Khajiit
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The Khajiit are a fictional race of feline (cat-like) humanoids featured in The Elder Scrolls computer game series.
Hailing from the province of Elsweyr, Khajiit can vary considerably in appearance. The subspecies range from almost Elven Cathay-raht to more big cat-like species such as the Senche (large tigers used as mounts). The Suthay-raht are the most frequently subspecies in Morrowind and are known for their intelligence and agility. These traits make them great thieves, but many Khajiit are also feared warriors. Which subspecies traits a Khajiit inherits is said to be determined by the phases of the Tamrielic moons, Masser and Secunda, at the time of that individual's birth.
In addition, a unique member of a subspecies called "Mane" is supposedly born during a rare alignment of Masser and Secunda, when a third moon apparently is present in the sky. Because of the rarity of this occurrence, there has never been more than one Mane at any given time. This Mane is the political and spiritual leader of his people, and most respectful Khajiit cut off their own manes in deference to him. In past times, the Mane wore the shorn manes of all of his people as a symbol of his status. Now that the Khajiit population has increased dramatically, he wears only the manes of his tribe and Warrior Guard; still, these by themselves are enough to weigh him down severely.
Khajiit have a particular weakness for moon sugar, the ingredient used to make the illegal and highly addictive beverage Skooma, and are often willing to go far out of their way to obtain even small amounts of either raw moon sugar or refined skooma.
Although the Khajiit generally make excellent thieves and warriors, they are seldom gifted with any innate talent for magic, and must undergo intensive training if they wish to become at all proficient in the magical arts.
When referring to themselves some Khajiit use the third person (by their names) instead of the first person.
[edit] Khajiiti Nomenclature
The words of Jobasha, the Khajiit bookseller:
"Jo" in Jobasha's name means "wizard." But Jobasha is no wizard, just a humble bookseller.
"Dar" in a Khajiti name means "thief," but this should not alarm you. "Dar" is like the Nordic "Clever Hudvar" or the Breton "Arnand the Fox." A Khajiit with "Dar" in his name is clever, and maybe clever with his hands, but not always a thief by your odd Imperial property customs.
"Do" in a Khajiti name means warrior. "Do" is rarely used by modern Khajiit, except for the Mane's guards. And masters of Goutfang, Khajiti men show their status in life with their names, unless they choose a nickname. In Jobasha's case, as a "scholar," Jobasha uses "Jo" alone, not "S'basha-Jo," for using two titles shows great ignorance or great pride.
"M" or "Ma" means "child" or "apprentice" or, in the vernacular, "virgin." As an apprentice can be of any age, this leads to misunderstandings and jokes Jobasha cannot translate.
"J," Ji," or "Ja" means a bachelor or young adult. In the vernacular, it means one who is young and lacks experience.
"S" is the most common, and means simply an adult.
"Ra" and "Ri" show high status. "Ri" is the highest status among the Khajiit, used by leaders of cities or tribes.
"Dro" means "grandfather" and shows respect. "
[edit] Khajiit within Morrowind
Khajiit are chiefly one of the underclasses in Morrowind, usually working as slaves or living on the street as beggars. They have a large presence in the Thieves' Guild, partly for this reason.
[edit] External links
| Races of The Elder Scrolls | |
|---|---|
| Mer (elves): | Altmer | Bosmer | Dunmer | Dwemer | Orsimer |
| Human: | Breton | Imperial | Nord | Redguard |
| Beast: | Argonian | Khajiit | Sload |
| Divine: | Aedra | Daedra | Dremora |
