Elder Scrolls 6 Should Bring Back An Unused Skyrim Story Concept

Despite a flurry of remasters and TV productions involving Bethesda’s intellectual properties lately, no fresh details about the highly anticipated game, The Elder Scrolls 6, have emerged since its debut trailer in 2018. A significant span of seven years has elapsed since that initial reveal, yet Bethesda has remained silent on the location, storyline, or even a potential release schedule for the game. It’s reasonable to speculate that it might be anywhere from 2027 to some indefinite future, and with Tamriel’s political unrest following the events of the fifth installment, there are numerous directions the series could take after Skyrim.

As a dedicated Elder Scrolls gamer, it feels like the political landscape is shifting dramatically, with empires faltering and nations seeking independence once more. The Third Aldmeri Dominion seems to be at the zenith of its power, while the Thalmor prepare for a grand conquest across continents. With so much happening, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for the upcoming sixth installment to decide where it wants to take the storyline amidst all the anticipation. However, instead of introducing entirely new ideas, perhaps it could draw inspiration from concepts left untouched in its predecessors, particularly those from Skyrim that never made the cut. Among these unused ideas, the main plot concept for Skyrim is the most intriguing and could provide a fascinating foundation for the next adventure.

Skyrim Originally Had An Akaviri Invasion Planned

Todd Howard Discussed This In A 2019 Interview

During an interview at Pax East 2019 for UESP, Todd Howard, Bethesda’s renowned Game Director, discussed early plans for Skyrim, prior to Aldiun becoming the main antagonist. Originally, the storyline centered around the resurrection of the Septims through Uriel Septim V, the seventeenth emperor of Cyrodiil’s Empire and a ruler renowned for his ambitious conquests. He was considered one of the greatest warrior-monarchs since Tiber Septim (Talos). However, his reign came to an end following a massive invasion of Akavir, a continent located east of Tamriel. According to established lore, he perished two years into the invasion.

In an early version of Skyrim, Uriel Septim didn’t meet his demise. Instead, a revived Uriel would appear centuries later, leading a force of dragons (originating from Akavir) to invade Tamriel with the intention of reclaiming the empire, starting with Skyrim. The Last Dragonborn would be compelled to confront this new Dragonborn and thwart the invasion before Uriel’s dragons caused widespread destruction across the continent. However, this concept was abandoned. Todd Howard explained that Bethesda wanted to maintain the enigma surrounding Akavir, although its connection to the Dragonborn is hinted at throughout the game, particularly through the Blades.

The Blades are an organization rooted in Akaviri tradition, established by Reman Cyrodil, a founding emperor whose image adorns the entrance of Sky Haven Temple. This might be a holdover theme from the original narrative, given that Reman ascended to the throne by halting an Akaviri invasion, and originally, players would have had to prevent Uriel Septim V from doing the same. Instead, the confrontation with a previous Dragonborn was shifted to Miraak in Solstheim. Although ES6 will not require players to battle another Dragonborn, an Akaviri invasion may be imminent.

Elder Scrolls 6 Could Make The Akaviri Invasion Its Plot

But Leave The Dragons In Skyrim

In terms of plot, ES6 might draw inspiration from the concept of an Akaviri Invasion. Given that Hammerfell and the Summerset Isles are strong candidates for potential settings in ES6, it’s worth considering. Historically, the Iliac Bay region of Tamriel, which encompasses areas like Daggerfall and lies between Hammerfell and High Rock, was targeted by the first Akaviri invasion. Given that both Hammerfell and the Summerset Isles are located on the western coastline, similar to the Iliac Bay, a geographically sensible starting point for another Akaviri Invasion could be established here.

Revisiting dragons again might seem repetitive, but Akavir is renowned for its various unusual beasts and creatures that were part of the first invasion. Introducing Akavir into the next Elder Scrolls game could make it more bizarre and unique, avoiding the monotonous and dull design that may have contributed to Starfield’s short lifespan. It will also enrich the lore of Akavir without geographically leaving Tamriel, maintaining its air of mystery while adding depth to its story.

Based on our understanding of the Akaviri, there are numerous entertaining aspects that could be incorporated into The Elder Scrolls 6. For instance, the Tang Mo, a species resembling monkeys, could potentially introduce a new playable race to the game. Additionally, the Tsaesci, a race of snake-like beings, were once powerful rulers in Tamriel at the end of the Second Empire when the Reman Cyrodil dynasty had ceased. The Kamal, known as snow demons, could serve as formidable enemies, offering a contrast to the deserts and jungles of Hammerfell and adding more diversity to the series’ enemy roster.

Akavir Has Remained A Mystery For Too Long

And Its Far Eastern Influence Could Make ES6 Feel Completely Different

As a fan, I’m excited about the possibility of Hammerfell becoming the next location for The Elder Scrolls 6, with its blend of Middle Eastern and North African influences. To make this game even more intriguing, an invasion from a force inspired by the Far East could add a refreshing twist to the series, which has primarily stayed within a European comfort zone since Oblivion. This won’t be as strange or exotic as Morrowind, nor will it delve into Tamriel’s more peculiar regions like Valenwood and Black Marsh. Instead, the combination of Hammerfell and Avakir could result in an area that feels just as unique as Morrowind did without being quite as surreal.

In essence, an Akaviri Invasion could greatly enrich Tamriel by offering a compelling invasion plot. This scenario adds a strong sense of urgency, potentially shaping the destiny of all Tamriel. Although Todd Howard suggests there’s much more to discover in Tamriel, realms like Valenwood and Black Marsh might not be fully explored due to their unusual characteristics, unless they are significantly simplified. An Akaviri Invasion, therefore, serves as an effective means to provide players with context without physically transporting them to Akavir, instead offering a tantalizing taste rather than a full meal.

A key aspect is that the storyline should be straightforward and less prone to causing major plot holes, as Skyrim’s plot has been criticized for its complex time travel and generic dragon antagonist requiring significant lore adjustments. To offer a fresh perspective for The Elder Scrolls 6, a compelling starting point like an Akaviri Invasion could be beneficial. Uriel Septim V might return as the antagonist, but it would likely be more fitting to introduce a new villain – perhaps an Akaviri warlord aiming to conquer Tamriel in its present state of turmoil.

2025-05-30 03:07