[quote=GreivousKhan]
Actually, being the furthest from Akaviri they have no sword smiths who can create katana's, as for the technologically advanced thing, that once again goes to the Yokudans, as they had the most advanced culture and race that would make the rest of Tamriel look like primitive apes. As a side note, Japan, due to closing off their island, were the most backward nation in terms of technology, it was not until a steam powered ship showed up on their shores did they realize how far back they were, all their efforts to rid themselves of gun powder was to preserve the sword cult and the power of the samurai. Saying their japan inspired is like saying their also Sparta inspired, cause they kill 9 children out of 10 if he is even a little blemished or 'imperfect' in their eyes. Also that's a fan made picture....
[/quote]

But the Yokudan island sank beneath the ocean...and Redguards are Yakudan descendents. It's a dead race. I don't think there was anything implying anything besides magical sword building prowess. Wouldn't Dwemer be more accurate? The guys who literally have soul powered death bots? It's implied the Yakudans were technologically advanced AT THE TIME but it's been a long time since that specific nations existed.

Also the 9/10 children thing has been contradicted by the Altmer having crazy low birth rates. The last time that was even mentioned was in the first pocket guide to the empire booklets of Redguard, a game made 16 years ago (there have since been new additions). Though it might also be implied that they used to do that, but not so much anymore. Then again, the 1st edition of the same guide is later said by the 3rd edition that the 1st edition was FILLED with human propaganda (3rd edition was provided with Oblivion). So there's that.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Pocket_Guide_to_the_Empire,_3rd_Edition/Foreword

Mentions that much of the first edition was lies. Right now the 9 out of 10 altmer thing contradicts their birthrate of maybe 4 children in 1,000 years.

WHY IS A FAN MADE PICTURE ON THE WIKI, WHO WOULD DO THIS. (They actually have a copyright disclaimer saying it's from bethesda so I'm gonna investigate)

Edit: As far as I've found, that image is concept art from Oblivion. THANK GOD