There are 10 races to choose from to start your character. Each has there own strengths and weaknesses. They are as following:

Imperial – Imperials are the most human like characters in the game. They prove to be great warriors and are handy with Blade and Axe weapons. They are liked by most other races because of there high personality. Advantages +10 Personality, Mercantile, Speechcraft, Heavy Armor. +5 Blade, Blunt, Hand to Hand. Disadvantages -10 Agility, Willpower.

Dunmer – Known as “Dark Elves” because of there greenish – blue skin, these characters make good sorcerers, marksmen, and warriors. They also have a 75% resistance to fire, this comes in handy because the creatures of Oblivion mostly cast fire spells. They are frowned upon by other races, but it’s a price that must be paid for these equally balanced warriors. Advantages +10 Speed, Blade, Destruction. +5 Athletics, Blunt, Light Armor, Marksman, Mysticism. Disadvantages -10 Willpower, Endurance.

Altmer – Known as “High Elves”, these guy’s are the cocky race of Tamriel. They believe that they are above everyone else who is not there kind. However they are highly intelligent, making them very skilled in the arcane (magical) powers. Advantages +10 Intelligence, Destruction, Alteration, Mysticism. +5 Illusion, Conjuration, Alchemy. Disadvantages -10 Strength, Speed.

Nord – This race consists of humans (like imperials) who are more muscularly built. In there homeland of Skyrim they are fierce warriors, so they can be useful with Blade and Axe weapons. They are well balanced warriors, as they do not favor one skill. Advantages +10 Strength, Endurance, Blade, Blunt, Heavy Armor. +5 Armorer, Block, Restoration. Disadvantages -10 Intelligence, Willpower, Personality.

Breton – This race is another human like one. Bretons are known for there magical abilities, but are not considered good warriors. They do not favor anything except some magical skills, which the ones they are skilled at really aren’t effective for fighting, or magical combat. Advantages +10 Intelligence, Willpower, Conjuration, Mysticism. +5 Alteration, Alchemy, Illusion. Disadvantages -10 Strength, Agility, Endurance.

Redguard – Possibly the most awesome characters in the entire game, they are dark skinned (human), extremely talented warriors with many benefits, just don’t ask them to do any magic. They are 75% resistant to disease and poison, so the chances of vampirism are very slim. They also have an Adrenaline Rush power allowing them to fortify all the base warrior attributes by 50 points. They are often referred to as “the warriors born to battle” in the games dialog. Anyone wishing to be feared warriors should pick this race. Advantages +10 Strength, Endurance, Blade, Blunt, Athletics. +5 Light Armor, Heavy Armor, Mercantile. Disadvantages -10 Intelligence, Willpower.

Bosmer – Also referred to as “Wood Elves” or “Tree Sap People”, these somewhat shorter elves are great marksmen. They also make good thieves because they are quick and agile. Although sometimes mistrusted by other races, these quick Bosmers have there advantages. Advantages +10 Agility, Speed, Sneak, Marksman, Alchemy. +5 Acrobatics, Light Armor, Alteration. Disadvantages -10 Strength, Willpower, Personality.

Orc – The Orc race is quite obviously the most hated and ugly races in the game. They are feared for there Beserk Power, allowing them to fortify there fatigue 200 points, and a few other attributes about 20 – 50 points each. They are very strong and very skillful with weapon/armor repair. Don’t be surprised if you see these green beasts running around Tamriel. Advantages +10 Willpower, Endurance, Armorer, Blunt, Heavy Armor. +5 Strength, Hand to Hand. Disadvantages -15 Personality, -10 Intelligence, Speed, -5 Agility.

Khajiit – This is a catlike race, whose creatures look like lion/human. They are quick and agile, making them good thieves. They can also handle a weapon, but are more well known for there speed. If you are planning a using magic during the game, this is not the race to use. Advantages +10 Agility, Acrobatics, Hand to Hand. +5 Athletics, Blade, Sneak, Security, Light Armor. Disadvantages -10 Willpower, Endurance.

Argonian – These are reptilian/fish like looking people in the story. They are often referred to as slaves in the games dialog. Although they are 75% resistant to disease, 100% resistant to poison, and they can breathe underwater due to there fish like abilities. They make good thieves, and also reliable warriors. Advantages +10 Agility, Speed, Athletics, Security. +5 Alchemy, Blade, Hand to Hand, Mysticism, Illusion. Disadvantages -10 Willpower, Endurance, Personality