Skyrim Missed its Shot at One Perfect DLC

Regardless of its age surpassing a decade, Skyrim continues to spark conversations among gamers, both young and experienced. The enduring popularity of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim can be attributed to the core gameplay offering exceptional replay value and the DLCs delivering rich stories and content. Expansions like Dawnguard and Dragonborn provided players with thrilling adventures that pitted them against otherworldly terrors, vampires, and forgotten civilizations. While two expansions are typical for AAA RPGs such as Skyrim, another one could have been developed based on a notable historical site within the province to further enhance its appeal.

In more contemporary “Elder Scrolls” games, each installment focuses on separate provinces. The fifth and most recent game in the series is set in the icy peaks and frozen valleys of Skyrim, inhabited predominantly by Nords, but also diverse with a history of Snow Elves and Dunmer who once resided there before their extinction due to conflict and oppression. Clues about the fate of the Snow Elves can be uncovered in the Forgotten Vale region within Skyrim, even though this area was initially introduced through the “Dawnguard” DLC expansion. The Forgotten Vale is substantial enough that it could easily stand alone as an additional game.

Why the Forgotten Vale Deserved a Stand-Alone DLC in Skyrim

In a secluded area north of Markarth lies The Forgotten Vale, a place mostly inhabited by Falmer, Frost Giants, and Frost Trolls. Adventurers might stumble upon it while following the questline “Touching the Sky” within the Dawnguard saga. During this journey, the Dragonborn uncovers secrets about the Snow Elves’ downfall and the origins of vampires in Nirn. Although the questline is vast, it primarily functions as a subplot, focusing on either destroying or allying with Skyrim’s notorious vampire clan – the main objective of Dawnguard.

The Snow Elves’ Tragic Story Deserves More Attention

During your expedition through The Forgotten Vale, it’s probable that you’ll encounter Knight-Paladin Gelebor. He may request the player to eliminate his sibling, Vythur, who has fallen under the influence of the Falmer. As the Dragonborn progresses through the quest, they will uncover the truth that Skyrim’s Snow Elves and the seemingly wild and ferocious Falmer are one and the same.

As per Knight-Paladin’s account, their tribe suffered defeat against the Nords and sought refuge from the Dwemer. The Dwemer accepted them, but later deceived the High Elves by making them consume a toxin that blinded them. Enslaving them, the Dwarves inflicted pain and suffering for centuries, eventually transforming their captives into the twisted Falmer. These beings now inhabit the deserted halls of Dwemer ruins following the Dwemer’s mysterious disappearance during the Battle of Red Mountain in the First Era.

Some Snow Elves, such as Gelebor and Vythur, managed to dodge enslavement by the Dwemer by seeking refuge in sanctuaries or living among powerful associates. Over time, their numbers diminished significantly, leaving most of them to live incognito. Many believed that they had become extinct as early as the Second Era due to their secretive existence.

As a gamer immersed in the world of Tamriel, I can’t help but wish for a deeper exploration of the Snow Elves’ history and culture. Instead of relying solely on dialogue, it would have been captivating to delve into their story through an engaging quest line or expansion.

Imagine if an Elder Scroll unveiled the war against the Nords, the tragic event that led to the Falmer’s blindness, and the heroic escape of the last surviving Snow Elves. This could have given me, as the Dragonborn, a unique opportunity to witness these events first-hand.

Gelebor hinted at the potential for the Falmer to regain their intellect, even if they can no longer revert to their Snow Elf form. Understanding their struggle would make a Forgotten Vale DLC particularly intriguing. This expansion could allow players to engage with the Falmer, helping them find peace rather than merely avoiding or slaughtering them for loot.

In an ideal scenario, The Elder Scrolls 6 might include a Snow Elf-focused DLC. Such an expansion would not only do justice to their story but also provide a compelling narrative for players like me who are eager to explore the rich lore of Tamriel’s lesser-known races. Even if this expansion doesn’t take place in The Forgotten Vale, I believe it could still offer a captivating experience that deepens our understanding of these fascinating elves.

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2025-01-06 23:45