The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Be More Like Oblivion Than Skyrim in One Area

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As a gamer eagerly anticipating The Elder Scrolls 6, I can’t help but feel the weight of expectation on its shoulders. Games like Skyrim and Oblivion have set such high standards, being praised by critics and players alike for their epic narratives, countless customization options, and immersive worlds that you just can’t help but lose yourself in.

However, while these games were fantastic in many ways, they differed significantly in certain story elements. In my opinion, The Elder Scrolls 6 could learn a thing or two from Oblivion in this area to create a more cohesive and engaging experience for us gamers.

Some rumors point to Hammerfell or High Rock being the possible settings for the game.

The Argument for The Elder Scrolls 6 Following Oblivion’s Lead for Its Main Plot

Regarding contemporary “TES” series games, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is particularly noteworthy for its captivating main storyline. In contrast, games like Morrowind and Skyrim are set in regions primarily inhabited by Dunmer (Morrowind) and Nords (Skyrim). Consequently, the narrative frequently revolves around their political affairs and cultural backgrounds. When players opt for a character of another race, the role-playing experience might seem less engaging due to the dominant cultures. The games attempt to circumvent this issue by suggesting that characters like the Dragonborn and Nerevarine can originate from any background or race. Nevertheless, it would be incongruous for the Skyrim Nords to celebrate an Altmer (High Elf) as their hero, considering their violent past. In Morrowind, players are destined to become the Nerevarine, a hero hailing from the Urshilaku Ashlanders, who are exclusively Dark Elves. Creating a character that isn’t a Dunmer might feel incongruous in this context.

Cyrodiil’s Diverse Population Makes Roleplaying More Comfortable

To set The Elder Scrolls 6 apart from Skyrim, it could draw inspiration from Oblivion’s approach to a storyline that embraces a wider range of races and species. While Cyrodiil, the setting of Oblivion, is an Imperial Province, its population is remarkably diverse and cosmopolitan. Although there are more Imperial characters than those of other races, the disparity isn’t significant.

In the game ‘Skyrim’, if your character is an Elf, some Nords might behave unkindly towards you during conversations. This particular hostility is more common among nationalistic Nords, especially those in Windhelm under Stormcloak control, who are less welcoming to non-Nords. However, this isn’t a problem in ‘Oblivion’, as the Non-Player Characters (NPCs) don’t seem to care about their hero’s species or race. In fact, anyone can become the Hero of Kvatch in ‘Oblivion’, provided they have the courage and determination for it.

Oblivion Makes the Case for a Heroic Supportive Character for TES 6

In the game Oblivion, the protagonist takes a supporting role to the character destined to save the world, unlike in Skyrim and Morrowind where players often assume the role of the chosen one. Instead, this character is just an ordinary individual tasked with finding Emperor Uriel Septim VII’s heir and assisting them in keeping Daedra from invading Tamriel. The player character isn’t Cyrodiil’s “chosen one,” so their Imperial status doesn’t hold significant importance.

In regions dominated by a specific ethnicity, such as Hammerfell, Morrowind, or Skyrim, this type of narrative could be effective. If The Elder Scrolls 6 does indeed take place in Hammerfell, which is primarily inhabited by Redguards, the player might find themselves in a supporting role, similar to Oblivion. This allows players to create characters that feel more at home within the game’s setting.

How The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Marry the Best Story Practices of its Predecessors

As a gamer, I’m excitedly envisioning how TES 6 might seamlessly blend the captivating narratives from past games. With whispers of a Hammerfell setting, there could be parallels to Oblivion’s Cyrodiil. This is because one of its dominant factions, The Forebears, embody an inclusive and open-minded attitude towards diverse cultures, customs, and politics. Consequently, certain regions under Forebear control might mirror the multicultural landscape we saw in Cyrodiil.

To ramp up the political and cultural drama that Skyrim or Morrowind was known for, TES 6 could delve deep into The Forebears’ ongoing struggle with The Crown, a traditionalist and isolationist faction that scorns outsiders.

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2025-01-09 17:33