The Elder Scrolls 6: How Hammerfell Could Finally Introduce the Sloads!

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As a seasoned gamer immersed in the world of Tamriel, I can’t help but feel excited about the potential inclusion of diverse races in The Elder Scrolls 6, especially the ancient and enigmatic Sloads. So far, they have remained largely unseen in the main series, but if The Elder Scrolls 6 delves into Hammerfell, there’s a chance we might finally get to interact with these fascinating beings.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about the potential return of one of the infamous Sloads, N’Gasta, who once allied with Mannimarco and resided on an island near Stros M’kai. This strategic location brings the Sloads close to Hammerfell. In the world of The Elder Scrolls Online, these aquatic elves were portrayed as adversaries, and in the lore, they are known for nearly eradicating half of Tamriel’s population. With The Elder Scrolls 6 potentially set in close proximity to the Sloads after a significant gap, it seems that their time to reappear in a mainline game may be at hand!

Justifying the Appearance of Sloads in The Elder Scrolls 6

The Sloads, a peculiar and gruesome species, are characterized by their exceptional intelligence. They have been frequently referenced across various games within the Elder Scrolls series, with notable appearances in The Elder Scrolls: Redguard and The Elder Scrolls Online. Contrary to their comical-looking exterior, resembling a cross between giant slugs and toads, Sloads in Elder Scrolls lore are profound thinkers and masters of the dark art of necromancy. This realm of magic, which is somewhat restricted within Elder Scrolls, could greatly benefit from the advancements that the Sloads might potentially introduce.

One possible reason Sloads haven’t been featured in the mainline Elder Scrolls games so far is that their homeland is not on Tamriel’s mainland, but rather an island in the Abecean Sea, situated on the western side of Tamriel, bordering provinces like the Summerset Isles, Cyrodiil, and Hammerfell. Given this geographical proximity, particularly with Stros M’Kai, there’s a chance Sloads could be included in Elder Scrolls 6 if it takes place in Hammerfell, especially if Stros M’Kai is part of the setting.

Implementing Sloads In The Elder Scrolls 6

In terms of culture, Sloads place significant emphasis on both sailing and magic, with a strong leaning towards necromancy and teleportation. Given their restricted mobility on land, they’ve mastered the art of teleportation spells. Unfortunately, in ‘Skyrim’, these magical practices were not fully realized, but incorporating Sloads into the game could provide an opportunity to expand upon them under the conjuration school. It’s not surprising that, despite their seclusion, they are linked with one of the most renowned necromancers in ‘The Elder Scrolls’, Mannimarco.

The seclusion of the Sloads might be partly explained by their rocky past with the wider land of Tamriel. Apart from the widespread aversion many parts of Tamriel have towards necromancy, the Sloads themselves are infamous for creating and releasing a devastating plague during the First Era. This catastrophe, known as the Thrassian Plague, claimed the lives of nearly half of Tamriel’s entire population.

As a countermeasure, Tamriel’s troops submerged Thras, the Sload’s ancestral land, beneath the ocean through magical means. While Thras and the Sloads eventually rebounded, their relationship has remained strained ever since. This ongoing hostility might serve as a potential conflict point in The Elder Scrolls 6, particularly along the eastern coast of Hammerfell. However, it’s possible that player characters could potentially study necromancy and teleportation from some friendly or neutral Sloads, offering an interesting twist while staying true to the established lore.

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2025-02-23 14:33