The Elder Scrollsgames are visually distinct from each other, partially because of the advancement of technology between their releases, but also because of changes to the artistic designs of each setting, which all differ dramatically from each other. One of the biggest visual distinctions between the game is seen through character design, as the different races inThe Elder Scrollstend to look different across games - somethingThe Elder Scrolls 6should keep in mind.
This is most evident in the mer, such as the Dunmer and Orsimer, and the beastfolk such as Argonians and Khajiit.The Elder Scrolls 6needs to consolidate the designs for the different races, and stick with them from then on togiveThe Elder Scrollssome consistency.Oblivion Remastered’s release may be an indication ofThe Elder Scrolls 6’s designs, as Bethesda could be trying to establish consistency ahead of the next mainline game. The remaster takes afterSkyrim’s more visually distinct looks, rather than the softer, rounded faces and bright skin tones of the originalOblivion. Given how much the series has hopped between different character designs, it would be a welcome change to see a proper “look” for the mer and beastlook established.
The Earliest The Elder Scrolls' Character Designs
The first three games inThe Elder Scrolls,Arena,Daggerfall, andMorrowind, all had drastically different designs for certain races. While the human races remained fairly consistent, the Khajiit, Argonians, and Orcs saw significant overhauls with each game.
Arena
Arena’s race selection looks very different to the one in later games in the series. Khajiit appeared as completely human, with only face paint to mimic their cat “cousins” as a reference to their feline origins. This was later justified with the different Khajiit types that happen throughout the moon phases. Argonians were referenced as a reptilian race, but had no real differentiation between mer and humans, aside from sharing the same shade of gray skin as the dark elves. Imperials and Orcs were also not available untilMorrowind. Certain mer, such as Jagar Tharn who is described inThe Real Barenziahwith the appearance of a Dunmer, instead looks like a Wood Elf without the distinguishing gray skin tone of the Dunmer.
Daggerfall
Argonians were made to look more like the ones seen in later games, while Khajiit look like humans with a tail. Allmer inDaggerfallhave the more harsh, angular features that would be seen in later games. Orcs weren’t available as a playable race and were instead scripted as enemies, but appeared as bright green.
Morrowind
Morrowindintroduced Imperials and Orcsas playable races. Both the Argonian and Khajiit races settled into the design that would carry through to later games. The mer still have angular features that make them visually distinct from humans.
The Elder Scrolls' Later Games Would Further Develop Character Designs
Oblivion
The originalOblivionhas beautiful landscapes, but its character design was more controversial. Characters, especially NPCs, tend to have rounded faces, including the mer, who had harsher features in previous games. InOblivion, the mer races appear as humans with pointed ears and a yellow or gray skin tone.
Skyrim
Skyrimsaw a return to the original designs thatMorrowindhad created. The mer, particularly the Dunmer, have harsh lines and even a brow ridge that makes their eyebrows more prominent. Mer now have colored sclera rather than whites in their eyes, ranging from black to yellow. These features differentiate them more from the human races, who remainconsistent throughoutThe Elder Scrolls. The Orcs look dramatically different from the Orcs inOblivion, who had bright green skin and round faces. InSkyrim, the Orcs have a muted skin tone that ranges from gray to green.
Oblivion Remastered
Oblivion Remasteredshared consistency with the designs ofSkyrim, giving the different races a design overhaul that altered their looks from the originalOblivion. Mer once again have visually distinct eyes and faces that differentiate them from humans, instead of looking like humans with pointy ears. The visualconsistency withSkyrimmay indicate thatThe Elder Scrolls 6will continue the trend, keeping the mer visually distinct from humans, while Argonians and Khajiit retain their beastfolk features such as crests, manes, and tails.
