The Elder Scrolls Onlinelaunched in 2014. Since then, it’s been the only content aside from mods that’s been released forThe Elder Scrolls, with the last DLC forThe Elder Scrolls 5: SkyrimbeingDragonbornin 2012. Since its launch,The Elder Scrolls Onlinehas contributedmany different characters and stories to the world ofThe Elder Scrolls, expanding on the lore in many different ways that enrich the world and keep interest in the franchise during the absence ofThe Elder Scrolls 6.
With ten years of content behindThe Elder Scrolls Online,The Elder Scrolls 6has to acknowledge the MMO’s contribution to the series. WhileESOtakes place over a thousand years before Skyrim, there are still storylines and settings that could endure or be referenced inThe Elder Scrolls 6, even if there’s another timeskip of several hundred years afterSkyrim. This could be done through its numerous immortal characters, or even through the resources that are already common inThe Elder Scrollssuch as books and other worldbuilding material.
Bringing Back the Daedric Princes in The Elder Scrolls 6
One obvious route to mention would be to bring in thenew Daedric Prince, Ithelia. SomeESOplayers were disappointed with Ithelia, with one opinion being expressed that her concept was more interesting than her execution. Although Ithelia is locked away during the events ofGold Road, there are plenty of ways to bring her back forThe Elder Scrolls 6and to give her story justice. As Ithelia is the Daedric Prince of Paths with the power to alter fate, there’s a lot of potential to create a meaningful story with her at the center.
Including Ithelia would bring the opportunity to include two otherlittle-used Daedric Princes, Peryite and Vaermina. Peryite is considered one of the weakest of the Daedric Princes, but his opposition to locking away Ithelia and remembering her existence sets up a lot of potential if she reappears inThe Elder Scrolls 6. His status as the weakest of the Daedric Princes also has a lot of potential for storytelling and character exploration, and a player character could potentially have an interesting relationship and dynamic with him, depending on his motivations. Vaermina, as the Daedric Prince of Nightmares, offers the opportunity for intriguing gameplay scenarios.
Referencing ESO in The Elder Scrolls 6 Through Its World
One of the best ways to worldbuild in video games is through the environment.The Elder Scrollshas always used in-game booksto reference Tamriel’s history, andThe Elder Scrolls 6has the chance to begin referencing events fromESOin history, magic, and religious books that are found in-game. These are smaller references that go a long way in making the world feel real and lived-in, and could be incredibly meaningful for those who have playedESO, while those who haven’t would still be able to learn more about the events of it.
Other, smaller references could be included as side quests. For example, artifacts that appear inESO, such as unique weapons and armor, or Daedric artifacts that are unique toESO, could appear as quest rewards. NPCs that share a family name withsignificant NPCs fromESOcould appear inThe Elder Scrolls 6. These are smaller details that likely onlyESOplayers will probably recognize, but it is a great way to pay homage toESO.
The Elder Scrolls Online
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an ever-expanding story across all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, an award-winning fantasy RPG. Explore a rich, living world with friends or embark upon a solo adventure.Ultimate freedom—Create your ultimate RPG character, play solo or adventure with friends, and determine your fate in an ever-expanding world. With no level restrictions, go anywhere at any time in a truly open world.Choose your adventure—Begin your adventure where you like: emerge from Coldharbour in the Base Game, battle Dragons in the Elsweyr Chapter, or get ready to face the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in Blackwood. All content is accessible for new players, and you can switch adventures whenever you like.
