History
Redguards (in their own language 'Yokudans', taken simply from the name of their homeland) hail from the western continent of Yokuda, which sank into the sea in ancient times. The cause of Yokuda's sinking is attributed either to natural factors (such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions) or to the sword-magic revenge of a defeated band of Ansei called the Hiradirge. Upon the sinking of their homeland, the Yokudan fleet set sail to the east, eventually landing in Hammerfell.
At the time, Hammerfell was populated largely with Orsimer (Orcs) and savage beasts. The Yokudans, desperate to survive as a people, launched the so-called Warrior Wave, made up of the Ra'gada, a caste whose descendants are now known as Forebears. They attacked the towns and cities of Nede, Mer, and Orsimer, leaving no survivors and building on top of the ruins. After only a few brutal months, the Ra Gada had established a strong presence along the western shores of Hammerfell. From this foothold they continued to launch assault after assault, eventually succeeding in driving off the Orsimer and making way for the High King and the Yokudan royalty, known as Na-Totambu, to safely arrive in Hammerfell. The modern-day Redguards take name after these Ra Gada and solidified their place in history as magnificent warriors in defeating the strong and hardy Orcs .
[edit] Society
Currently Redguard society is divided into two main socio-political classes known as the Crowns and the Forebears. The Crowns are descended from the High King and the Na-Totambu who ruled in Yokuda. The Crown hold Yokudan tradition in high reverence and greatly dislike the Empire's control over Hammerfell. The Forebears are descended from the Ra Gada warrior class which conquered the province. The Forebears are more cosmopolitan than their Crown counterparts and are more welcoming to the Empire and its cultural traditions.
Redguard society is extremely martial, and nearly everyone is expected to have a grasp of basic weaponry and combat, although only the rulers are generally expected to have any knowledge of strategy, formations and tactics. Only the strongest, fastest and smartest Redguards are accepted into the demanding military, and they are expected to prove themselves worthy or face death. The practice of eastern magic, or Nudri-hi, is greatly frowned upon by Crown and Forebear alike.
Redguards are a highly disciplined and enterprising people, having centuries of experience with warfare in their homeland. Their warriors are acknowledged to be among the best warriors in the world. The Redguards are likewise known for their naval prowess, and their fleets have proved a match for the Empire's best armadas, as seen at Stros M'kai.
[edit] Anthropology
As a race, the Redguards are of approximately average human intelligence, and are generally mentally inferior to Elves. They are of average human height, above average human strength and agility, and show a remarkable capacity for surviving in hot, dry climates. They generally possess dark skin, ranging from light brown in hue, to nearly black, and often with a significant red tint. This depends on the degree of Nedic blood they possess, as most Forebears have at least some, having lived along side Nedic settlers for centuries. They possess very curly hair and rarely more than a wispy mustache and beard, and degree of body hair varies.
