All eyes are on Bethesda to draw back the curtain onThe Elder Scrolls 6, doubly so now thatStarfieldis out of the way. Bethesda Game Studios is reportedly throwing its full weight behindThe Elder Scrolls 6now, leaving many to wonder when it will arrive, and just how much it will deviate from the conventions established by its predecessors.
It’s been almost fourteen years sinceSkyrimwas released, and it will bemore years still beforeThe Elder Scrolls 6. This glaring gap between releases has heightened assumptions thatTES 6will be a significant upgrade from its predecessor, not just in terms of graphical fidelity, scope, and modern features, but game mechanics and RPG systems as well. It’s undeniable that the gaming landscape, especially as it pertains to western RPGs, has changed dramatically since 2011, and with watershed releases likeBaldur’s Gate 3still in the rearview, the nextElder Scrollsgame will have to lean into what makes the series unique. There are a number of ways Bethesda can do this, and digging deep into franchise lore is one of them.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Finally Introduce the Lilmothiit
The Elder Scrolls' Lilmothiit Race, Explained
Though they never appear in the flesh, theLilmothiit have been referenced in severalElder Scrollsgames. Lilmothiit are described as being vulpine in appearance, but with humanoid bodies and comparable intelligence, much like the Khajiit and Argonians. Though many believe them to be extinct, there’s still enough ambiguity to justify featuring them in a future game.
Much like theother anthropomorphic animal races of theElder Scrollsuniverse, the Lilmothiit lived in tribal, sometimes nomadic, societies, and it’s been suggested that they share an ancient connection with the aforementioned animalian races. The Lilmothiit predominantly settled in the southern coastal region of Tamriel, founding the settlements Lilmoth and Blackrose, the latter of which was a location players could visit inThe Elder Scrolls: Arena. Since Lilmoth was eventually settled by Argonians, some in-universe scholars believe that the Argonians may have driven the Lilmothiit out. Another theory is that the race fell victim to the Knahaten Flu, which ultimately drove them to extinction. All of this is to say that the Lilmothiit are shrouded in mystery, making them a potentially promising option for a new playable race.
How The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Have Fun With Playable Lilmothiit
A lot ofElder Scrollsplayers naturally gravitate toward Khajiitand Argonian when selecting their character’s race, and for good reason: these species are fascinating, and can add a layer of high-fantasy otherworldliness to a given playthrough; there’s no reason why the Lilmothiit couldn’t be similarly intriguing. This is especially true when it comes to race-specific abilities, of which there could be many interesting options, including:
When it comes to narrative integration, the enigmatic nature of theLilmothiit could be a worldbuilding opportunityrather than a roadblock. Perhaps players who opt to play as this race can explore an intriguing, loosely defined backstory, establishing where they hail from, and why the Lilmothiit have remained in the shadows for so long. Alternatively, the Lilmothiit could indeed be distinct, with the player-character being brought back to life somehow.
The Lilmothiit’s lore significance could also influence howThe Elder Scrolls 6NPCsinteract with the player, as many of them would no doubt be shocked to see such an unfamiliar creature. Perhaps the player could even nurture some rivalry with the Khajiit, pitting the canine and feline races against each other in a comedic fashion. All in all, bringing the Lilmothiit intoThe Elder Scrolls 6could be a great way to further expand both the lore and the role-playing elements of the series.
