ProtoDunmer

ProtoDunmer refers to the ancestral people from whom the modern Dunmer, or Dark Elves, of Morrowind evolved. These early inhabitants of Tamriel are believed to have been a distinct Merish race that predated the rise of the Aldmeri Dominion and possessed unique cultural and physical characteristics. Historical accounts suggest they were a resilient and adaptable people, likely having inhabited Morrowind and surrounding regions for millennia. Their eventual transformation into the Dunmer is a complex subject, often attributed to a combination of environmental factors, magical influences, and historical events, most notably the Curse of Malacath. Understanding protoDunmer is crucial to tracing the lineage and cultural development of the Dunmer, offering insight into their distinctive traditions, societal structures, and their complex relationship with other races and deities of Tamriel. Their origins are tied to the early history of Merkind on Nirn and their eventual divergence from other Elven groups.