Elder Scrolls fans have been eagerly awaiting each new release, and with The Elder Scrolls 6 on the horizon, there’s a chance to dive deeper into the series’ captivating lore than ever before. Bethesda, with enhanced technology and resources, now has the potential to enrich its already vibrant worlds and introduce fresh roleplaying possibilities.
Since the release of Skyrim, players have kept the adventure alive through The Elder Scrolls: Online, with expansions like Elsweyr broadening the realm of possibilities by introducing various Khajiit furstocks, from the known Cathay to the impressive Senche-raht. This sets the stage for The Elder Scrolls 6 to not only diversify the appearance of Khajiit characters but also influence the way they play and interact within the game.
Within the realm of Tamriel, the Khajiit stand out as one of the most beloved races, yet it’s surprising that out of seventeen distinct Khajiit types, only a handful have made it into the mainline games. The unique forms of the Khajiit, shaped by the moons at their birth, are largely unexplored in Skyrim and Oblivion, a choice some fans feel misses the chance to delve into the more exotic elements of TES lore. ESO’s Elsweyr garnered praise for showcasing the diversity of Khajiit, a move that added depth to the game’s world.
With today’s advanced graphics, there’s a real opportunity to highlight each furstock’s unique characteristics, offering more than just higher-polygon models. For instance, while the Cathay might continue as the “standard” variety, an introduction of the more sleek Tojay-raht could bring a refreshing feline aspect to the table.
Expanding Khajiit Variants Could Deepen the Gameplay Experience
Looking back at Morrowind, Khajiit were portrayed as Suthay-raht, which closely resembled cats and couldn’t wear certain clothing. Although limiting these options might seem counterintuitive, it actually enhances the roleplaying depth by giving specific races unique builds. Imagine if TES6 lets players choose from several furstocks in character creation, each with its own perks and limitations. It needn’t include every Khajiit type but just enough to showcase the race’s diversity, offering players a chance to encounter various Khajiit NPCs.
In Skyrim, the Khajiit’s notoriety as potential thieves kept them at the city gates, but opening up the range of cat-folk could inspire a wealth of new narratives. Perhaps the more feline Khajiit are called out as thieves while the more elvish Ohmes face suspicions of being Thalmor spies. These human-like furstocks, once available in older games, could provide intriguing plotlines, especially against the backdrop of the Aldmeri Dominion’s expansion.
Though rumors suggest Hammerfell as the setting for TES6, which might not accommodate all Khajiit variants, it’s certainly a chance for Bethesda to spotlight the idiosyncratic nature of these creatures, weaving back in some of the peculiar charm that entranced Morrowind enthusiasts.
