SKYRIM PEEPS

A short comic based on the ACTUAL in-game dialogue between Colette and Urag that was so cringe I had to get it out of my brain. Thanks to @kookaburra1701 for pointing it out and cursing me with this.

"Ri thinks this one may be giving others the wrong idea, staring like they do." Ri'shardul smirks, one fang barely visible. He understands he's tall compared to many other patrons and there weren't many other Cathay-Raht wandering this part of Tamriel-- but this onlooker seems particularly focused on him, as if they want something from from him.

Her left hand holds the book 'Dwemer History and Culture' while her right-hand alternates between holding her chin up, flipping the pages, and delivering bite after bite of her plate full of sweets; Her obsession with Dwemer research has her enthralled to the point where she is paying no mind to the patrons passing by, nor to her now depleted plate of treats. It wasn't until she paws around the plate and finds it empty, that she finally looks up; First at the plate then to the direction of the bar, though a larger than average figure catches her attention causing her head to snap towards the Khajit that sat at the table diagonal of hers in order to stare and process. She's read about Cathay-Raht before but has never seen one in real life.

[PRINT] - [COMMISSIONS]

Hermaeus Mora knows about lightbulbs (this drawing is lore friendly and immersive)

Process below ! vvv

In terms of hygiene, every race is definitely keen on scrubbing up alright (some more than others). With every lotion, salve, soap, and bath oil on Nirn, you'll find us to be squeaky clean!

Altmer

I would have to spend all day explaining the intricacies of High Elf beauty routines to you, but it would take all day and I'm sure we both have better things to attend to. Whether it's a milk and rose petal bath, hot stone massages, pedicures, and coconut oil hair conditioner, you'll find every product to pamper yourself in the famed cosmetics shops of Alinor and Shimmerene. My personal favourite is a bottle of jasmine-and-almond bath oil infused with soothing seaweed and sparkly rose gold flakes. Not for everyday use, but bound to make you feel like a Divine!

Argonians

The false image of a primitive, barbaric Argonian holds no true bearing, and this proud race values cleanliness and moist scales even in the deep swamps of Murkmire. Argonians love all sorts of products that bring out the luster in their scales. Scale moisturisers made from coconut oil, scrubs with sea salt and clay, and gentle soaps made with local fruit and plants are all part of the daily beauty routine of the average Argonian. Don't forget the body paint as a finishing touch!

Bosmer

Another race with a false reputation for being "dirty" are the Wood Elves. Nothing could be further from the truth. Some of the finest soaps in Tamriel are made in Valenwood, containing the best animal fats, and ingredients like goat milk and crushed thunderbug carapace for soft skin. As a finishing touch, many Bosmer also use makeup and a scented hand chalk that helps them grip better when climbing trees.

Bretons

Of the races of men, the Bretons are probably the first to admit they love luxury, and that's reflected in their daily grooming. Hot baths at least twice a week are a must for nobles, followed by a full body massage with moisturising oils and a full manicure and pedicure. Coiffure is also extremely important, and many Bretons spend hours teasing their hair into ridiculous(ly artistic?) pouffes bedecked with jewels, bows, and even feathers and wax fruit.

Dunmer

The Dunmer have a curious obsession with smoothness, as their skincare routine clearly reflects. Volcanic ash face masks, scrubs, and moisturisers are the bare minimum in every self-respecting Dark Elf's life. They also have a slightly horrifying habit of pouring hot wax onto their bodies and ripping it off with a strip of guar-skin parchment in order to remove "unsightly" body hair. This is done particularly on the eyebrows, back, underarms, and...crotch. If a Dark Elf ever invites you to a spa day, brace yourself for a world of pain and silky smooth skin.

Imperials

The Imperials are as haughty as the Altmer when it comes to cleanliness and cosmetics. Bathhouses are plentiful across Cyrodiil and ard open to whoever has the coin. They offer a range of services from saunas to hot spring soaks, facials, and massages. Olive oil and grapeseed oil are a common ingredient that forms the basis of most cosmetics, from soaps to khol eyeliner. You'll find that fragrances are all naturally-derived from plants found across the Province, from rosehips to eucalyptus.

Khajiit

When it comes to manicures, nobody can do amazing things with nails and claws quite like the Khajiit. Painted claws are a necessity, and you'll find that most carry a claw file with them to keep the claws shiny and sharp at all times. Additionally, the other races can all thank the Khajiit for their truly superb fur products that the rest of us use as shampoo. There's a shampoo for every skin and hair type, with functions from clarifying to moisturising, and even toned shampoos to gently dye one's fur. I personally use an excellent moon sugar shampoo from Alabaster that contains a pigment from Elsweyr violets, keeping my silver hair lustrous and soft. That's the only beauty secret of mine I'm revealing!

Nords

The rumour that Nords are unhygienic is also (surprise) untrue, though I will grudgingly confirm that baths are few and far between for some common folk. That aside, we make soap from lye and tallow, and scent them with honey, wildflowers, and fragrant herbs. Of course the harsh Skyrim weather requires more care that that, and we use an ointment made from whipped horker fat and enriched with juniper berries and mountain flowers to help soothe cold-bitten skin.

Orcs

When it comes to caring for your pearly whites, everyone could learn a thing or two from the Orcs. Their closely-guarded tuskpaste is designed to freshen the breath and polish the tusks, and are usually scented with pungent peppermint or musk. They also enjoy chewing on mint and rosemary leaves in between brushing, to keep themselves smelling fresh!

Redguards

Azura:

Boethiah:

Clavicus Vile:

Hermaeus Mora:

Hircine:

Malacath:

Mehrunes Dagon:

Mephala:

Meridia:

Molag Bal:

Namira:

Nocturnal:

Peryite:

Sanguine:

Sheogorath:

Vaermina:

Bonus - Jyggalag:

Like in the real world, people not used to offal are more offput by it than people who’s culture favors it. [That said, many people enjoy offal without knowing it. Liver is a more popular type of offal, sausages with natural casings use intenstine, kidney, black pudding in the UK specifically, etc.]

On the whole, Altmer food is both light in flavor and texture. Fine white fish simply treated, steamed or pan-fried in a light oil (I’m guessing grapeseed or sunflower), simply treated vegetables - likely just blanched or steamed. It’s the LaCroix of food. Sushi is also big here, but it’s more about the technique than the taste - eating it means you’re well off enough to employ someone skilled enough to make it, or you are skilled enough to make it.

The people of High Rock of course love their breads, so I imagine the smell of baking bread permeates the air of most Breton townships. Peasant bread is likely coarser and made with less desirable grains (rye and barley for example), but might also be spiced or herbed for additional flavor since finely milled white bread is not really a peasant food.

High Rock is also known for a wide variety of cheeses - cheesemaking is a brutal, competitive business. disagreements range from which breed of cow produces the most desirable milk, to if goats cheeses are of equal quality, to the addition of herbs, to the correct lengths of time and methods for aging…