Overview
All things Elder Scrolls This guide started out in a very small way as part of one of my Skyrim SE load order guides regarding news and history of Skyrim (TES V) and has slowly grown over time to become more about the Elder Scrolls (TES) in general including history, lore, along with past present and future modding projects and anything else newsworthy. The info included began to outgrow and had no place in a load order guide, actually it was long past time to move it. So why not simply delete it altogether? I may end up doing that but I just didn’t have the heart to take a wrecking ball to it so quickly until I can tell if it’s worth my time to keep it updated. Besides, TES is one of if not my favorite video game series. Hope you enjoy it.Like my other guides I tried to get the most pertinent and up to date info in one easy to find location.Pardon the dust as things get moved around and organized
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Tamriel Map
History
Skyrim, also known as the Old Kingdom or the Fatherland, is the home of the Nords and the setting for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Vologda Mapping
“A good historian must remain impartial, and consider all points of view. Time has a way of distorting our record of events, so the closer you can get to the original sources, the better!”
―Adonato Leotelli
LET’S TALK SKYRIM
During the Merethic Era, a legendary Atmoran leader named Ysgramor led an expedition from Atmora, across the Sea of Ghosts to the land that would later be known as Skyrim. They called the land Mereth, in recognition of the vast number of Mer that lived there. It was the first region of Tamriel to be settled by humans.
The game’s main story revolves around the player’s character, the Dragonborn, on their quest to defeat Alduin the World-Eater, a dragon who is prophesied to destroy the world. The game is set 200 years after the events of Oblivion and takes place in Skyrim, the northernmost province of Tamriel.
The critically acclaimed Skyrim was released 11/11/2011 & Special Edition (SSE) came out 10/28/2016 in a re-mastered 64bit (vs 32bit) version, including all 3 DLC’s with all-new features like volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, and more. The game uses the same Creation Engine [en.wikipedia.org] as Fallout 4 (2015) and both games have been a huge attraction to the modding scene and arguably some of the most modded video games ever. Fallout 76 (2018) uses the same engine as well.
Although Skyrim is not for everybody, by December of 2012 over 10 million people had played Skyrim, by 2016 the number of sales reached 30 million. Fast forward to February of 2020 and Steam’s Skyrim SE on-line alone has about 9,000-19,000 people per hour [www.githyp.com] playing at any given time and that does not include Xbox 360 & One, PlayStation 3 & 4, and Ninetendo Switch. This also does not include Skyrim LE which has about 6,000-11,000 at any given time on Steam. They also have a VR Edition of Skyrim.
Article from TheGamer[www.thegamer.com]
From The Imperial Library[www.imperial-library.info]
Lore
Let’s Talk TES Lore
Lore is the term used by most fans to refer to the information about the setting of The Elder Scrolls universe. It covers a range of topics, such as the geography, history, and metaphysics, which combine to describe the nature of the setting.
Much of The Elder Scrolls lore come from books scattered around Tamriel
video by fudge muppet
“A good historian must remain impartial, and consider all points of view. Time has a way of distorting our record of events, so the closer you can get to the original sources, the better!”
―Adonato Leotelli – Imperial author residing at Candlehearth Hall in Windhelm
Lore: Daggerfall (UESP)[en.uesp.net]
Lore: Morrowind (UESP)[en.uesp.net]
Lore: Oblivion (UESP)[en.uesp.net]
Lore: Skyrim (UESP)[en.uesp.net]
The world of the Elder Scrolls Franchise looks like classic Western Fantasy, but scratch the surface and it’s filled with weird bits of backstory. Full Article (ScreenRant)[screenrant.com]
The historical religion of the Norse people is commonly referred to as Norse mythology. In certain literature the terms Scandinavian mythology, North Germanic mythology or Nordic mythology have been used Wiki Article[en.wikipedia.org]
Canon
video by FudgeMuppet
When it comes to the backdrop and information that gives The Elder Scrolls series the context in its setting let’s start with Bethesda’s Todd Howard and the UESP Wiki [en.uesp.net].
Todd, according to the UESP, during an interview, when asked about fan theories, gave a list on what should be prioritised as canon over other sources:
1. In-game events viewed through the eyes of the player
2. A book published in-universe that can be read inside the game
3. An official work published outside of the game (examples given include the game manual and the official cookbook)
Todd also said anything stated by a fan (an example given was fan theories) would not go on the list. This would imply fanfiction and other unofficial works are non-canon and not to be considered a part of The Elder Scrolls lore or canon.
Here is the list [en.uesp.net] of media that has been confirmed official lore by Bethesda and are considered canon by the UESP.
The Elder Scrolls Wiki (fandom)[elderscrolls.fandom.com] also has an archive with some worthwhile reading on this subject which they conclude the developers have in different moments completely contradicted each other and even themselves. This can be found Here[elderscrolls.fandom.com] under Developer comments on canon.
Here’s an example of the questions, this one to Todd Howard:
Q: How much weight does the online community have with the decision making process?
A: “The people who’ve bought and played our past games have a huge amount of weight, because ultimately, that’s who we’re making the game for. But keep in mind, we’ve sold millions of Elder Scrolls games, and 99% of the people who’ve bought our games are not online talking about them. We get phone calls, we get letters, we do our own surveys to see what they like and don’t like. So we’re at no loss for fan feedback. And believe it or not, we read it all. We read the forums all the time, we read all the letters, all the reviews and all the surveys. We also spend a great deal of time looking at other games, and other fan communities to see how those games are received.
“I can honestly say our fans are the best I’ve seen. I’ve come to realize that our games have become as much a part of our fan’s lives, as it is of our lives, and that does create a bond and a responsibility to do something we are all excited about. There are obviously some issues that fans discuss where they simply don’t have all the necessary info for us to really do exactly what they want. This goes for many things regarding Oblivion, because it’s still in development, and people are forced to discuss things they haven’t seen.
“But with regard to our past games, where the experience is there for you to play and see and comment on, feedback on that really drives us to create the next game and make it even better more than anything else.”
One of the biggest questions in Elder Scrolls concerns what happened to the Dwemer, and by looking at previous games players can find a few answers.
The world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is filled with colorful and sometimes confusing pieces of lore, drawing players into a world in which exploration may at times only prompt more questions. Discovering locations, conversations, and books can lead to the discovery of new topics to learn about, something players interested in Skyrim’s dwarves know all too well. Full Article[screenrant.com]
Dragons
THIS SECTION IN PROGRESS
uesp wiki Skyrim:Dragon
[link]
Skyrim: Ranking The 10 Coolest Dragons
[link]
All The Dragon Crater Locations In Skyrim! How To Find Dragons In Skyrim!
The Elder Scrolls 6: How Dragons Should be Handled
[link]
Skyrim’s dragons were a cinch next to Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr’s scaly scourge
[link]
Stormcloaks or Imperials
In Skyrim, the Empire and the Stormcloaks represents are fighting for dominance, but is either one of them worthy of ruling the land?
Imperial or Stormcloak? While comparatively simple compared to the faction alignment systems of previous Elder Scrolls games, choosing a side to take up arms for in Skyrim’s civil war can still make for a pretty daunting decision. Both have their reasons, certainly. Full GameRant article[gamerant.com]
from the USEP Wiki[en.uesp.net]
The Stormcloak Rebellion was a civil war in Skyrim fought between the forces of the Empire, mobilized in western Skyrim, and the Stormcloak rebels of eastern Skyrim, in 4E 201. Many years beforehand, Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak of Windhelm formed the Stormcloaks as his personal army to carry out his agenda. Soon after the young Torygg was appointed High King by the Moot and ascended to the throne of Skyrim, Ulfric traveled to the High King’s court in Solitude and challenged Torygg to single combat for Skyrim’s throne, in order to secede from the Empire. Ulfric killed Torygg with the Thu’um, after which he stabbed with a sword, and fled the city. He was branded a murderer and traitor by the Empire.
The Imperial Legion under General Tullius moved in to secure Imperial territory as the jarls began picking sides. On the 15th of Last Seed, less than a year after the start of the conflict, Ulfric and his men were ambushed by the Legion outside Darkwater Crossing in southern Eastmarch. After surrendering, they traveled for two days until they arrived in Helgen for execution.[1] In a twist of fate, the village was suddenly attacked by the dragon Alduin, and the rebel leader escaped. Afterwards, the war escalated, with Nords across Skyrim solidifying their allegiance to either the Empire or the Stormcloaks. The victor of the war is unknown.
more from the USEP Wiki[en.uesp.net]
You will be asked to take sides in the Civil War being fought between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks (a historical description of which may be found here). You can only choose one side. Either choice allows you to start a series of quests, during which various battles of the Civil War are fought, ultimately resulting in your chosen side taking control of Skyrim. The overall quest arcs for the Imperial Legion and Stormcloaks are similar, and allow you to unlock the same achievements.
[link]
DLC Size Modding Projects
Beyond Skyrim
Page in progress (much like the mod)
[link] [link]Enderal
SSE version Now Available for download on both Nexus & Steam
The biggest Skyrim mod ever is now compatible with Skyrim SE
Enderal: Forgotten Stories is a downloadable total conversion mod for TES V: Skyrim. A game modification that is set in its own world with its own landscape, lore and story. It offers an immersive open world, all for the player to explore, overhauled skill systems and gameplay mechanics and a dark, psychological storyline with believable characters.
Enderal is free and can be played by anyone owning a legal copy of TES V: Skyrim Special Edition. It was developed non-commercially by SureAI, the team behind the renowned Oblivion mod Nehrim: At Fate´s Edge (and various other projects).
Features
An open world with its own lore and hand-crafted, detailed and diverse landscapes – explore deserts, heathlands, forests, jungles, mountains, and more.
An unconventional story with believable characters and psychological undercurrents.
German and English voice acting by professional voice over artists.
Multi-faceted, believable characters with own ambitions and motivations.
Overhauled gameplay with classes, experience points, survival mechanics and challenging combat.
An overhauled skill system with classes and new special abilities.
A housing system allowing the player to design their own homes.
30 to 125 hours of expected playtime.
Video by Zero Period Productions
Added in Forgotten Stories:
Two “crafting classes” that utilize alchemy and enchanting for combat – use potions to shapeshift into a werewolf as the Lycantrope, use enchanting to craft spirit companions as the Phasmalist.
Improved performance and stability for a smooth experience.
Twelve new sidequests and two non-linear guild questlines: Work your way up the Golden Sickle, Enderal’s merchants guild and infiltrate the ranks of the Rhalâta, the enigmatic cult ruling the Undercity.
Reworked and improved crafting, spells, and much more.
Enderal on Nexus mods[www.nexusmods.com]
OR
Go to the Steam Store where it’s also free:
[link]Odyssey of the Dragonborn
After much controversy, although still not yet released, Icecreamassassin the author of Legacy of the Dragonborn, and his team of talented developers, are still working on one of the biggest Skyrim modding projects ever made: Odyssey of the Dragonborn.
Exclusive video sneak peak from Zero Period Productions
Icecreamassassin’s Mod Blog[arcadiamgames.wordpress.com]
Still have not tried the huge Legacy of the Dragonborn mod? [link]
Skyblivion
This mod returns because of the exciting news posted on Nexus.
This project started in 2012 with one guy and has grown thanks to some top mod authors from Nexus joining to form what looks like an All-star lineup. For the full interview click on the link below:
Project Spotlight: Skyblivion [www.nexusmods.com]
Latest Skyblivion Video
[link]
[link]
I’m really looking forward to this complete with quests.
Their core team consists mostly of modders from around the Skyrim community. Anyone who is experienced in creating 3D assets, implementing 3D assets, rigging creatures, implementing quests, creating interiors, creating exteriors or just has good CK knowledge and wants to work on a big project with a team of hobbyists and game developers are more than welcome to apply on their
website [skyblivion.com].
If you want to follow the project’s progress – more info can be found at the following:
Facebook: [link]
Twitter: Tweets by TESRSkyblivion
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/skyblivion/
Instagram: [link]
DISCORD: [link]
Skygerfall
This Mod has been finished for over a year and is available on Nexus
Skygerfall — Daggerfall’s Main Quest in TESV[www.nexusmods.com]
PAGE CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS
Skyrim: Extended Cut
After 10 years, experience the legend like never before. Skyrim: Extended Cut, a main quest overhaul mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim featuring new stories, characters, choices and challenges, comes to PC SSE and Xbox One in 2021. Follow us @SkyrimEC for more news and
Skyrim: Extended Cut – Main Quest Overhaul Teaser Trailer
Join the team! [link]
Skywind
Skywind is a total recreation of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, built from the ground up in the more modern Skyrim: Special Edition engine. Skywind sheds the shackles of the older game, bringing modern graphics, assets, and sounds, a full cast of voice actors, and all the benefits of fifteen years of gaming improvements, while preserving the incredible characters, locations, and quests with which Morrowind charmed the world all those years ago.
Skywind – Home Page[tesrskywind.com]
Impressive Morrowind’s Skyrim Remake Mod ‘Skywind’ Is Coming To Nexus Mods[www.gameinformer.com]
Skywind’s back – and Morrowind has never looked better[www.eurogamer.net]
Skywind’s first gameplay demo in a year shows original Morrowind quest expanded and improved[www.eurogamer.net]
FUN FACTS
Although it’s not Skyrim, or even a sequel in the series, it is a Spin-off of the Elder Scrolls series.
The Elder Scroll: Blades is playable on iPhones or Android devices. While Blades isn’t as big or complex as Skyrim, it does have a surprising amount of depth compared to other RPGs built for phones. While the game is “Free” there are Micro Transactions. Take a look:
[link]
Todd Howard even trolled us with an Alexa version of the 2011 Game of the Year. Then it became real.
[link]
Skyrim Grandma
You’re never too old to play Video Games.
I love this lady & a NPC in her likeness will be in TES VI
No Skyrim Fun Facts section would be complete without ‘Skyrim Grandma’, Shirley Currey.
Shirley has 960K YouTube subscribers that watch her play Skyrim as the Dragonborn on
her channel. Shirley also has a Follower mod coming out soon that will be made in her image.
(update 5/01/2021: her mod is finally out – see below)
Ok, her Nexus mods is now available however, the Biggest News is that Bethesda announced they are putting Shirley in their upcoming Elder Scrolls VI video game after Fans of Shirley started a Petition to get her into the game. Yes, her fans truly love her.
This young lady really enjoys herself and brings joy to many of all ages.
Shirley Curry: The Gaming Grandma Documentary | Gameumentary
Skyrim Grandma’s First Stream (2015) – SKYRIM eps 1
Ckeck out Grandma Shirley’s Steam Group
join the official Shirley’s Grandkids Discord server![discord.com]
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=shirley+curry (over 1,500 videos)
If you should ever come across Grandma Shirley in your on-line travels please be kind. This is a sweet lady that brings joy to so many people. Hopefully we will all be old one day and playing video games.
She’s an inspiration to us all.
NEW
SKYRIM GRADMA STARTS A NEW STREAM SERIES WITH HER NEW SKYRIM MOD
[link]
The main character Mia, is based on her very own RL grandaughter
Skyrim Grandma’s mod
ScreenRant:
Shirley Curry, better known on the internet as the famous YouTuber Skyrim Grandma, has now been immortalized in-game thanks to a fan-made mod that turns her into a follower. full article[screenrant.com]
PC Gamer:
Shirley Curry, the Skyrim Grandma, became a famous YouTuber at the age of 80 thanks to a channel full of wholesome videos about Bethesda’s popular RPG. She explores, does quests, hangs out with modded followers, and even reads in-game books. Thanks to a fan petition, she’ll be appearing as an NPC in The Elder Scrolls 6. In the meantime a group of modders have put Shirley Curry in Skyrim as a follower, with dialogue she recorded espcially for the role. full article
Shirley – A Skyrim Follower Mod[www.nexusmods.com] Shirley Curry, the beloved Skyrim Grandma, finally comes to the game as a follower you can recruit! She’ll join you on your adventures, but don’t expect her to simply carry your burdens! She’s got more personality than all the vanilla followers combined, and we’re sure she’ll be a great companion, and a friend. And a grandma!
Within a few hours an add-on mod was created for Shirley
Older Shirley[www.nexusmods.com]Just released – a update mod for the Shirley mod that according to the mod author, “Makes Shirley look a little more like the grandma she is Comes in three versions – one with her default hair, and two with basic vanilla hairstyles. Flagged as ESL.
Music
Dragonborn by Tina Guo
A beautiful video: Tina is such talented cellist and very beautiful, and her costumes, just wow.
I’ll probably add a few more but I wanted to get this one up.
Enjoy
Born & raised in China by strict parents Tina who now appreciates that upbringing got her inspiration from a Metal Concert she attended.
She Plays with such a passion
if you haven’t see her Wonder Woman video yet take a look
Matter of fact just check out her https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRcSl2KAMdMEFoKZhHpwH8g. You’ll be amazed. “Queen Bee” is insane.
NEWS
BETHESDA.NET FORUMS TO BE SUNSET
MAY 17, 2021 – After many years together, we have decided to officially sunset our forums. But this isn’t “goodbye” … article[bethesda.net] Everything else works like before. Bethesda Launcher, mod share (etc.) will remain.
Bethesda .net News
The Elder Scrolls News & more [elderscrolls.bethesda.net]
Official Elder Scrolls Series News
The Elder Scrolls series [bethesda.net]
Leaks:
*New from Todd & the group (3/11/2021)
One Announcement (slip) After Another from Beth:
Oblivion in 4K on Xbox Game Pass (Todd slips)
Ready for Starfield?
FPS Boost to be added to a number of those old titles (and more)
[link]
Todd’s November 2020 Interview on himself & All Things Bethesdsa
“it just works”
TES VI News
The Elder Scrolls 6 release date, trailer, news and rumors
Everything we know so far about The Elder Scrolls 6
from Techradar
E3 2021 is going ahead as an all-digital event for the first time and with Microsoft on the list of attendees, it looks like Bethesda will be taking part too. Taking place between June 12 and June 15, this E3 will have a live broadcast spanning across these days with a mixture of press conferences, interviews and commentary.
Now that Bethesda has been acquired by Microsoft, it’s unclear how their press conferences will work and there are no official details just yet, though VentureBeat’s Jeff Grubb has said on Twitter that the press conferences are expected to be “the same stream and Xbox will lead directly into Bethesda, but there will be a delineation.” full article[www.techradar.com]
Article from PC Gamer:
TES 6 is still very far away, but we’ve collected all the news & rumors while we wait full article
Article from ScreenRant
How Elder Scrolls 6 Can Improve On One Of Skyrim’s Biggest Features
Skyrim features the ability to have a follower accompany the player on their journey, but the system can be improved in The Elder Scrolls 6. ScreenRant full article[screenrant.com]
NEW Elder Scrolls 6 REDFALL Location Was Just Confirmed by Bethesda – Hammerfall & High Rock?
NEW Elder Scrolls 6 REDFALL – LEAK Release Date, Gameplay Mechanics, Story Setting & More!
Obits
In Memory of Zenimax Founder & Ceo Robert A. Altman
Letter from James Altman[bethesda.net]
Actor Max von Sydow dies aged 90 (voice of Skyrim’s Esbern)
Tributes for Skyrim voice actor[www.eurogamer.net]
Christopher Plummer, Voice Actor Behind Arngeir In Skyrim, Passes Away
Another one of the greats has sadly been lost, but won’t be forgotten[www.thegamer.com]
Krzysztof Kowalewski, Polish voice actor of Arngeir (died day after Plummer)
Krzysztof Kowalewski[www.imdb.com]
George Coe, Voice Actor behind Skyrim’s, Tolfdir / Calcelmo / Calixto Corrium
Oscar nominated actor [en.wikipedia.org]
Ralph Cosham voice actor for every male Breton in Oblivion, including Grandmaster Jauffre
Ralph Cosham[elderscrolls.fandom.com]
Other Gaming News
Starfield – Official Announcement Teaser
‘Starfield’ Release Date Leak Could Be Good News For ‘The Elder Scrolls 6’ Fans
“The Elder Scrolls 6” fans could hear more details and updates about the game very soon if the latest “Starfield” release window leak is anything to go by. The latest information about “Starfield” has come from the industry insider and GamesBeat video games reporter Jeff Grubb…. Full article[www.ibtimes.com]
There’s good news and bad news for Bethesda fans
Starfield release date update[www.express.co.uk]
Skullzi TV
Video – Bethesda News – Starfield DISCOVERY, Microsoft Expansion Update & More!
The truth behind those mysteriously cheap gray market game codes [www.polygon.com]
Check here for Sales on Games [isthereanydeal.com]
Game Pass
Information on the Game Pass version of SSE-MS
Although it’s not looking promising for mod users I’ll leave you with 2 links so you can decide for yourself. That said, this guide uses the mod SKSE64 of which can NOT be used on the “Game Pass” Version currently. See links below:
Nexus News on Game Pass[www.nexusmods.com]
Steam Discussion-Game Pass and You
“I have been incredibly blessed to spend my entire career at, and help build, one of the best places to make games in the world – Bethesda.” – Todd Howard
TODD HOWARD ON JOINING XBOX[bethesda.net]
The AbleGamers Charity
[link] [link]Donate[tiltify.com]
From their website:
“There are millions of people with disabilities who can’t play videogames without expensive, specialized equipment. The AbleGamers Charity helps gamers with disabilities by providing that equipment, free of charge. But we can’t do it without YOU. Help Us Help Others: A day of gaming for you could mean a lifetime of gaming for someone else! Will you help us continue providing these customized gaming controllers?”
Player Tips
Still the best guide I’ve seen for new player tips:
[link]
know a good guide for new players? let me know.
Need a name for your Character? [link]
LOL
My Skyrim Modding Guides
A huge factor in the continued success of TES series can be attributed to mods.
[link]
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[link]
[link]
[link]
Leave comments and suggestions below: