:Velothi|Velothi]] (and much later, the Barsaebic [[Lore:Ayleids|Ayleids]]) to the vulpine [[Lore:Lilmothiit|Lilmothiit]], and they held the Lizard Folk in an almost myth-like sense. For some they were wandering curiosities, for others they were heroes that nobly saved non-reptilian inhabitants from horrors of the marsh, and for others still they were terrifying savages.{{ref|name=BtAoM}}===First Era===Argonians only occasionally left their homeland during the early years of the First Era, although there are accounts of certain individuals of the race being found in other parts of Tamriel during that time.{{ref|name=PGE3}} According to a Saxhleel ghost encountered in [[Lore:Stonefalls|Stonefalls]] in 2E 582, the ancient [[Lore:Chimer|Chimer]] utilized the Lizard Folk as slaves centuries before their descendants the [[Lore:Dunmer|Dunmer]] would do the same.{{ref|name=ESO|Events of [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} Exactly when and why the Chimeri practice ended is unknown, but the Dark Elves and even the Saxhleel themselves seemed to have forgotten it ever occurred. The races’ standard contempt for outside peoples originated in the latter years of the [[Lore:Alessian Empire|Alessian Empire]], when pirates and other criminals often exploited Black Marshes’ treacherous landscape to evade Imperial Law. The entirety of the eastern coastline of the Topal Bay was infamous for piracy, and in 1E 1033 Empress [[Lore:Hestra|Hestra]] ordered for the head of “Red Bramman” (the most notorious of these criminals) to be brought to her in order to end the bandit activity.{{ref|name=PGE3}} The Imperial Navy were forced to enter Argonia through the Bay and traveled deeper into the swamps than anyone else had before, and finally beheaded the redheaded pirate-king in his bandit kingdom near the modern city of [[Lore:Blackrose|Blackrose]].{{ref|name=EGT}} The pillaging and slavery Bramman introduced into the Marsh made Argonians resentful towards the races of men, and their resistance to the continued use of the old pirate routes led to decreased exploration as the First Empire’s influence waned.{{ref|name=PGE3}}{{ref|name=EGT}} Despite this bitterness, the Argonians still allied with and aided the Empire when the deadly [[Lore:Thrassian Plague|Thrassian Plague]] ravaged Tamriel in 1E 2200, the first recordable date after the [[Lore:Alessian Order#Marukhati Selective|Marukhati]] [[Lore:Dragon Break|Dragon Break]].{{fact}} Argonian freebooters joined alongside Redguard corsairs, Colovian galleys, Breton warships, and even Aldmeri cutters in the All Flags Navy – the greatest allied naval force in Tamriel history – to enact revenge against the [[Lore:Sload|Sload]], a species hated by all the races of Tamriel. The Tamrielics succeeded in their mission, sinking [[Lore:Thras|Thras]] to the bottom of the [[Lore:Sea of Pearls|Sea of Pearls]] (although it would later rise again), but a great number of their ships were unfortunately pulled into [[Lore:Coldharbour|Coldharbour]] by a magical whirlpool.{{ref|name=JoTE|{{Cite book|Journal of Tsona-Ei}}}}{{ref|name=ESO}} While the Saxhleel were never conquered by the Alessian Empire, the [[Lore:Reman Dynasty|Reman Dynasty]] of Emperors on the other hand took great interest in incorporating it as a province during their reign. In 1E 2811 the last army of the Lizard Folk was defeated by the armies of [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]], but Black Marsh itself continued to lay largely outside of Imperial control.{{ref|name=PGE3}} When [[Lore:Reman II|Reman II]] ascended to the Ruby Throne, the unconquered territories of [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]] and Black Marsh weighed heavily on his mind.{{ref|name=R2LoA|{{Cite book|Reman II: The Limits of Ambition}}}} He rashly decided to conquer Argonia in the year 2830, and nearly lost as many men from the swamps as he did from the Argonians that resisted him. He eventually managed to gain control of the northern and eastern sections of the territory, and declared those parts the Imperial Province of Black Mash in 1E 2837.{{ref|name=R2LoA}}{{ref|name=PGE1|{{Cite book|PGE|1|The Wild Region}}}} The Argonians’ homeland would go on to become a sort of prison state (specifically the city of Blackrose), a place where criminals not trusted in conventional dungeons could be relocated.{{ref|name=PGE1}}{{ref|name=AaU|{{Cite book|Argonians Among Us}}}} After the assassination of [[Lore:Reman III|Reman III]] and his only heir [[Lore:Juilek|Juilek]], the [[Lore:Akaviri Potentate|Akaviri Potentate]] declared the beginning of the [[Lore:Second Era|Second Era]]. The Argonians saw their chance and forcibly left the crumbling Reman Dynasty, becoming a self-governed territory once again.{{ref|name=LYotFE|{{Cite book|2920, The Last Year of the First Era}}}}===Second Era===Unfortunately, after the Argonians left the Empire the Dunmer of Morrowind turned their gaze towards the south and saw a swampy land ripe with potential slaves. Entire tribes were dragged off in chains to [[Lore:Stonefalls|Stonefalls]], [[Lore:Vvardenfell|Vvardenfell]], and the [[Lore:Deshaan|Deshaan]].{{ref|name=AaU}}{{ref|name=PGE3}} The Dunmeri Great House [[Lore:Dres|Dres]] was also founded during these times when its progenitor Thalthil Dres conducted a slave-raid on the city of [[Lore:Thorn|Thorn]], and soon became the main source for slaves in their homeland.{{fact}} While the Dark Elves saw the enslavement of the Argonians as a great uplifting and betterment for the race in general, the Lizard Folk themselves detested their newest masters and fought with them constantly.{{ref|name=AaU}}{{ref|name=PGE3}} The Argonians are often considered to be the creators of the deadly [[Lore:Knahaten Flu|Knahaten Flu]] in 2E 560, which originated in the city of [[Lore:Stormhold|Stormhold]] and then spread throughout Tamriel like wildfire.{{ref|name=SCoS|{{Cite book|Stormhold, City of Shadowfen}}}} This claim has never been proven, but since the Argonians proved to be immune to the contagion the other races quickly came to believe that one of their shaman’s manipulated their [[Lore:Hist|Hist]] trees into creating it in retaliation for the constant oppression of their people by the other races (specifically the Dunmer).{{ref|name=PGE3}}{{ref|name=OKF|{{Cite book|On the Knahaten Flu}}}}{{ref|name=PGE1}} The Flu soured Tamrielic opinion on Argonians, who were thought to be carriers of the disease, and the Dunmer soon found their most numerous vassals being constantly turned down by others.{{ref|name=AaU}} Perhaps the greatest – and most surprising – historical event the Argonians took part in during the Second Era was the Liberation War (better remembered as the Second Akaviri Invasion). In 2E 572, a strong [[Lore:Akaviri|Akaviri]] force led by Ada’Soom Dir-Kamal attacked [[Lore:Windhelm|Windhelm]] in Eastern [[Lore:Skyrim|Skyrim]], killing Queen [[Lore:Mabjaarn Flame-Hair|Mabjaarn Flame-Hair]] and Princess [[Lore:Nurnhilde|Nurnhilde]]. Leaving the ruined city behind, the eastern army continued on their way to [[Lore:Riften|Riften]] but found it heavily fortified by the [[Lore:Nord|Nords]], who were led by [[Lore:Jorunn|Jorunn]] the Skald-King and [[Lore:Wulfharth|Wulfharth]] the Ash-King (who was called back to [[Lore:Nirn|Nirn]] from [[Lore:Sovngarde|Sovngarde]] by the [[Lore:Greybeards|Greybeards]]).{{ref|name=JtSK|{{Cite book|Jorunn the Skald-King (book)}}}}{{ref|name=TSAI|{{Cite book|The Second Akaviri Invasion}}}}{{ref|name=AtS|{{Cite book|Against the Snakes}}}} The invaders decided to bypass the Nordic city and entered Morrowind instead, where the Dunmeri army led by [[Lore:Almalexia|Almalexia]] fought against them but were forced to retreat into Stonefalls (although it is rumored that Mother Morrowind and the Skald-Prince collaborated with one another to set this up despite their races’ ancient enmity).{{ref|name=AtS}} With their backs towards the Inner Sea, the Akaviri fought viciously against the combined Nord-Dunmer force, but with the rest of the Akaviri fleet on the horizon it seemed that the Tamrielics would be overrun and slaughtered.{{ref|name=AtS}}{{ref|name=UA|{{Cite book|Unexpected Allies}}}} Sometime prior to the initial invasion, an Argonian slave girl named Heita-Meen escaped from the Dres plantation she was being forced to work upon alongside several of her compatriots, but was captured by the Dunmer-aligned Archein tribe and taken back to their village. While being held there she received a vision from their Hist tree, one showing the Nords and Dunmer dying at the hands of the Akaviri. She saw an opportunity in this, and when taken back to Thorn she killed her Slavemaster and by way of duel took control of the Archein guards.{{ref|name=FAtS|{{Cite book|From Argonian to Saxhleel}}}} She headed to Stormhold, where she was able to gain the support of the majority of the Shellbacks there, and then made haste to aid the Dunmer and Nords in Stonefalls. At first the Dark Elves were alarmed to see a force of armed slaves heading towards them; some even attacked the Argonians out of fear.{{ref|name=AtS}} However, the three races were able to get over their mutual hatred and resoundingly drove the invaders into the Sea to drown. In that moment the [[Lore:Ebonheart Pact|Ebonheart Pact]] was born, and would continue to exist all the way up to the [[Lore:Planemeld|Planemeld]] ten years later in 2E 582.{{ref|name=ESO}} Unlike the other three factions in the Alliance War, the Ebonheart Pact focused largely on wiping away the rashness of Imperial rule as well as ending mortal scheming with higher powers from beyond Nirn.{{ref|name=TToTEP|{{Cite book|The Time of the Ebonheart Pact}}}} As a show of thanks for the timely intervention of the Argonians, the Dunmer formally ended the enslavement of Lizard Folk (but the practice of enslaving itself did not end).{{ref|name=GttEP|{{Cite book|Guide to the Ebonheart Pact}}}} However, some Dunmer (notably House Telvanni) refused to accept these terms and therefore redrew from the Pact. Likewise, many Argonians felt that the Dunmer deserved retribution for their crimes{{ref|name=AFAM|[[Online:A Free Argonian's Manifesto|A Free Argonian's Manifesto]]}} and only the regions of Shadowfen, Thornmarsh, and Murkmire in Black Marsh joined the Ebonheart Pact.{{ref|name=FAtS}} Some left their homeland entirely, and settled in other provinces. Eventually the Great Moot that ruled over Morrowind, Black Marsh, and Skyrim consolidated their provinces into a single nation.{{ref|name=ESO}} It is unknown what became of the Ebonheart Pact, but by the time of the [[Lore:Tiber Wars|Tiber Wars]] it was no longer existent and the Argonians were once again the sole authority in Black Marsh. Saxhleel slavery was also revitalized by the Dunmer at some point, and despite fear of the Knahaten Flu House Dres continued sending slavers into the north of Black Marsh.{{ref|name=PGE3}} It is said that even [[Lore:Tiber Septim|Tiber Septim]] himself thought twice before attacking Black Marsh in his conquests, and it is implied in [[Lore:A Short History of Morrowind|A Short History of Morrowind]] that the Argonian homeland was acquired by treaty instead.{{ref|name=ASHoM|{{Cite book|A Short History of Morrowind}}}} Despite this, the borders of their province fell quite easily to his forces and he avoided much loss by neglecting to attack the almost impenetrable inner swamps.{{ref|name=PGE3}} The Argonian homeland was assimilated into Tiber’s growing Empire sometime after the [[Lore:Second Treaty of Stros M'Kai|Second Treaty of Stros M’kai]].{{ref|name=RGDreekius|[[Redguard:Dreekius|Dreekius']] dialogue in [[Redguard:Redguard|Redguard]]}} ===Third Era===During the Third Empire the homeland of the Argonians continued to function mostly as a prison state, and the Emperors were content with holding onto the strategic regions on the coastline instead of annexing the heart of Black Marsh, which remained outside of Imperial governance.{{ref|name=PGE3}} In 3E 396, during the [[Lore:Imperial Simulacrum|Imperial Simulacrum]], a slave revolt escalated into the Dunmer instigating the [[Lore:Arnesian War|Arnesian War]] with Black Marsh and taking a significant amount of territory (and undoubtedly many new slaves) when the Argonians lost.{{ref|name=PGE3}}{{ref|name=LotS|{{Cite book|Lives of the Saints}}}} Although the enslavement of any civilized race was illegal in the rest of the Empire, the Dark Elves were allowed to continue the practice due to the favorable conditions of the [[Lore:Armistice|Armistice]] under which Morrowind joined the [[Lore:Septim Dynasty|Septim Dynasty]], which allowed the Dunmer to follow their ancient traditions and maintain great autonomy in their domestic affairs. King [[Lore:Helseth|Helseth]] eventually abolished slavery in Morrowind for a wide variety of reasons.{{fact}} With the abolishment of slavery, the Argonians’ relationship with the Dunmer vastly improved, although violent attempts to reclaim the lands stolen from them during the Arnesian War continued.{{ref|name=PGE3}} While Imperial governors ruled over the coastal cities in the province, many of them had Argonian advisors from the Archein tribe. The Archeins in turn ruled over the rural areas that made up most of Black Marsh. Beyond the reach of the Emperor there was little to no governance in the innermost swamps, and it was unknown if the inhabitants of those areas even recognized Imperial rule.{{ref|name=PGE3}} When [[Lore:Mehrunes Dagon|Mehrunes Dagon]] attempted to invade Tamriel during the [[Lore:Oblivion Crisis|Oblivion Crisis]] in 3E 433, the Hist trees foresaw his coming and called the majority of Argonians back to defend their homeland.{{ref|name=OBRumors|Rumors in [[Oblivion:Oblivion|Oblivion]]}} The Argonians were altered by the Hist in order to combat the [[Lore:Daedra|Daedra]], becoming faster, stronger, and able to endure harsher punishment.{{ref|name=LoS}} When the Oblivion Gates were opened in Black Marsh, the Lizard Folk charged into them so viciously that the Daedra themselves were forced to close them in order to avoid being overrun; because of this, the Argonians emerged from the Oblivion Crisis more united and stronger than ever before compared to the other Tamrielic races devastated by Dagon’s plot.{{ref|name=tIC|{{Cite book|The Infernal City}}}} ===Fourth Era===The Argonians were among the first of the races to secede from the weakening Empire, alongside the [[Lore:Khajiit|Khajiit]] of [[Lore:Elsweyr|Elsweyr]].{{ref|name=tIC}} Shortly after the eruption of [[Lore:Red Mountain|Red Mountain]] devastated Vvardenfell, the [[Lore:Thalmor|Thalmor]] encouraged the Argonians to attack their Dark Elven enemies to the north in what became known as the Argonian Invasion.{{ref|name=tRT4|{{Cite book|Rising Threat, Vol. IV}}}} They had early success in conquering southern Morrowind, sacking many cities (including Mournhold) as they made it as far as Red Mountain. However, the Argonians were eventually repelled by the army of House Redoran, which successfully stopped them from invading the rest of Morrowind.{{ref|name=tIC}}{{ref|name=tRT4}}{{ref|name=DBAdril|[[Dragonborn:Adril Arano|Adril Arano's]] dialogue in [[Dragonborn:Dragonborn|Dragonborn]]}} Thankfully, the Thalmor’s influence over the Argonians ended with the invasion.{{ref|name=tRT4}} Despite their lack of governance or colonization of the southern Dunmeri lands, the Argonians kept the Empire and Morrowind from reclaiming them.{{ref|name=tIC}}{{ref|name=HoRRV1|{{Cite book|History of Raven Rock}}}} Sometime in the early Fourth Era the Lizard Folk came to be governed by a political party known as the [[Lore:An-Xileel|An-Xileel]], whose views were completely nationalistic. In 4E 43, by invoking the rogue Hist tree of [[Lore:Lilmoth|Lilmoth]] into contacting its ‘cousins’ the Um-Hist, the An-Xileel were able to summon the floating city of [[Lore:Umbriel|Umbriel]] from [[Lore:Clavicus Vile|Clavicus Vile’s]] realm in [[Lore:Oblivion|Oblivion]] in order to exterminate all foreign taint in Black Marsh.{{ref|name=tIC}} The city did this for them, but soon began its own agenda after the An-Xileel lost control over it. Umbriel started on a northwestern path towards REDIRECT [[Lore:White-Gold Tower|White-Gold Tower]Argoniano] in the Imperial City, moving through Black Marsh and Morrowind in the process; those slain by the floating city were resurrected as an invincible undead horde to aid the city’s dark goal. It was through the efforts of the Breton girl [[Books:Annaïg Hoïnart|Annaïg Hoïnart]], an Argonian named [[Books:Mere-Glim|Mere-Glim]], Prince [[Lore:Attrebus Mede|Attrebus Mede]] and the Dunmer mage [[Books:Sul|Sul]] (along with a few others) that Umbriel was finally destroyed and its threat to Tamriel eliminated.{{ref|name=LoS|{{Cite book|Lord of Souls}}}} Saxhleel history has remained largely quiet for the rest of the current era. In 4E 150, a small force of Argonian raiders landed on [[Lore:Solstheim|Solstheim]] to stir up trouble but were repelled by the [[Lore:Redoran|Redoran]] of [[Lore:Raven Rock|Raven Rock]].{{ref|name=HoRRV1}} By 4E 201, a document discussing the government of Skyrim mentioned an Argonian King, bringing up the question of the survival of the An-Xileel after the events of the Umbriel Crisis.{{ref|name=SR|{{Cite book|Skyrim's Rule}}}} A [[Lore:Thieves Guild|Thieves Guild]] member also complained about Argonian patrols in southern Morrowind, implying the Lizard Folk have indeed begun some form of governance of those conquered areas.{{ref|name=SKDial|Dialogue in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} ==Society=====Appearance and Physiology===[[File:ON-place-Hatching Pools.jpg|thumb|right|A Hist]]Argonians believe that their souls were given to them by the Hist{{ref|name=tIC}} – according to the Lizard Folk, there was nothing before the Hist.{{ref|name=tLC|{{Cite book|The Lost Communion}}}} Because of this the souls of the Saxhleel contain unique qualities that sets them apart from the souls of men and [[Lore:mer|mer]].{{ref|name=ONHaj|[[Online:Haj Uxith Corridors|Haj Uxith Corridors]] [[Online:Loading Screens|loading screen]] in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} Most Argonians are able to feel the presence of the Hist in their minds at all times, but the further they travel from Black Marsh the weaker the connection gets.{{ref|name=tIC}} Some Argonians can even be born without this connection, and are viewed by others of their kind as disadvantaged because they can’t understand the most simple of Argonian gestures.{{ref|name=tSCoJR|{{Cite book|The Strange Case of Ja-Reet}}}} The Mnemic Egg is a powerful artifact that is the physical manifestation of the Argonian-Hist link, and if severed can prove fatal to both. The Egg came into the interests of the First Aldmeri Dominion, who attempted to sever the link but were thwarted by the Soulless One during the Alliance War.{{ref|name=ESO}} Although Argonians appear reptilian in nature at first glance, they also exhibit qualities of fish, amphibians, and even birds: they are able to breathe underwater through small gills behind their ears, swim using the same method as that of a tadpole or eel by moving their tail side-to-side to propel through the water, and are capable of growing feathers. Female Argonians additionally have what appear to be mammalian breasts, but at the same time are able to lay eggs.{{ref|name=MotEB|{{Cite book|Mark of Egg-Births}}}} Argonians' genders are sometimes referred to as life-phases, implying they may be able to change gender.{{fact}} It is said that upon exiting the juvenile stage of life, an Argonian will lick [[Lore:Hist Sap|Hist sap]] in order to stimulate the hormonal glands, which sprout appropriate organs from which the Argonian's gender can be determined. However, this is unconfirmed,{{ref|name=MaLotH|{{Cite book|Myths and Legends of the Hist}}}} and Argonian hatchlings may apparently be of either gender.{{ref|name=MWTNW|[[Morrowind:Travelling-New-Woman|Travelling-New-Woman's]] dialogue in [[Morrowind:Morrowind|Morrowind]]}} Argonian appearance ranges from reptilian to almost human; this is caused by the Hist sap they ingest as hatchlings{{ref|name=LoS}} which ceremonially takes place on their Naming Day.{{ref|name=MWTNW}} Hatchlings are also fed licorice worms.{{ref|[[Online:Contraband K|Contraband]] in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} Argonians tickled under the chin will reflexively open their jaws.{{ref|name=tIC}} Ancient cave paintings depict figures which appear to be more tree-like than Argonian.{{ref|name=tIC}} The Saxhleel are apparently cold-blooded, and despite their preference for subtropical and tropical climates they can be found wandering the cold environments of Solstheim and Skyrim.{{ref|name=OA|{{Cite book|On Argonians}}}}{{ref|name=SK|Events of [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} Some scholars believe this is possible because of the powerful magicks that lie within Hist sap, which the reptilian race ingests throughout their lives.{{ref|name=OA}} ===Art and Architecture===Before the Dunmer enslaved the Argonians in the Second Era, the Lizard Folk built and lived in grandiose pyramid structures they referred to as xanmeers and had wayshrines dedicated to the stars.{{ref|name=KoL|{{Cite book|Keystones of Loriasel}}}}{{ref|name=SP|{{Cite book|Sacred Places}}}} However, these were consequently abandoned for some unknown reason and the Saxhleel themselves can’t remember life in those times.{{ref|name=SP}} During the Second Era the Argonians of [[Lore:Shadowfen|Shadowfen]] lived in huts made from mud, while those in [[Lore:Murkmire|Murkmire]] constructed settlements out of wood.{{ref|name=ESO}} Because of this alarming change, some scholars doubt that the xanmeers were even built by the Argonians, who in their opinion merely claimed ownership of them. Feathers, bright colors, and lizard hides decorate the majority of their buildings and works of art.{{ref|name=EGT}} Argonians are said to be masters at the crafting of jewelry, which is sought after in many provinces.{{ref|name=SKMadesi|[[Skyrim:Madesi|Madesi's]] dialogue in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} The Argonians also seemed to be the pioneers in the arts of alchemy, as their alchemists in Black Marsh have long held that the moon phases dictate the precise positioning of Calcinators.{{ref|name=AToPCU|{{Cite book|Calcinator Treatise}}}}===Language==='''Jel''' is the language of the Argonian people, and is unique amongst the other Tamrielic races by being unrelated to ancient [[Lore:Ehlnofex|Ehlnofex]]. It came from the Hist, the creators of the Argonian people. It is even more unique due to the fact that it has no past tense or future tense verbs, only present tense. For more information, see the {{Lore Link|Jel|lore article}}.===Religion===Except for the more deeply assimilated, the Argonians do not formally recognize or worship any type of Tamrielic deity.{{ref|name=VoF|{{Cite book|Varieties of Faith}}}} Some believe that they worship their creators, the Hist, although Argonians themselves state that they only perform rituals in their honor instead of fully worshipping them. The Argonians also revere [[Lore:Sithis|Sithis]], a being that even the Hist acknowledges.{{ref|name=OA}} [[Lore:Z'en|Z’en]], the [[Lore:Bosmer|Bosmeri]] God of Toil, is thought to have originated in Argonian and Akaviri mythologies before being introduced to [[Lore:Valenwood|Valenwood]] by Kothringi sailors.{{ref|name=KoL}}{{ref|name=SP}}====Shadowscales====The '''[[Lore:Shadowscales|Shadowscales]]''' are a longstanding monastic order of Argonian assassins that worship Sithis, the Void, and consists of Saxhleel born underneath the sign of the {{Lore Link|the Shadow|Shadow}}. According to some sources the downfall of the ancient Argonians was because their ‘scales were darkened’ by the touch of Sithis. Shadowscales also serve as a type of ‘law enforcement’ in Black Marsh, bringing down ‘swamp law’ on unruly foreigners and natives alike. They are offered at birth to the Dark Brotherhood, a guild of assassins that also follows Sithis, to be trained in stealth and assasination. A lone Shadowscale located in Skyrim stated that their order was no longer a fully functioning group by 4E 201. For more information, see the {{Lore Link|Shadowscales|lore article}}. ===Thoughts and Personality===Argonians possess the most alien personalities in all of Tamriel from a human or meric perspective and it is often assumed that the Lizard Folk possess neither personality nor emotions. Of course this is not true; Argonians simply do not facially express their emotions as much as man and mer do, though anger is easily detectable from their bared teeth and narrowed eyes. Slow to trust and hard to know, Argonians are fiercely loyal and will fight to the death for those they have named as friends. Their allies have long-since learned that there is always a reason for everything they do.{{ref|name=GttEP}} Argonian cultural practices include: wearing socks with pockets containing hot stones on their tails to keep them warm,{{ref|[[Online:Contraband A|Contraband]] in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} allowing birds to pick their teeth clean after a meal, and filling their pillows with live centipedes for the pleasant wriggling sensation.{{ref|[[Online:Contraband C|Contraband]] in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} Something remarkable about the Argonian people is that their culture seems to exhibit a forgetfulness regarding the actions between tribes. For the Argonians, hating each other is to hate themselves because they are all people of the root. Therefore, it is “better to forget and move on".{{ref|name=ToMTC|{{Cite book|Tribes of Murkmire: Tribal Connections}}}} This enforces the fact that the Saxhleel, like the Bosmer, prefer to live in the Aurbical Now – not dwelling on the past or the future, but simply the present.{{ref|name=RM11AE|{{Cite book|Racial Motifs 11: Ancient Elves}}}} ==Tribes==Argonians usually live in tribes, each having their own customs as well as differing appearances. In fact, the name ‘Argonian’ itself seems to be more of a catch term that refers to all the different tribes of lizard folk that dwell within Black Marsh.{{ref|name=PGE1}} According to the Argonians themselves there is nearly a countless number of tribes, and their interactions with one another – whether good or bad – ensures their mutual development.{{ref|name=ToMBT|{{Cite book|Tribes of Murkmire: Bright-Throats}}}}{{ref|name=ToMTC}} There are a few known tribes:* '''Agacephs''': Most have needle-like faces and vary in color from bright green to orange. Found in inner Argonia near the Hist.{{ref|name=TAA|{{Cite book|The Argonian Account}}}}* '''Archeins''': During the time when other races tried to put plantations in Black Marsh, Archeins were very powerful and made fortunes by selling other Argonians into slavery (at the expense of being branded as traitors).{{ref|name=FAtS}} They also served as the advisors of Imperial governors in Black Marsh, and were in charge of the more rural districts as well. Since other races have realized that Argonia is unfit for plantations, they have gone bankrupt.{{ref|name=TAA}}{{ref|name=PGE1}}* '''Gee-Rusleel (Miredancers)''': A tribe that lives in the Murkmire region of Black Marsh. They are well known for their piety and great reverence for the Hist, and because of this the title of Sap-Speaker has been their right for many generations. They are also inveterate gamblers and have an obsession with games of all types.{{ref|name=ToMMM|{{Cite book|Tribes of Murkmire: Miredancers}}}}* '''Kota-Vimleel (Black-Tongues)''': A tribe that lives in the Murkmire region of Black Marsh. They are known followers of Sithis, and take their duty of producing Shadowscales so seriously that they have created a potion that allows females to synchronize their egg-laying cycle with the Shadow constellation. They are esteemed alchemists, and are known for creating the most deadly poisons in all of Tamriel.{{ref|name=ToMMBT|{{Cite book|Tribes of Murkmire: Black-Tongues}}}}* '''Paatru''': Described as "toad-like", they live in the inner part of Argonia.{{ref|name=TAA}}* '''Sarpa''': Described as being "winged", though it's unclear if this is meant literally or not. They live in the interior of Black Marsh.{{ref|name=TAA}}* '''Tum-Taleel (Root-House People)''': A tribe that lives in the Murkmire region of Argonia. The Root-House People are seen as nothing more than brutes by other tribes, and instead of creating their own materials steal the items and even villages of other Saxhleel.{{ref|name=ToMMRHP|{{Cite book|Tribes of Murkmire: Root-House People}}}}* '''Nagas''': Described as having "huge mouths filled with dripping needle-like fangs", the Naga are one of the many ‘offshoots’ of Saxhleel in Black Marsh. Usually seven to eight feet tall, the Nagas appear to be more snake-like than other Argonians, but have also been likened to frogs and even cuttlefish. The majority of them generally act as the native brigands and highwaymen.{{ref|name=TAA}}{{ref|name=PGE3}}{{ref|name=ToMMGP|{{Cite book|Tribes of Murkmire: Ghost People}}}}{{ref|name=ESO}} * '''Veeskhleel-Tzel (Ghost-People)''': A Naga tribe that lives in the Murkmire region of Argonia. Their skin is pale almost to the point of translucence, and they have a soured reputation for stealing the corpses of Argonian dead and using them as fertilizer for their Hist tree.{{ref|name=ToMMGP}}* '''Wasseek-Haleel (Bright-Throats)''': A tribe that lives in the Murkmire region of Black Marsh. They are cheerful artisans that craft beautiful musical instruments, kitchenware, armor, and weaponry, but are renowned for their ornate seed dolls the most.{{ref|name=ToMMBT}} ==Gallery==<gallery>File:AR-Race-Argonian Male.jpg|Male Argonian in ArenaFile:RG-npc-Dreekius-02.png|Male Argonian in RedguardFile:MW-npc-Neetinei.jpg|Male Argonian in MorrowindFile:SK-npc-Porliss Caith.jpg|Male Argonian in ShadowkeyFile:OB-npc-On-Staya Sundew.jpg|Female Argonian in OblivionFile:SR-npc-Shahvee.jpg|Female Argonian in SkyrimFile:ON-npc-Kamax-Ei.jpg|Male Argonian in ESO</gallery> ==See Also==*For game-specific information, see the [[Online:Argonian|ESO]], [[Skyrim:Argonian|Skyrim]], [[Oblivion:Argonian|Oblivion]], [[Shadowkey:Argonian|Shadowkey]], [[Morrowind:Argonian|Morrowind]], [[Daggerfall:Argonian|Daggerfall]] and [[Arena:Argonian|Arena]] articles.*[[Lore:Argonian Names|Argonian Names]] ===Books===* {{Book Link|The Argonian Account}}* {{Book Link|Argonians Among Us}}* {{Book Link|The Argonian Maid—An Oral Tradition}}* {{Book Link|The Argonian Mating Ritual}}* {{Book Link|Fair Argonian Maiden}}* {{Book Link|A Free Argonian's Manifesto|namesp=Online}}* {{Book Link|The Lusty Argonian Maid}}* {{Book Link|The Lusty Argonian Maid, A Song}}* {{Book Link|The Horror of Castle Xyr}}* {{Book Link|On Argonians}}* '''{{Cite book|PGE|1|The Wild Region}}'''* '''{{Cite book|PGE|3|Argonia}}'''* {{Book Link|Racial Motifs 9: The Argonians}}* {{Book Link|Varieties of Faith: The Argonians}} ==References==<references/>{{Races}}</noinclude>