Exploring the Pros and Cons of Establishing a New School of Magic

In the expansive realm of Tamriel, the world that houses The Elder Scrolls series, there’s no shortage of magical potential. However, in Skyrim, this potential feels somewhat constrained by the limited number of magic schools. Looking forward to The Elder Scrolls 6, there’s ample room to innovate and perhaps introduce new schools of magic that could breathe fresh life into the magical aspects of the game. Considering the magical elements were somewhat pared down in Skyrim compared to earlier chapters, now might be the perfect time to push these boundaries.

Skyrim already organizes its spells nicely into distinct schools of magic, but there’s so much more The Elder Scrolls 6 could offer. By expanding the very essence of magicka that permeates every facet of Tamriel, new forms and schools of magic could be created, opening up a whole new realm of possibilities for players. Whether it’s enhancing everyday experiences or unleashing extraordinary power, this exploration could elevate the gameplay to new heights. On the other hand, enhancing already existing schools, like the School of Conjuration, which holds untapped potential, could be another route. Skyrim laid the groundwork, but The Elder Scrolls 6 could really build upon it.

As we speculate about the setting of The Elder Scrolls 6, it’s likely we’ll find ourselves exploring a previously unseen region of Tamriel, rich with its own culture and magical traditions. Each province, after all, has a distinct character and history, and the introduction of unique educational paths in magic would align perfectly with the lore. A new location in the game could easily justify the emergence of a new magic school, adding depth and authenticity to the game world.

Drawing inspiration from its predecessors, The Elder Scrolls 6 could revisit ideas from The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall and The Elder Scrolls: Battlespire, which included the School of Thaumaturgy before it was absorbed into Alteration. Other aspects like Skyrim’s inherent Shouts, racial abilities, alchemy, enchanting, and even the mystical Standing Stones hold tremendous potential for developing new magical systems in the upcoming title.

It’s worth mentioning that Skyrim’s existing magic schools were significantly dialed back compared to earlier games. Instead of crafting entirely new schools, The Elder Scrolls 6 could choose to expand the existing ones, reviving classic spells and introducing exciting new ones. Some existing schools include magic that players have had limited access to, like necromancy within the School of Conjuration, where the power to raise undead beings resides.

Necromancy, in particular, presents a fascinating opportunity for expansion. Considering its inherent connections to soul gems and the eerie Soul Cairn, along with varying cultural perceptions of this dark art, there’s a wealth of possibilities to explore within both the game’s narrative and its role-playing aspects. Instead of launching a brand-new magic school, breathing new life into the School of Conjuration to accommodate a broader scope of necromancy could enrich the gameplay experience significantly.

Reflecting on Skyrim’s legacy, while remembering the richness of its Expansion packs like Dragonborn, Dawnguard, and Hearthfire, The Elder Scrolls 6 stands on the precipice of potential. Utilizing the Creation Engine and keeping in mind modern platforms like the Steam Deck or Xbox Series, the developers have the tools to create a truly remarkable experience. If executed right, the future title could be more than just a continuation—it could be a reinvention of magical exploration in the modern age of gaming.