| Blades | |
|---|---|
| Locations: | |
| (?) | |
| Leaders: | |
| (?) | |
| Favored Skills: | |
| Favored Attributes: | |
| Friends & Foes: | |
| Mainland Imperial Cult | +2 |
| Mainland Imperial Legion | +2 |
| Ashlanders | -1 |
| Mainland Tribunal Temple | -1 |
| Camonna Tong | -2 |
| Vampires | -2 |
| Sixth House | -3 |
The Blades are members of an elite Imperial order dedicated to the protection and service of the Dragonborn emperors of Tamriel. Descended from the Akaviri Dragonguard, who became the personal bodyguard of Emperor Reman I, the Blades have since diversified into many areas of Imperial espionage, military, and diplomacy. Indeed, while a select few are appointed by the emperor to serve openly as diplomats or bodyguards, the majority of Blades agents act covertly as couriers and spies. Serving as the emperor's eyes and ears, a vast network of Blades have influenced many critical events across Tamriel, such as reassembling the golem Numidium and defeating Dagoth Ur.
The arms, armor, architecture, and customs of the Blades reflect their Akaviri heritage, most famously their distinctive Akaviri katanas and ceremonial armor. The order operates several strongholds, called temples, usually located in commanding positions among the mountains. Known examples include Cloud Ruler Temple in Cyrodiil and Sky Haven Temple in Skyrim.
For more general information, see the main lore article.