Homebrew Argonian Species Details

Black Marsh

Black Marsh, (also known as "Argonia"), is one of the nine Provinces of Tamriel and the homeland of the Argonians. The Argonians are perfectly adapted to these swampland rainforests. The province is filled with "great inland waterways and impenetrable swamps." The dense forests, swampy inland rivers, and mangrove thickets make it nearly impossible to reach the interior of Black Marsh, unless one is an Argonian. Explorers who are not Argonian usually end up dead, killed by the native fauna of Black Marsh, disease, or the Argonians. Because of this, only the native Argonians can successfully travel the province.

The Dunmer of neighboring Morrowind have made a practice of raiding the region for slaves, and this is particularly practiced by members of House Dres. 

Physiology

Argonians are reptilian humanoids born from eggs laid near the mystical Hist trees that dominate the swamps of Black Marsh. At birth, hatchlings drink the sap of the Hist, forming a profound biological and spiritual connection that shapes their body and soul. They possess scaled skin, long tails for balance and swimming, and a range of frills, horns, and fins that vary by tribe and individual. Their bodies are naturally adapted to aquatic environments, granting them the ability to breathe underwater through gills, resist disease and toxins common in marshlands, and move with ease through dense wetlands and deep water.

Their physiology is uniquely fluid; the Hist’s influence allows Argonians to subtly change their physical form over the course of their lives, including (in rare cases) shifts in sex or biology dictated by the needs of the tribe. When an Argonian dies, their essence returns to the Hist they were born from, completing a cycle of rebirth and memory that links generations across centuries.

History

Argonians trace their origins to the ancient and enigmatic Hist, a sentient species of trees that predates most civilizations on Tamriel. Early Argonian societies built advanced stone structures known as xanmeers—massive, step-pyramid complexes that hint at a highly developed, now-lost civilization. Over time, Black Marsh became isolated from the rest of Tamriel, both by its lethal swamps and by the Argonians' distrust of outsiders. Their history is marked by centuries of enslavement by neighboring Dunmer, whose demand for Argonian labor shaped much of the political tension between the two races.

Despite their isolation, the Argonians have shown remarkable resilience and ferocity in moments of crisis. During the Oblivion Crisis, they fought Daedra with such intensity that the Daedric forces eventually sealed their own gates to stop the Argonian counterattack. In the Fourth Era, seizing upon the chaos after the Red Year, Argonian forces invaded southern Morrowind, marking a dramatic shift in power and independence. This long history of oppression, rebellion, and survival deeply informs the modern Argonian identity.

Culture

Argonian culture is deeply intertwined with the swamps of Black Marsh and the will of the Hist. Their society is largely tribal, with each village or enclave forming its own customs and traditions while maintaining a shared spiritual unity. Outsiders often view Argonians as secretive, but within their communities they value cooperation, loyalty, and a fluid sense of identity shaped by the Hist. Their upbringing is communal: hatchlings are raised by entire tribes rather than nuclear families, and rites of passage revolve around spiritual communion, naming ceremonies, and learning to navigate the harsh marshlands.

Their history of slavery and exploitation has instilled a natural wariness toward strangers, although individuals who earn their trust may find Argonians to be fiercely loyal allies. Culturally, they excel at guerrilla warfare and stealth tactics, shaped by centuries of conflict in their unforgiving homeland. Their material culture ranges from simple mud-brick villages to the enigmatic ruins of their ancient xanmeer builders, suggesting a people whose past grandeur contrasts with their modest present.

Language

The Argonian language, Jel, is one of the oldest and most alien tongues in Tamriel. It is quick, fluid, hissing, and fundamentally different from the structured grammars of Elven and human languages. Jel notably lacks a concept of “time” as other races understand it, there are no true past or future tenses, reflecting the Argonians’ unique worldview shaped by the Hist’s nonlinear perception. Because the language is so distinct, many Argonians prefer to use the common tongue when dealing with outsiders, reserving Jel for ceremonial, tribal, or deeply personal speech.

Argonian names often take the form of descriptive phrases, either translated into common language (such as Laughs-at-Danger, Basks-in-Sunlight, or Swift-Tail) or kept in Jel. A Naming Day ritual occurs early in life, typically after the hatchling’s first meaningful connection with the Hist, at which their personality or destiny inspires their name. Names are fluid and may even change as an Argonian matures or takes on a new role within the tribe.

Religion

Argonian religion is centered entirely on the Hist, the ancient and sentient tree-beings that serve as guides, guardians, and creators of their people. The Hist communicate with Argonians through visions, dreams, and the sacred sap that binds each individual to their originating tree. This connection is not merely spiritual but metaphysical; the Hist shape Argonian souls, bodies, and fates, influencing everything from personality to social role. Death, for an Argonian, is a return to the Hist, where their essence becomes part of a collective memory that future generations may draw upon.

Some Argonians also venerate Sithis, interpreting the entity not as a malevolent force but as a cosmic expression of change and the shadows of the deep marsh. This belief gave rise to traditions such as the Shadowscales — Argonians born under the sign of the Shadow and dedicated from birth to the path of the assassin. While a minority of Argonians may adopt the Imperial Divines or foreign gods, the majority maintain an unwavering reverence for the Hist, viewing all other beliefs as distant reflections of their true spiritual source.

Argonian Traits

Argonians are a resilient and adaptive people shaped by the swamps of their homeland and the mystical guidance of the Hist. Their physiology, culture, and innate connection to ancient forces grant them unique abilities that set them apart from other races.

Argonian Lungs

Amphibious - You can breathe both air and water. You suffer no penalties while submerged.

Argonian Training

Swamp Strider - Moving through difficult terrain made of mud, shallow water, or dense plants doesn't cost extra movement.
Guerrilla Warfare - You gain proficiency in Stealth. Once per short or long rest, you may take the Hide action as a bonus action.

Argonian Blood

Disease Resistance - You have advantage on saving throws against disease.
Poison Resistance - You have resistance to poison damage. You have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned.

Argonian Scales

Scaled Hide - When not wearing armor, your Armor Class = 13 + your Dexterity modifier.
Natural Claws - Your unarmed strikes are equal to that of a Steel Mace. You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for claw attacks.
Swamp Camouflage - You have advantage on Stealth checks made in swamp, marsh, or forest terrain.
Fire Weakness - You have vulnerability to fire damage. You have disadvantage on saving throws to resist fire effects.

Child of the Hist

Histskin - Once per long rest, as a bonus action, you regain hit points equal to 1d6 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus.

Languages

Tamrielic (Common), Jel (Argonian)

Ability Score Modifiers

Dexterity (+2), Intelligence (+1), Charisma (-1), Strength (-2)

Skyrim Skills Modifiers

Lockpicking (+2)
Light Armor, Alteration, Pickpocket, Restoration, Sneak (+1)

Starting Magicka Masteries

Alteration (Apprentice), Conjuration (Novice), Destruction (Novice), Illusion (Novice), Restoration (Apprentice)