The Elder Scrolls 6has some big shoes to fill, as its predecessors,SkyrimandOblivionare acclaimed by critics and fans. Both have a grand narrative, tons of customization features, and bustling worlds that are fun to get lost in. However, these two titles vary in terms of vital story aspects, andThe Elder Scrolls 6could benefit from followingOblivion’s lead in this regard.
Some rumors point to Hammerfell or High Rock being the possible settings for the game.
When it comes to the modernTEStitles,The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivionstands out in terms of its main plot.MorrowindandSkyrimare set in provinces where the Dunmer and Nords are the majority respectively. As such, the plot often moves around their politics and culture. If the player chooses another race for their character, the role-playing aspect of the game could feel less immersive. The games skirt around these limitations by stating that the Dragonborn and Nerevarine can be anyone from any background or race. However, it would be awkward for theNords ofSkyrimto laud an Altmer as their hero, given their bloody history. InMorrowind, the player is destined to be the Nerevarine, a hero of the Urshilaku Ashlanders, who are all Dark Elves. Creating a character who isn’t a Dunmer would feel out of place.
Cyrodiil’s Diverse Population Makes Roleplaying More Comfortable
IfThe Elder Scrolls 6truly wants to distinguish itself fromSkyrim, it could followOblivion’s lead for a story that’s more open to different races and species. Even ifOblivion’s Cyrodiil is the Imperial Province, its demographic is quite diverse and cosmopolitan. There are still more Imperial characters than other races, but not by much.
InSkyrim, the Nords may mistreat the player in conversations if they’re an Elf. Some of the more nationalist types, like the ones in theStormcloak-controlled Windhelm, are less friendly to anyone who isn’t a Nord. This isn’t the case inOblivion, as the NPCs aren’t really concerned about their champion’s species or race. Anyone can be the Hero of Kvatch, as long as they’ve got the heart and strength for it.
Oblivion Makes the Case for a Heroic Supportive Character for TES 6
It also helps thatOblivion’s player character plays second fiddle to the game’s destined savior, unlike inSkyrimandMorrowind. They’re more or less a regular person with the task of findingEmperor Uriel Septim VII’s heirand helping them prevent the Daedra from invading Tamriel. The player is not Cyrodiil’s “chosen one,” so it doesn’t matter if they’re an Imperial or not.
This type of story could also work in provinces where there’s a demographic majority, like Hammerfell, Morrowind, or Skyrim. IfThe Elder Scrolls 6is indeed set in Hammerfell, which is mostly populated by Redguards, the player could play a supporting role like inOblivion.This way, they can create any kind of character without feeling too out of place.
How The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Marry the Best Story Practices of its Predecessors
TES 6could also ambitiously combine the best story practices of the previous games. Itsrumored Hammerfell settingcould have a similar approach toOblivion’s Cyrodiil. This is because one of the province’s major factions, The Forebears, is open-minded and accepting of other cultures, customs, and politics. As such, some areas of the map controlled by The Forebears could have a diverse population like Cyrodiil’s. If the game wants to add some ofSkyrim or Morrowind’s trademark political and cultural drama into the story, it could also go into depth about The Forebears’ ongoing conflict with The Crown, an isolationist and traditionalist faction that disregards outsiders.
