Where do you want Elder Scrolls VI to be?

[Riothamus]

if there is no big time jump...it should either be in Hammerfel or Summerset Isles.

Either one of those would be extremely cool: culturally, environmentally, and story wise.

[Minor Edits]

I voted for Elsweyr. However, that's just my first preference, not where I actually think the next game will be. It's fairly clear to me at this stage that TES VI is either going to be a Black Marsh game with a mainland Morrowind DLC, or a Hammerfell game with a High Rock and/or Orsinium DLC. Whichever one is not TES VI will be TES VII.

[Hissien]

I voted for Elsweyr. However, that's just my first preference, not where I actually think the next game will be. It's fairly clear to me at this stage that TES VI is either going to be a Black Marsh game with a mainland Morrowind DLC, or a Hammerfell game with a High Rock and/or Orsinium DLC. Whichever one is not TES VI will be TES VII.

Where are you drawing this from?

[Huntershound]

I voted for Elsweyr. However, that's just my first preference, not where I actually think the next game will be. It's fairly clear to me at this stage that TES VI is either going to be a Black Marsh game with a mainland Morrowind DLC, or a Hammerfell game with a High Rock and/or Orsinium DLC. Whichever one is not TES VI will be TES VII.

You don't wish to be in Skyrim? You wish to be Elsweyr?

Why would High Rock be only a DLC? Why not High Rock with an Orsinium DLC?

[Minor Edits]

I voted for Elsweyr. However, that's just my first preference, not where I actually think the next game will be. It's fairly clear to me at this stage that TES VI is either going to be a Black Marsh game with a mainland Morrowind DLC, or a Hammerfell game with a High Rock and/or Orsinium DLC. Whichever one is not TES VI will be TES VII.

Where are you drawing this from?

Historiography. It's my belief Bethesda plants seeds of lore in their games to harvest them in the future. One example is Solstheim. After Bloodmoon, they gave us little hints about it in Oblivion, then again in The Infernal City, and an unusual amount of Skyrim books were from Bloodmoon and dealt with Solstheim. I predicted in the spring that we would see a Solstheim DLC, and here we are. If you look back at the lore of Morrowind and Oblivion, it's pretty obvious they were building up for a trip to Skyrim. And due to modern videogame pricing models, Bethesda already knows where it's going to put DLC for its next game; is not only planting "lore seeds" for the next vanilla game, but also for its DLC.

They've been planting a great many seeds in both Hammerfell and Black Marsh, giving us little tidbits about the Argonians and the Redguards. For example, there are so many stories about the Alik'r desert (a fresh one was just added by Dragonborn, "Wind and Sand"). There was that Skyrim mission with the Alik'r Warriors sent to capture that woman. Further, there's the destruction and rebuilding of Orsinium- it was in High Rock, now it's between Hammerfell and Skyrim. I just don't believe Bethesda does things like this for no reason; I believe they're building up to something.

Disregarding some supplemental reasoning for the moment, Valenwood, Elsweyr, and Summerset just haven't received the same amount of attention as Black Marsh. Bethesda told us more about the Hist and their relationship to Argonians in Oblivion and The Infernal City, not to mention all the info regarding the Argonian defeat of the daedra during the Oblivion Crisis, their secession from the Empire, and their invasion of Morrowind. They have a unique transit system, using the Hist root system as an expressway, and I'm sure we'd all like to see that. There's the untold story of the Eye of Argonia, as well as Black Marsh-specific vampires the Whet-Fang clan. There are many monsters we've gotten hints about, like the Wamasus, which are similar to dragons. There are also little Skyrim tidbits like Argonian Ceremony and the unexplored plight of the segregated Argonians in Windhelm. There are a host of other little things which make me think Black Marsh is next.

What's really sealed the deal is Dragonborn, which has included a lot of new information about mainland Morrowind, specifically Blacklight. Bethesda could be sending us on a nostalgia trip here, but I think they're still building (after all, most people have never been to Blacklight, which last appeared in Arena). I think it was Cindiri Arano who mentions the Rootspire, a towering building which sounds like it was grown within Blacklight, which is where the Council of Great Houses meets. Nostalgia or not, I don't believe they would invent such a building and give it a name without the intent to use it in the future. Now, look at a map. How are we getting there? A mainland Morrowind game? We've had our fill. A Skyrim DLC? Already got Solstheim. Cyrodiil DLC? We've been there for Oblivion and will be there for ESO; Bethesda's not going back to that well. The only candidate is Black Marsh. There's also the addition of "House Sadras", which I vaguely suspect has ties to the Argonians. I think we'll find out more about them in a Black Marsh game. I don't believe Bethesda would introduce a new Great House just for ****s and giggles; they have an agenda.

We've saved an Empire in Arena, reshaped the face of the world in Daggerfall, fought living gods and devils in Morrowind, battled against hell on earth in Oblivion, and stopped the end of the world in Skyrim. How do you top that? The next TES game has big shoes to fill, and Black Marsh is the province with the potential to do so. They're almost certainly going to have a more mundane main questline, but pack the game with graphical goodies, new features, and interesting side quests. Argonians looked amazing in Skyrim; I think they'll look even better in the next game, and I think Bethesda can capitalize on this by making a game which heavily involves them. After games full of Imperials and Nords, I think Bethesda's ready to give us a change-up. Further, there's the issue of water: is was barely utilized in Morrowind, and basically not utilized at all in Oblivion and Skyrim. Making a game which is a bit more aquatic is an easy way to expand the game series, make things come alive, and utilize their deep reservoir of lore regarding pirates, sailors, etc. Black Marsh is filled with waterways; it is the main method of transportation. Long story short, I expect moving ships soon, and Black Marsh is a great place to test them out.

Black Marsh is slightly more likely because we've been to Hammerfell in Daggerfall. Also, we could see an Orsinium DLC for Skyrim, which would make a Hammerfell game even less likely.

[Hissien]

So we get to go to another human province? I'm glad they decided to change things up.

Considering they added an entire faction in the Thalmor I would not write it off just yet. Mostly for the next game.

Also I don't think that they will devote entire games to provinces we have already visited, I mean we have had Daggerfall already, however hammerfell or orsinium seem just as likely as anywhere else. I'm hoping for Elseweyr, Summerset Isles or Blackmarsh.

[brain7734]

I have a feeling Summerset Isles will be the next stop (the whole Thalmor thing, they're slowly taking over), but I would love to see Valenwood. I gotta see the migratory cities in the trees!

[Minor Edits]

I have a feeling Summerset Isles will be the next stop (the whole Thalmor thing, they're slowly taking over), but I would love to see Valenwood. I gotta see the migratory cities in the trees!

That's just one city, Falinesti, and it has apparently rooted itself at last report. The Altmer of Summerset are "the Other" of the ES series; they're supposed to remain foreign and unknown, IMO. Going to their homeland would sully them. Plus, like I was saying, there hasn't been a relatively recent build-up to seeing Summerset like there has been for Hammerfell or Black Marsh.

Every game requires some cosmopolitanism; if we went to Summerset in its current state, there would likely be nothing but Altmer. We won't go there until after the Thalmor have been defeated and Summerset has been forced to accommodate some measure of outsiders. Admittedly, that could happen in between Skyrim and the next game, but I don't think Bethesda would build such an enemy only to have them beaten without ever letting us directly combat them. That's one of the things that makes Black Marsh such a great choice; the Argonian population is mainly found in the central swamps, while the settlements along the borders and coasts cater to other races. We'll get to Summerset, eventually, but I don't see it happening soon.

[Stormborn]

I really don't mind where they set the next games as long as the environment isn't all ice, rock and snow. I think Bethesda watched way too much LotR when they created Skyrim. I'd quite like the world to be smaller as Bethesda could make it really vibrant and full of life, massive game worlds are awesome but they just don't feel realistic enough.

[InkOnTube]

I am really afraid there won't be TES VI. MMOs are franchise killers ;(
My vote goes for Sumerset

[OblivionDuruza]

I doubt even Bethesda likes the Thalmor or wants them to have a PC(us), though.

I have to disagree. Bethesda are smarter than that, and not only was there a fair amount of Lore prior to Skyrim about the original Dominion, it was all fairly positive, and is mirrored by all the new Lore of The Elder Scrolls Online. Additionally, although the game aims to position players to hate the Thalmor, it does provide a few redeeming clues (not my accident, in my view) and it would be just like Bethesda to play that kind of bait and switch on gamers. That, plus most of the 'negative' Lore about the Thalmor and their apparent plan to take over the world coming from MK in recent, non-Bethesda years, make me think that Bethesda are not as blatantly obvious as it might seem.

I think since the Thalmor were a pretty big part of Skyrim, Summerset Isle should not be the next game. Save it for the game after the next. I really want a beast race to be the main race, maybe even have different types of some of the races. Like Argonians have a variant that has wings. Now I don't think the player would be able to be one of these variants but I think it would be cool if they were NPCs or enemies.

Spoiler:

that kinda rhymes

Bethesda has wanted to make a game set on Summerset since TESIII, which was originally slated to be set on the Isles and called TESIII: Tribunal. I believe they've been waiting for the technology to catch up with the ideas they have, and technology's come a long way in the last decade.

[InkOnTube]

Additionally, although the game aims to position players to hate the Thalmor, it does provide a few redeeming clues (not my accident, in my view) and it would be just like Bethesda to play that kind of bait and switch on gamers.

I really don't understand why players fall in this trap to hate Thalmor. I really don't see any difference in attitude between Thalmor/Altmer and Stormcloacks/Nords, or hospitality of Dunmer in Morrowind or Orcs as seen in TES 5. Nords created Empire, conquered Tamriel and now Empire is failing and other forces regaining their might. It is just a circumstance that Thalmor regain might and independence from Empire as first. Nords treat other races much worse than Altmer - at least Altmer see superiority of all mer over men, but Nords see themselves as superior of all races. Even though I personally think for Skyrim is better to stay in Empire, it is highly unlikely even if Stormcloacks are taken in canon to be defeated in TES 5. Having that in mind and how Dunmer are treated by Stormcloacks, with Argonians emerged from the Oblivion Crisis more unified, stronger and ambitious than ever before, it is quite clear Dunmer might join Thalmor in "Mer superiority". Hammerfell is already independent from Empire in time when Skyrim is played and it is matter of days when same happens to Highrock. This leads to total chaos and many wars on Tamriel and seems like Thalmor are the best candidate at the moment to bring order by establishing strong state. This is why I think it is quite logical that next game should be Sumerset Isle, aligning player with Thalmor to create some new Tamriel wide Empire. Also, it might give some spotlight on Altmer/Aldmeri dominion/Thalmor are not that evil as many see them.

But there are some interesting principals that would had to be broken. From Morrowind onwards, player was always collaborating with The Blades against some menace. On top of that, Blades were always human in majority protecting the emperor who was human. If next TES comes out (I doubt it because of ESO) and Sumerset Isle is the place, Blades could be the enemy which is strange for TES. On the other hand, they could implement it as choice (similar to Skyrim) for player playing against Thalmor. So far we didn't had option to branch main quest line where in Oblivion we clearly had good opportunity to join Mythic Dawn.

[swordsister]

I personally would want to see next TES take place in the upcoming kalpa, if possible.
They've left so many loose ends, hoping to see where they'll lead before any other major plot develops.

[Derp53]

Additionally, although the game aims to position players to hate the Thalmor, it does provide a few redeeming clues (not my accident, in my view) and it would be just like Bethesda to play that kind of bait and switch on gamers.

I really don't understand why players fall in this trap to hate Thalmor. I really don't see any difference in attitude between Thalmor/Altmer and Stormcloacks/Nords, or hospitality of Dunmer in Morrowind or Orcs as seen in TES 5. Nords created Empire, conquered Tamriel and now Empire is failing and other forces regaining their might. It is just a circumstance that Thalmor regain might and independence from Empire as first. Nords treat other races much worse than Altmer - at least Altmer see superiority of all mer over men, but Nords see themselves as superior of all races. Even though I personally think for Skyrim is better to stay in Empire, it is highly unlikely even if Stormcloacks are taken in canon to be defeated in TES 5. Having that in mind and how Dunmer are treated by Stormcloacks, with Argonians emerged from the Oblivion Crisis more unified, stronger and ambitious than ever before, it is quite clear Dunmer might join Thalmor in "Mer superiority". Hammerfell is already independent from Empire in time when Skyrim is played and it is matter of days when same happens to Highrock. This leads to total chaos and many wars on Tamriel and seems like Thalmor are the best candidate at the moment to bring order by establishing strong state. This is why I think it is quite logical that next game should be Sumerset Isle, aligning player with Thalmor to create some new Tamriel wide Empire. Also, it might give some spotlight on Altmer/Aldmeri dominion/Thalmor are not that evil as many see them.

But there are some interesting principals that would had to be broken. From Morrowind onwards, player was always collaborating with The Blades against some menace. On top of that, Blades were always human in majority protecting the emperor who was human. If next TES comes out (I doubt it because of ESO) and Sumerset Isle is the place, Blades could be the enemy which is strange for TES. On the other hand, they could implement it as choice (similar to Skyrim) for player playing against Thalmor. So far we didn't had option to branch main quest line where in Oblivion we clearly had good opportunity to join Mythic Dawn.

1. If you don't see a non racist nord then you aren't looking at all. I can name a few NPC's in skyrim right now: Alvor, Erikur, Onmund, Jarl Baalgruuf, Jarl Laila Law-giver to name a few. Not all altmer are racist [&@%!] either, take the stable owner in Windhelm. He's perfectly amiable and altmer in a predominantly nord city. There's also Niranye and she isn't badly off either for an altmer living in Windhelm. Orcs are recluses because of their religion and culture, if you haven't noticed Malacath is a daedra lord.

2. the thalmor are not justified in their beliefs but you don't hear nords that aren't Thongvor Silver-Blood saying mer races are inferior and they need to have their faces wiped in it. Thalmor(especially Ondolemar) are much more vocal in their belief of mer superiority and only then they mean altmer and bosmer. Altmer traditionally have never liked Dunmer and the Dunmer have never liked the altmer much either. And notice how I say thalmor and not altmer interchangeably, because the common altmer is not normally as radical as a thalmor soldier or justiciar.

3. The dunmer would have nothing to do with the thalmor, they most likely avoid each other like feuding neighbors that sued over a broken fence. At best the thalmor will declare they are naturally more pure and the dunmer should emulate them.

4. Think of how much freedom the common person had in the empire in Oblivion and Skyrim, now imagine that for only bosmer and altmer. The thalmor are bigoted and in their beliefs of mer superiority would easily be inclined to oppress humans if they held an empire the size of Tiber Septim's holdings during the peak of his rule. As it is humans can't get past harbors in Alinor and Valenwood is little better under thalmor rule. At least in the Empire everyone no matter what race or gender can make a decent living for themselves with the peace of mind they have equal standing in society as any other common person.

The positioning Duruza was talking about is hardly a trap, its a product of the Thalmor agenda and it naturally causes us to hate them(unless you're an altmer lover). Cause not everyone likes to see an innocent man to get tortured(Etienne Rarnis), or hear stories of racial purging(Malborn), or see someone's rights get stomped on(Talos Ban), or it could be the fact the thalmor took the instinctive haughtiness of altmer and jacked it up to a whole new level of [&@%!]. Anyway, staying on topic I would be interested in seeing Elsweyr, it has quite an interesting history.

[Mr.Argonian]

I was so convinced TES VI would be Valenwood. I just thought it could be nothing else. But now MinorEdits has got my hopes up for a Black MArsh game. If TES VI was set in Black Marsh I think it would be a dream come true. The homeland of my favourite race. All the new lore we would get, the new creatures, the new spells, weapons and armour. If not Black Marsh it must be Valenwood. Or at least a non-humam centric province. I am a bit sick of humans after two games in a row with them as the main citizens of the province.

[Drayvon]

I picked Summerset and if not, Valenwood because I kind of want to learn more about the Thalmor. Plus i'm a High Elf and a huge magic user.

[Leilah]

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