Skyrim is the home province of the Nords, but with the collapse of the empire, it has received an influx of individuals from a number of different humanoid races, each hailing from a different province of the Empire.

Each race has a passive ability and an active power which can be used once per day (except for the Khajiit power, which can be used multiple times per day).  A ten point skill boost is given to a different skill for each race, and each race also gains a five point skill boost in five other skills. Ordinary skills begin at 15 skill points (see the skills section for more information).