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Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 3:56 am
by edgukator
I remember reading an interview with one of the Bethesda developers that talked about their process for writing and they mentioned that they often use historical time periods as a reference for creating the mood and tone.
I guess we shouldn't be surprised, then, that Elder Scrolls 4, which was largely describing the fall of a Roman-like empire, would be followed by Elder Scrolls 5, set in the lands of the barbarians that replaced the Romans.
Could this play into the writing of Skyrim? Anduin the world eater definitely reminds me of Fenris, the great dog who will one day be unleashed to the devour the world...
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 4:13 am
by Dark Spark
...after which, in the world that grew after the the twilight of the gods, the land would be threatened by hordes from the east (Mongols of history, Akavir of TES), which was stopped only through the timely death of the great leader (the vanguards had to retreat in order to stabilize the political turmoil back home as factions tried to fill in the power vacuum).
If Skyrim is TES V, then Akavir may very well be TES VI.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 4:25 am
by T PoPTartZz T
Dark Spark wrote:If Skyrim is TES V, then Akavir may very well be TES VI.
One can bloody well hope!
Though I do wonder how Bethesda intends to end the series, as history has not yet
ended. As it is a living, breathing world, the chance for world peace is slim, especially
with the elves wanting to regain their territory.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 4:50 am
by Kestral
Akavir should never, ever, be a setting for an ES game. It serves the point to be mysterious and throwing off that cover totally ruins it, asides from that...
I believe the history bit only played into Oblivion. I can't imagine any point in Morrowind borrowed from history, or Daggerfall, or Arena.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:01 am
by Dark Spark
Kestral wrote:Akavir should never, ever, be a setting for an ES game. It serves the point to be mysterious and throwing off that cover totally ruins it, asides from that...
I believe the history bit only played into Oblivion. I can't imagine any point in Morrowind borrowed from history, or Daggerfall, or Arena.
Mind you, TES IV was named 'Oblivion', but you were trying to save Cyrodiil.
If TES VI is all about Akavir, I agree— it should be set in Tamriel. Trouble is, there's some folks coming in that don't want it to be Tamriel anymore, and the job is to make those schmucks see your point of view, Kes.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:43 am
by Vardark
Dark Spark wrote:Mind you, TES IV was named 'Oblivion', but you were trying to save Cyrodiil.
So you think that Skyrim should take place inside Oblivion, with portals to Skyrim opening up everywhere? I don't see why the nords would invade Oblivion, but I guess it's an okay idea.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 11:06 am
by edgukator
Dark Spark wrote:...after which, in the world that grew after the the twilight of the gods, the land would be threatened by hordes from the east (Mongols of history, Akavir of TES), which was stopped only through the timely death of the great leader (the vanguards had to retreat in order to stabilize the political turmoil back home as factions tried to fill in the power vacuum).
If Skyrim is TES V, then Akavir may very well be TES VI.
I'm still holding out hope that the Akavir are invading in TS V.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 12:50 pm
by Elune
Vardark wrote:Dark Spark wrote:Mind you, TES IV was named 'Oblivion', but you were trying to save Cyrodiil.
So you think that Skyrim should take place inside Oblivion, with portals to Skyrim opening up everywhere? I don't see why the nords would invade Oblivion, but I guess it's an okay idea.
I dont get how you got to your conclusion here.

Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 3:09 pm
by adamflint
Jillian wrote:Vardark wrote:Dark Spark wrote:Mind you, TES IV was named 'Oblivion', but you were trying to save Cyrodiil.
So you think that Skyrim should take place inside Oblivion, with portals to Skyrim opening up everywhere? I don't see why the nords would invade Oblivion, but I guess it's an okay idea.
I dont get how you got to your conclusion here.

The game is named Oblivion, yet the player is in Cyrodiil and trying to save it. So logically, if TES V is named Skyrim, it will take place in Oblivion and you will be trying to save a daedric realm.
But there is one tiny flaw in this schizophrenical logical conclusion. Morrowind.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:32 pm
by Vardark
adamflint wrote:But there is one tiny flaw in this schizophrenical logical conclusion. Morrowind.
I don't like your attitude.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:41 pm
by The Tourist
Kestral wrote:I believe the history bit only played into Oblivion. I can't imagine any point in Morrowind borrowed from history...
If you're familiar with the Sumerian's or their mythology (hey, who isn't!), or those of the latter Mesopotamian cultures, Morrowind borrowed heavily. Even the naming of various places and people (especially the Ashlanders) is very similar. In its themes of godlike characters weighing up the cost of immortality, Morrowind's central mythic narrative is also very close to the epic of Gilgamesh. In both, an iconic character - a leader - ultimately yields godhood to serve their people (Vivec, Gilgamesh).
Then again, there's obviously a commonality of mythic themes. Still, Morrowind certainly did borrow from history.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:59 pm
by ace62394
I want to see the Sumerset Isles before Akavir, though.
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:46 am
by Dark Spark
Vardark wrote:Dark Spark wrote:Mind you, TES IV was named 'Oblivion', but you were trying to save Cyrodiil.
So you think that Skyrim should take place inside Oblivion, with portals to Skyrim opening up everywhere? I don't see why the nords would invade Oblivion, but I guess it's an okay idea.
Your argument is based on the fact that you're citing my opening rejoinder out of context with the rest of my post or the previous post that it was addressing.
adamflint wrote: ...But there is one tiny flaw in this schizophrenical logical conclusion. Morrowind.
It's not schizophrenia— just some mild MPD. You know how many times I rewrote this response before the university scholar personality took hold?
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 3:12 am
by JockoBeans
Morrowind also borrowed names. Balmora is an actual city I believe.
Also I saw on the Game Informer site that the armor that the Dragon Born is using is from Akavir, whether this is right or the armor is from the Blades is up for debate...
I am personally hoping that Akavir is invading. I am still holding on to that!!!

Re: Learning From History
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 3:39 am
by SomeonetoLove
This could be the last time in Tamriel because This is the last thing the elder scrolls recorded so i hope
edgukator wrote:Dark Spark wrote:...after which, in the world that grew after the the twilight of the gods, the land would be threatened by hordes from the east (Mongols of history, Akavir of TES), which was stopped only through the timely death of the great leader (the vanguards had to retreat in order to stabilize the political turmoil back home as factions tried to fill in the power vacuum).
If Skyrim is TES V, then Akavir may very well be TES VI.
I'm still holding out hope that the Akavir are invading in TS V.
This could be the last time in Tamriel because This is the last thing the elder scrolls recorded so i hope Akavir invade too
Re: Learning From History
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 5:35 am
by Imperfect
Vardark wrote:Dark Spark wrote:Mind you, TES IV was named 'Oblivion', but you were trying to save Cyrodiil.
So you think that Skyrim should take place inside Oblivion, with portals to Skyrim opening up everywhere? I don't see why the nords would invade Oblivion, but I guess it's an okay idea.
rofl
Akavir armor is used by the Blades, is it not?
I am thinking the only way to end the series would be to divide all territories into independent states. But, shhhh.. Don't want Bethesda finding out.