Summary
The Elder Scrolls Onlinehas just unveiled its first non-binary companion, Tanlorin, a Dragonknight Altmer who is being voiced by the talented Vico Ortiz.
If you haven’t heard of Ortiz, they’re a non-binary/genderfluid Puerto Rican drag king, performing under the name AJ as part of a boy band called the Backstreet Butches, and as the Ricky Martin-inspired Vico Suave.
You might know them fromOur Flag Means Deathwhere they played Jim Jimenez, or Knight in Shining Suit where they played Doctor Greene. They’ll be joining the world of ESO later this year in Update 44.
Of Course, Gamers Are Already Up In Arms
Are You New To The Elder Scrolls Or Something?
One look at the game’s subreddit or the comments under the stream and you’ll see a slew of anger at the ‘performative’ announcement of a non-binary character, outraged at the mere idea of queer people existing in the world of TES. Well hoo boy do I have news for you!
Firstly, most of the Daedric Princes are genderfluid. Molag Bal is even referred to as a “princess” depending on what version of the Invocation of Azura you read (thanks,Fandom). Secondly, Antiochus Septim — the seventh monarch to rule the Empire — is a self-professed bisexual.
Argonians are sexless at birth, their gender depends on how much they lick the Hist as kids and often changes as they get older.
It doesn’t stop there.Vivec the Living God of Morrowindis intersex, and is often described as both a man and a woman depending on the text. We also know the Silvernar of Valenwood can be a man or a woman, but their partner in marriage the Green Lady isalwaysa woman.
There are plenty of examples of queerness throughout TES — this isn’t a new phenomenon — and so the backlash comes off incredibly manufactured. A non-binary companion fits perfectly into this world and its rich tapestry of characters, and Tanlorin’s plot ties directly into the Aldmeri Dominion. With how many peoplelovethat alliance (just take one look at Cyrodiil), you’re gonna have to get used to them.
The Elder Scrolls Online
WHERE TO PLAY
The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMORPG enjoyed by millions of players, set in the continent of Tamriel. Initially launched in 2014, multiple expansions take you to Skyrim, Morrowind, and other iconic locations from the series. You can choose from one of ten races and five classes before taking on a multitude of quests, dungeons, and trials.
