Why The Elder Scrolls 6 Must Recapture Oblivion’s NPC Magic, Not Repeat Skyrim’s Failures

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Summary

  • Oblivion’s main story NPCs like Martin Septim emotionally anchor players, unlike Skyrim’s detached NPCs.
  • Skyrim lacks compelling main story NPCs like Oblivion’s, resulting in less emotional investment for players.
  • The Elder Scrolls 6 should strive to include at least one character that emotionally engages players in the main story.

This article contains spoilers for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.

In every installment of the “Elder Scrolls” series, you’ll find numerous distinct Non-Player Characters (NPCs) that contribute to the richness of Tamriel’s setting and mythology. Most of these characters don’t play a direct role in the main storyline; instead, they function as merchants, quest providers, faction members, or simply enrich the overall “Elder Scrolls” experience. The essence and charm of “Elder Scrolls” often comes from these characters, making them crucial elements in the creation of Tamriel’s world.

Characters who feature in the primary narrative may play a pivotal role, as they must be intriguing and motivate the player to see the main story through. Characters such as Martin Septim significantly enhance the plot of Oblivion, as he evolves and interacts with the Hero of Kvatch, fostering a connection between them. While Skyrim boasts a larger cast for its main story, these characters are generally indifferent, antagonistic, or self-reliant towards the Dragonborn. To create more engaging main story NPCs in The Elder Scrolls 6, developers should draw inspiration from Oblivion, ensuring at least one character is designed to emotionally engage players.

NPCs in Oblivion’s Main Story are the Emotional Anchor

Significant characters in the game _Oblivion_ include Martin Septim, Baurus, Jauffre, and Mankar Camoran, offering a variety of NPCs who may align as allies or adversaries to the player. Martin, notably, develops a strong bond with the Champion of Kvatch as they both grapple with the new duties and positions bestowed upon them. The Champion of Kvatch effectively serves as a knight to the emperor, yet their relationship is marked by mutual respect and understanding. This shared bond adds poignancy to Martin’s demise.

Characters such as Martin make the narrative feel authentic and encourage players to care deeply about the main plot. In contrast to characters like Martin who develop friendships over time, the storyline in Skyrim lacks such relationships. The friendship-like bond in Skyrim is only hinted with Paarthurnax, but it’s not fully realized. Characters such as the Blades (Delphine and Esbern) initially act as allies to the Dragonborn, but may betray them if they refuse to kill Paarthurnax.

Skyrim’s NPCs Fail to Raise the Bar

Instead of forming deep bonds with friends or cultivating meaningful relationships, NPCs in Skyrim lack loyalty and genuine empathy for the Dragonborn. They tend to view the Dragonborn more as a means to an end – be it resolving the conflict in Skyrim, eradicating remaining dragons, defeating Alduin, or studying the Thu’um. The only character who comes close to being a friend for the Dragonborn in Skyrim is Serana, who is a DLC addition. As there is little emotional connection, the main quest of Skyrim becomes more about fulfilling necessary tasks rather than experiencing the growth and development of characters that players grow attached to.

In The Elder Scrolls 6, it’s essential to incorporate at least one character who is engaging and serves as an emotional cornerstone for the primary narrative. Characters in Skyrim’s main story possess autonomy, sometimes making choices that go against player expectations, such as not speaking to the Dragonborn unless their demands are met. Although this generates conflict, it can also feel contrived and frustrating at times. Conversely, the characters in Oblivion work alongside the Hero, with tension introduced through the gravity of the storyline instead.

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2025-04-29 04:06