Big things are on the horizon with The Elder Scrolls 6, coming more than ten years after Skyrim first took the world by storm. And while everyone’s excited for another province of Tamriel depicted in lavish detail, we can expect more influences, especially from other big hits like The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). ESO, with its sprawling take on the continent and its intricate lore, has carved its own niche in the franchise. It’s successfully brought back the classic class-based system from earlier TES games. And here’s a thought: how about we see death magic officially available for players in The Elder Scrolls 6?
The idea of dabbling in necromancy isn’t groundbreaking but, surprisingly enough, it’s never been a true character path in the Elder Scrolls main series. Over the years, spells that might scream necromancy have been scattered across different schools like Conjuration, Restoration, and Mysticism. This scattering has left those who want to delve deep into the dark arts, longing for a more cohesive experience. With ESO giving necromancers their own class, we now have a blueprint for the ups and downs of letting players wield these morbid powers.
### How the Dynamic of a Minion-Based Playstyle Has Panned Out in ESO
The necromancer class in ESO promised a thrilling journey but left some gamers feeling a bit underwhelmed, especially those hoping for a summoner’s dream come true. Limited summon durations rather steal the thunder from those who wish to command an undead legion. Yet, despite some hiccups, the class shines in its versatility rather than sheer brute force.
### The Potential for Nuanced Subclasses
The real win for the necromancer class in ESO is its versatility, offering various paths beyond mere summoning. The Bone Tyrant skill line, with its tanking focus, breaks the usual mold with spells for defense and health renewal. Meanwhile, the Living Death line draws attention as a healer’s domain. Grave Lord stands out as the most minion-heavy line, but it doesn’t stop there—it also packs damage-over-time elements, showing the rich ground necromancy has for further development and tweaking.
### Defining a Niche Among TES’ Schools of Magic
For necromancy to find its place in TES6, it must blend with the existing magic classifications without disrupting the established order. In Skyrim, Mysticism was dispersed, with spells landing in other magic categories, leaving Conjuration as the home for death-related arts. To keep things fresh, new necromancy abilities like powerful reanimations or health-draining techniques could enhance, rather than compete with, the current magical disciplines.
### Commitment to Lore Requires Player Sacrifice
ESO addresses a key element not to overlook: the taboo surrounding necromancy. Many necromantic spells are considered criminal acts if performed in public, reflecting the grim feats of the series’ most notorious necromancers. Whether Bethesda plans to allow players to engage in a playstyle that might turn NPCs against them remains to be seen. How magic use affects player reputation in TES6 will be intriguing to explore.
Even as The Elder Scrolls 6 promises vast new horizons and adventures, taking cues from both Skyrim and ESO ensures a richer, more expanded experience, tapping into the familiar while inviting players to explore fresh possibilities.
