Even more than a decade after its release, Skyrim remains a topic of lively discussion among gamers of all ages. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has earned its esteemed position in the gaming community due to several factors, particularly its engaging gameplay that offers remarkable replay value. The numerous expansions, notably Dawnguard and Dragonborn, further enhance the experience with rich narratives that immerse players in battles against formidable foes like vampires and otherworldly beings. While two expansions are standard for AAA RPGs, many fans believe Skyrim warranted an additional expansion centered around a historical landmark within the province.
The recent entries in the Elder Scrolls series are known to focus on specific provinces. Set against the cold, rugged terrain of Skyrim, the game highlights the diverse cultural landscape of its inhabitants. Although the Nords predominantly populate this province, its history includes the once-revered Snow Elves and Dunmer, who faced devastating losses due to warfare and oppression. A hint of the Snow Elves’ tragic fate can be discovered in the Forgotten Vale, a region introduced through the Dawnguard DLC, which many believe deserves its own dedicated expansion.
Why the Forgotten Vale Deserved a Stand-Alone DLC in Skyrim
The Forgotten Vale, located to the north of Markarth, is primarily inhabited by hostile creatures such as Falmer, Frost Giants, and Frost Trolls. Players first encounter this area during the “Touching the Sky”questline of the Dawnguard DLC, where they uncover the profound backstory of the Snow Elves and the dark origins of Vampires in Nirn. While this questline is thorough, the rich lore surrounding the Flooded Vale only serves as a supplementary aspect of the broader narrative concerning Skyrim’s infamous vampire clan.
The Snow Elves’ Tragic Story Deserves More Attention
During explorations in The Forgotten Vale, players will encounter Knight-Paladin Gelebor, who tasks the Dragonborn with eliminating his brother, Vythur, who has succumbed to the corruption of the Falmer. Through dialogues with Gelebor, players uncover the shared heritage between the Snow Elves and the seemingly primitive Falmer, revealing a poignant backstory.
As explained by Gelebor, the Snow Elves were forced to retreat after a devastating conflict with the Nords. Seeking refuge, they turned to the Dwemer for protection, only to be betrayed. The Dwemer subjected them to a blinding toxin, leading to their enslavement and suffering over generations. This harrowing experience gradually transformed the Snow Elves into the wretched Falmer, now lurking in the ruins abandoned by the Dwemer following the epic Battle of Red Mountain in the First Era.
While some Snow Elves like Gelebor and Vythur evaded the fate of servitude by taking refuge in places of concealment, their numbers dwindled over time, leading many to mistakenly believe them extinct as early as the Second Era.
The lore of the Snow Elves begs for further exploration through an interactive narrative, rather than only through conversations. Imagine a scenario where the Dragonborn could use an Elder Scroll to witness pivotal events such as the Snow Elves’ war against the Nords, their blinding, and the escape of the few who survived. Interestingly, Gelebor mentions that despite their transformation, the Falmer are beginning to exhibit increased intelligence. Offering quests that allow the player to communicate with this tragic race and assist them in seeking redemption would provide a profound, enriching experience, contrasting the current approach of merely hunting them for loot. The Elder Scrolls VI could potentially incorporate a Snow Elf-focused DLC, paving the way for a deeper exploration of their legacy, regardless of whether it occurs in The Forgotten Vale.
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