Dragonknight Lore?

The lack of information about Dragonknights and their origins is both disturbing and empowering. On the one hand, not knowing exactly how they fit into the Elder Scrolls lore annals makes it tough to develop a backstory for my Altmer. I've read all I can find on the Web and see conflicting opinions about their relationship (or not) to Dragonborn, the emporors of Tamriel's history, and dragons in general.

On the other hand, it perhaps gives me artistic license to create the story however I choose, except that I'm kind of a stickler for lore. I want him to be unique but also to fit into the Elder Scrolls world, you know?

Has anyone else wrestled with this issue?

Also, would a Dragonknight Vampire break lore in anyone way? Is it impossible to know since we're not certain how Dragonknights fit in the first place?

I got two words for you to match the frustration you're probably experiencing right now. Vampire Templar.

As I see it, if there isn't lore to fall back on, feel free to invent the mechanics for how your character's power works. Whatever makes the most sense to you is usually the right way. Explore the lore that is present and select points that seem to fit your character the best.

The creation screen describes them as: These skillful masters-at-arms use the ancient Akaviri martial arts tradition of battle-spirit, and wield fearsome magic that pounds, shatters and physically alters the world around them.

Akaviri, being the land where Dragons come from, and also a land where we know little about in terms of their spiritual philosophies and culture, can lead us to believe that perhaps, through interaction with them throughout the first and second invasions, the people of Tamriel have learned some of their culture and fighting styles.

Along with this, the line "wield fearsome magic that pounds, shatters and physically alters the world around them" implies to me a link to the Devines, and with "Dragon" in the class name, a link specifically to Akatosh. Obviously anyone can create whatever backstory they want, but at least for my Dragonknight, I figured a devout follower of Akatosh may study to gleam some bit of understanding of the gods through their powers, and simply shape their spells around what they feel represents them. Say you cast a spell that shoots you forward, a Dragonknight may cause fire to erupt out their back in the shape of wings simply to represent their affinity to Akatosh. A mage may shoot a fireball, but a Dragnoknight can theoretically cast that fire out of their fingertips to look like claw marks instead, but with the same basic effect.

It can be whatever you wish it to be of course, but my understanding is that they come from basic Akaviri fighting traditions, a little bit of devine inspiration, and some creativity on the spellcasters end, forming their spells to look like they have dragon-like qualities for intimidation, spirituality, or just to look like a badass. ;-)