Summary
This article contains spoilers for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.
Each ofThe Elder Scrollsgames has hundreds of unique NPCs that add to the world and lore of Tamriel. Most of these NPCs aren’t connected to their game’s main story, and instead serve as merchants, quest-givers, faction members, or simply add flavor toThe Elder Scrolls. Much of the heart and soul ofThe Elder Scrollsis conveyed through its NPCs, and they serve as an important part of Tamriel’s worldbuilding.
NPCs that appear in the main storyline possibly serve the most important role of all, as they need to be compelling and give the player a reason to complete the main story.Characters like Martin Septimmake the main storyline ofOblivionfar more engaging, as he develops and grows alongside the Hero of Kvatch and has a friendly relationship with them.Skyrimhas a bigger cast for its main storyline, but all of them are either neutral, disdainful, or independent of the Dragonborn.The Elder Scrolls 6needs to look toOblivionfor its inspiration for main story NPCs, and include at least one character that emotionally invests players.
NPCs in Oblivion’s Main Story are the Emotional Anchor
Notable NPCs inOblivionare Martin Septim, Baurus, Jauffre, and Mankar Camoran, which gives a mix of NPCs who are allies or enemies of the player. Martin, in particular, grows close to the Hero of Kvatch as they both confront the new responsibilities and roles that have been entrusted to them. TheHero of Kvatch becomes something of a knightto the emperor, but with a more equal balance and appreciation for each other. This makes it all the more tragic when Martin dies.
Characters like Martin help keep the story grounded and give players a reason to be emotionally invested in the main story.Skyrim’s main storyline is devoid of characters like Martin, who serve as both allies and grow to be friends over time. The closest thatSkyrim’s story gets to a friendship is with Paarthurnax, but even that is limited. Characters like the Blades, Delphine, and Esbern, serve as allies to the Dragonborn, but quickly turn on them if theyrefuse to kill Paarthurnax.
Skyrim’s NPCs Fail to Raise the Bar
Rather than close friends and developing relationships,Skyrim’s NPCs are devoid of loyalty and genuine care for the Dragonborn. Instead, they see the Dragonborn as a tool to be used, toend the war in Skyrim, to kill the remaining dragons, defeat Alduin, or to study the Thu’um. The closest to a friend the Dragonborn has inSkyrimis Serana, who is a DLC character. Without an emotional connection,Skyrim’s main quest becomes a matter of necessity rather than seeing through the fates of characters that develop and who the player comes to care about.
The Elder Scrolls 6needs to have at least one character who is compelling and provides an emotional anchor for the main storyline. The NPCs inSkyrim’s main story have agency and make decisions that go against what many players would want, such as refusing to speak to the Dragonborn if they don’t do as they say. While this does create conflict, it can also feel heavy-handed and forced, and can become a frustrating experience for players.Oblivion’s NPCs work with the Hero, and conflict is instead brought in through the stakes of the story.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
WHERE TO PLAY
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay. Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land in one of the greatest RPGs ever from the award-winning Bethesda Game Studios.Rediscover CyrodiilJourney through the rich world of Tamriel and battle across the planes of Oblivion where handcrafted details have been meticulously recreated to ensure each moment of exploration is awe-inspiring.Navigate Your Own StoryFrom the noble warrior to the sinister assassin, wizened sorcerer, or scrappy blacksmith, forge your path and play the way you want.Experience an Epic AdventureStep inside a universe bursting with captivating stories and encounter an unforgettable cast of characters. Master swordcraft and wield powerful magic as you fight to save Tamriel from the Daedric invasion.The Complete StoryExperience everything Oblivion has to offer with previously released story expansions Shivering Isles, Knights of the Nine, and additional downloadable content included in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
