Since almost the very beginning of the franchise, soul gems have been an essential part ofElder Scrollsgameplay. They are an important commodity to keep in a player’s inventory because they are the power source for the many magical abilities and enchantments that gear can have. Given the depth and breadth of the franchise’s lore, many players might have spent hours collecting and usingsoul gems inSkyrimwithout knowing exactly what they are and where they come from. Since soul gems are a vital game mechanic, they are expected to reappear inThe Elder Scrolls 6.
The conjuration school offers a spell called “soul trap,” which allows the Last Dragonborn to trap the souls of their enemies in the moments after they are defeated. While some immediate ethical issues come with trapping the souls of the dead, it’s an entirely new issue to use them as a power source for an already super-powered being like a Dragonborn. Using black soul gems – powered by trapping the soul of conscious humanoid beings – is prohibited by the College of Winterhold and is a crime in many of Skyrim’s holds. Despite this, players can freely use them, creating an ethical disconnect that may continue intoThe Elder Scrolls 6.
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The Ethical Dilemma of Using Soul Gems
Soul gems first appeared in-game with the release ofThe Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguardbut were not used as a magical energy source until the release ofMorrowind.Since then, the soul crystals have been a critical aspect of gameplay, especially for players who like to enchant items and gear. The ethical issues involving using soul gems for personal gain is a long-enduring theme. Soul gems have been a part of Tamriel history since the First Era and infamously used as part of experiments in theClockwork Cityto create powerful black soul gems by trapping the souls of aging Dunmer.
Soul gems have also been tied to necromancy, as Mannimarco desired to use black soul gems to gain power in the Second Era. Many mages soon turned away from trapping black souls and focused on white souls, the essence of animals and non-humanoid beings. InSkyrim’s quest The Black Star, the Dragonborn gains control ofa powerful Daedric artifact called Azura’s Starand can choose whether it traps black or white souls. This small side quest has vast ethical implications for Tamriel history, but there are no enduring consequences present in the game.
How Soul Gem Ethics and Lore Could Affect Elder Scrolls 6
In the few instances inSkyrimwhen soul gem lore was featured as part of the game, they quickly become memorable moments immensely rewarding for players. This is especially seen in theDawnguardDLC when players can travel into the Soul Cairn – the plane of Oblivion where souls stuck in black souls gems reside – and see that black soul trapping turns theLast Dragonborn into a villain.The purpose of the “Ideal Masters” would be an excellent story thread, as they are the rulers of the Soul Cairn who use souls as payment to a mysterious higher power.
It would be incredible to have the player travel to theSoul Cairnand other similar planes of Oblivion inThe Elder Scrolls 6,especially if they are able to experiment with black soul gems. It would also be great for immersion if players could be called out on their soul gem usage, actually driving away more accessible companions depending on their ethical choices. It may only be the first type of powerful, forbidden magic available toElder Scrolls' more malevolent players.
The Elder Scrolls 6is currently in development.
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