The Elder Scrolls franchise, created by Bethesda Softworks, is a hugely popular and influential RPG series that has spawned eight mainline games and several spin-offs. Known for its immersive world-building, rich lore, and engaging gameplay, the game features an open-world environment that allows players complete freedom to explore the vast world of Tamriel. The lore of Elder Scrolls is extensive, with myths, legends, gods, and unique races, and technology and magic being essential aspects. The franchise’s popularity has led to its expansion to various gaming forms like online gaming, free-to-play digital collectible card games, and tabletop RPGs.
A Look at the Lore of Elder Scrolls: The RPG That Spawned a Franchise
The Elder Scrolls franchise is one of the most famous and influential RPG series in the gaming industry. Since its inception in 1994, it has become a household name, with eight mainline games and several spin-offs. The universe of Elder Scrolls is rich with lore, history, and mythology. It’s a vast world that keeps evolving and growing with each new release, attracting gamers with its complexity and depth.
The Origin of Elder Scrolls
The first game in the series, Arena, was released in 1994 by Bethesda Softworks. The game was a revolution in the RPG genre, featuring an open-world environment that was unlike anything else at the time. The player had complete freedom to explore the vast world of Tamriel, the continent where the game takes place, and decide how to interact with its inhabitants.
The success of Arena led to the development of the second game, Daggerfall, which was even more ambitious in scope and complexity. The game introduced the concept of a multi-faceted storyline that adapted to your actions, allowing for a unique experience with each playthrough.
The Lore of Elder Scrolls
One of the defining characteristics of the Elder Scrolls franchise is its rich lore. The game world is filled with stories, legends, and myths that span centuries of history. The lore is so extensive that professional writers and lore masters were hired to create and maintain it. Here are some of the significant aspects of the lore:
The Gods and their Influence
The Elder Scrolls universe is home to many gods and deities worshipped by its inhabitants. Each race has its gods and pantheons, and some gods can be found across multiple cultures. For example, Akatosh, the God of Time, is revered throughout Tamriel, while the Orcs worship Malacath, the God of Curses and the Spurned.
Myths and Legends
Many myths and legends exist in the Elder Scrolls universe, from the creation story of Tamriel to the tale of the hero Redguard hero, Cyrus the Restless. The stories are not just entertaining but also integral to the lore, as they often reveal ancient secrets and mysteries.
The Races of Tamriel
The Elder Scrolls universe features ten playable races, each with their unique culture, history, and physical traits. From the noble and reclusive Altmer to the brutish Orcs, each race has a distinct place in Tamriel’s society.
Technology and Magic
Technology and magic are essential aspects of the Elder Scrolls universe. While the setting is set in a medieval-like period, the game isn’t afraid to incorporate more advanced technologies, such as airships and steam engines. Magic is also widespread and can be used by anyone with the talent and training.
The Success of Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls franchise’s popularity has only grown with each new release. The games have won critical acclaim for their immersive world-building and gameplay depth. The most recent game in the series, Skyrim, has sold over 30 million copies, making it one of the highest-grossing RPGs of all time.
Aside from the mainline games, the franchise has also spawned several spin-offs, including The Elder Scrolls Online, a massively multiplayer online game set in Tamriel, and The Elder Scrolls: Legends, a free-to-play digital collectible card game. The franchise also has its lore books, comic books, and even a tabletop RPG.
Conclusion
The Elder Scrolls franchise has become iconic in the gaming industry, thanks to its immersive world-building, rich lore, and engaging gameplay. The series has captivated gamers for almost three decades and shows no sign of slowing down. With a new mainline game in development, fans of the franchise have a lot to look forward to.