The Elder Scrolls universe introduces a myriad of diverse races, with the upcoming The Elder Scrolls 6 poised to expand upon this rich lore. Among the intriguing beings that could debut in this installment are the Sloads, ancient beings that have yet to make their appearance in any mainline games. Speculation suggests that if The Elder Scrolls 6 takes place in the province of Hammerfell, the Sloads might finally play a significant role.
N’Gasta, one of the most notorious Sloads, was an ally of the infamous necromancer Mannimarco and resided on an island near Stros M’kai, strategically placing the Sloads close to Hammerfell’s borders. While the Sloads have been featured as foes in The Elder Scrolls Online, their dark past includes an event where they reportedly decimated half of Tamriel’s population. With the potential for The Elder Scrolls 6 to be the first title set so near to these peculiar beings in a long time, it seems like the perfect opportunity for their introduction into the series.
Physically, Sloads are imposing, resembling a hybrid of slugs and toads, yet they possess a remarkable intellect. Although they typically come off as a comedic or “joke”race, they are deeply involved in the study of necromancy—an area of magic that’s been largely underexplored in the Elder Scrolls series. Their introduction in a mainline game could enrich the narrative and gameplay surrounding necromancy, providing a new dimension to existing magical systems.
One of the reasons for the Sloads’ absence from previous installments might be their geographical origins. These beings hail from the isolated island of Thras, situated in the Abecean Sea to the west of Tamriel, in close proximity to provinces like the Summerset Isles and Cyrodiil, as well as Hammerfell. This geographic closeness, particularly to Stros M’kai, raises a fascinating possibility for their appearance in The Elder Scrolls 6.
Integrating Sloads in The Elder Scrolls 6
Culturally, Sloads are adept in maritime skills and possess a keen affinity for magical practices, especially necromancy. They excel in teleportation magic, a necessary adaptation due to their cumbersome movement on land. Both necromancy and teleportation mechanics were relatively simplistic in Skyrim, and exploring these aspects further could open up exciting gameplay possibilities in the new game.
Their isolation is partly a result of a tumultuous relationship with the rest of Tamriel. Beyond general disdain for necromancy, Sloads were responsible for unleashing a catastrophic plague known as the Thrassian Plague in the First Era, which led to a staggering loss of life across the continent. In retaliation, the military forces of Tamriel, utilizing powerful magic, managed to submerge Thras underwater, severing ties with the Sload population for many eras.
This historical animosity could create engaging storyline tensions in The Elder Scrolls 6, particularly along Hammerfell’s eastern coastline, where lingering resentment might still fester. However, it also presents the opportunity for player characters to engage with Sloads, possibly learning necromancy or teleportation from a select few who embrace a friendlier or neutral stance. Such interactions would not only diversify character options but also remain faithful to the intricate lore of The Elder Scrolls series.
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