Pros and Cons of Establishing a New Magic School

Tamriel, the setting for The Elder Scrolls series, is brimming with magical possibilities. However, there’s a notable limitation on the magic schools featured, especially in Skyrim. Considering the vast magical potential within The Elder Scrolls universe, introducing a new school of magic in The Elder Scrolls 6 seems well within reach. This notion is even more appealing given that Skyrim’s magical offerings were relatively constrained compared to earlier titles in the series.

In Skyrim, spells were neatly categorized into existing schools of magic, but The Elder Scrolls 6 has the opportunity to delve deeper into the mystical elements that are interwoven with Tamriel’s very fabric. Introducing entirely new forms and schools of magic could revolutionize players’ interactions with the game world, unlocking unprecedented magical abilities. Alternatively, the game could refocus on expanding current magic schools, like the School of Conjuration, which has untapped potential that wasn’t fully realized in Skyrim.

As The Elder Scrolls 6 ventures into a previously unexplored part of Tamriel, it serves as a prime opportunity to weave unique magic education and traditions that align with the established lore. Each province of the Empire carries its own cultural identity and history, and a distinctive school of magic tailored to these new lands would fit seamlessly within The Elder Scrolls universe.

Echoing back to older installments for inspiration, The Elder Scrolls 6 could lean on previous games that featured a broader array of magic schools. Consider classics like Daggerfall and Battlespire, which once boasted a School of Thaumaturgy before it was folded into the School of Alteration. Furthermore, systems like Skyrim’s Shouts, racial Powers, alchemy, enchanting, soul gems, and Standing Stones present rich avenues for developing new magical systems in this next installment.

Reflecting on Skyrim, the existing magic schools were somewhat limited compared to past games. Expanding these schools in The Elder Scrolls 6—by introducing new spells and reviving fan-favorites from previous games—could enhance the magical experience without the need for entirely new schools.

Take the School of Conjuration, for instance. It already includes necromancy, primarily through the ability to raise undead. However, the realm of necromancy itself could be further developed, considering its use of soul gems and its dedicated plane, the Soul Cairn. Cultures within the game each have different perspectives on necromancy, presenting a fascinating opportunity for expansion within the existing framework rather than crafting a brand-new school.

Moreover, broadening the scope of necromancy in The Elder Scrolls 6 could enrich both the game’s lore and role-playing potential without the need for a new magic school, but rather through enhancing the current School of Conjuration to better reflect the diversity seen in other fantasy universes.

Skyrim, launched on November 11, 2011, by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, ran on the Creation Engine. It bears a Mature 17+ rating from the ESRB due to its mature themes and content, recommending a playtime of about 35 hours. The game is compatible across several platforms, with optimizations for newer consoles and expanded content through its Dragonborn, Hearthfire, and Dawnguard expansions. Despite its long-standing presence, Skyrim has maintained a ‘Strong’ rating on OpenCritic, showing its lasting appeal.