Folio the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

ASSESSMENT 3: FOLIO THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM

GDT3101 | ALEXANDER FREEMANTLE [10283303]

SKYRIM DEPICTION COMMON PERCEPTION ARGONIAN-

The Argonians are a hybrid race of lizards and fish-like creatures of which possess human like qualities. The Argonian race is very similarly related to all ‘Lizard-Man’ styles of races, of which are seen fairly often in fantasy games, such as ‘Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer’. The Argonian race is a

strong and powerful race of which makes its home in the swampy areas of Skyrim. Argonians are based on the amphibious creatures from the era of dinosaurs such as the Brontosaurus or the Diplodocus and take particular traits such as their strength and resistances. 01 02

KHAJIT-

The Khajit are another interesting beast race from Skyrim. The Khajit race is directly based on all cat-like creatures that exist, such as lions, tigers and household cats. The Khajit have sharp teeth, claws, high agility and can see in the dark, much like cats. In combat, Khajit also narrow their eyes, lower their ears and shoes their teeth, much like a cat that is ready to defend itself. The Khajit do however also have human like qualities in terms of their physical appearance in order to fit into the game.

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HIGH ELF (ALTMER)-

Elves are certainly the most commonly seen race within all fantasy games. Elves are often split up into several groups, this is evident in Skyrim. High Elves in particular slightly differ from the traditional depiction of Elves. The Altmer of Skyrim are a highly intelligent and intellectual race, strong in arcane magic, however are often seen as snobby by others, which is why they have been dubbed ‘high’ elves. High Elves are directly related to and based off all Elven races throughout their culture and history.

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Wood Elves are another derivative of the traditional Elven race. Wood Elves have removed themselves from the traditional ways of the elves and made themselves one with nature and the wildlife that inhabits it. Wood elves are cannibalistic and carnivorous as part of their culture as they religiously cannot harm or damage the wildlife and vegetation that surrounds them. The Bosmer are also extremely skilled in archery, which is relative as they do allow the use of wood to craft weapons. Bows are often crafted with wood and this makes them a viable race in which to be skilled in the craft. 08 07

BRETON-

The Bretons are a race united entirely by their cultural history and their language. The Breton race draws from several sources, such as a variety of features from the Elven races and even shares a few resemblances to that of Vampires. Breton have a similar build to that of wood elves, in the sense of their stature and facial features. They also share the pale skin of traditional Vampires along with their long and sharp fingers.

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DARK ELF (DUNMER)-

The Dark Elves are another derivative of which draw from the Elven races. They are ash skinned and have red eyes and are often seen as a distrustful, grim and sneaky by others, even though they greatly value loyalty and family. They were named ‘dark’ elves due to their personal features along with their traits that surround them.

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REDGUARD-

The Redguard are an entirely dark skinned race of naturally talented warriors. The Redguard are naturally blessed with resistances to poison and are naturally skilled hunters. Their “...fierce pride and independence of spirit...” allow them to be exceptionally skilled in their abilities. The Redguard race draws heavily from Native American culture in terms of their naturally skilled fighting and hunting abilities along with skin colour and knowledge of the natural environment.

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NORD-

The Nords are a race of strong and enthusiastic warriors of which make their home in Skyrim. They are said to be “born of the sky” which is relevant to the name of their homeland. The Nordic culture has been drawn directly from the typical representation of Vikings. The Nords are said to be great sailors who often would travel as merchants to other regions. The term ‘Nord’ also comes from the ‘Old Norse’ language during the time of Vikings. The Nord race has been heavily influenced by the Viking culture, which makes for an interesting race to play. 15 16

ORC (ORSIMER)-

The Orcs are a dark green skinned race of extraordinarily strong creatures from their homeland of Orsinium. Orcs were often heavily feared by other inhabitants of Tamriel but have since earned their respect. The Orcish race throughout this game is well represented in respects to how they have always been seen in history and in games such as the original Warcraft. The Orcish race is based on a sort of hybrid between humans and goblins and this is also how they are seen in Skyrim.

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IMPERIAL-

The Imperials are the most human like race in The Elder Scrolls. Imperials are civilised and known as well mannered and educated people. The Imperial race is very much alike that of the ancient Roman Empire in terms of their uniform and state of their city, Solitude. Their uniform and armour is somewhat similar

to that of the Roman Empire’s and the structure and setting of their city also resembles this. The cultural and historical aspects of the ancient Roman Empire are very similar to that of the Imperial City which makes for an interesting aspect of the game.

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GENERAL TULLIUS AND THE IMPERIALS OF SOLITUDE-

The city of Solitude is one of the primary establishments located within the region of Skyrim. Solitude is a town made up of castles and historic looking houses surrounded by large city walls of stone. The city solitude is largely based on the ancient Roman Empire, as seen in their architecture and especially the outfits of their armed guards.

The leader of the Solitude army, General Tullius in particular (FIG. 22) wears an armour set incredibly reminiscent of the armour pictured in FIG. 21. (He does occasionally carry the Legionnaires helmet but I was unable to obtain an image that resembles this). The colour is very similar to that of the Roman armour in terms of the red and gold, but primarily the leather section below his waist is the most similar. The feathered pattern is something that is not entirely necessary on his armour; however it is there and extraordinarily similar to that of the Roman armour.

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CHARACTERS, CLASSESS AND RACES THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN OF SOLITUDE-

The design of the city of Solitude (along with a few others) is largely similar to that of the ancient Roman Empires. The city is made up of large stone structures and walls which equate to majority of the similarities. One of the more noticeable similarities is that there are large arches all throughout the city, which are also seen very frequently in images of what is left of the ancient Roman Empire.

City of Solitude- Follows the similar architecture of the Basilica of Maxentius- A large Roman Structure The Roman Forum-Some structures with Roman cities in terms of arches and construction. filled with Arches. similar builds, minus the columns.

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LOCATIONS AND ARCHITECTURE THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM

CREATURES AND MONSTERS THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM

SPRIGGANS-

The Spriggan is a fairy creature that originated from old British and Cornish folk tales. Spriggans were seen as grotesquely ugly, had arms down to their knees and were skinny with stick-like legs. Spriggans also had either red or yellow glowing eyes and had the ability to change shape or size. The Spriggans represented within The Elder Scrolls follow very similar traits in terms of their appearance, locating themselves around old runes and forests and their ability to camouflage with their surrounding environment to ambush players. The only difference being that the Spriggans within Skyrim are particularly in tune with nature and also take the appearance of a sort of tree, rather than what is depicted within Figure 27.

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DRAUGR-

Draugr were believed to be the undead spawn of fallen Vikings from old Norse Mythology. The Draugr within Skyrim follow very similar designs to that how they were originally depicted (FIG. 30) especially in terms of their appearance and locations. Draugr are often found in crypts and tombs and would arise from coffins and attack on site. They wore a typical fighter’s outfit including a helmet and armour and usually carried a short sword, just how they were depicted in traditional Norse folklore. This is very similar to the Nord references from the previous section. A lot of ancient Norse Mythology was reworked and used in order to create the story for the majority of the game, by using stories and folklore in order to create similar designs and representations.

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HORKER, SABRE CAT AND SKEEVER-

These three particular creatures found within the wilds of Skyrim are very closely based on three real life animals in the real world; these three animals being the Walrus, Sabre Tooth Tiger and the Rat. The Sabre Cat is seen having an almost bear like physique with two large fang like teeth along with similar features such as their eyes, ears, nose and paws. This is almost identical to that of the now extinct Sabre Tooth Tiger.

The Horker is a large and slow creature of which lives around the snowy and cold areas on the edge of the water. The Horker has three large tusks around its mouth along with two frontal flipper and a larger tail like flipper at its back. The most alike feature between the Horker and the Walrus is the fur that surrounds its mouth; this is a very similar trait.

The Skeever is a creature that is very similar in appearance to that of a large rat. It has very similar features to that of a rat including whiskers, tail, colour, feet, ears and facial features. This is a fairly common appearance of a type of enemy in many games of this genre and in this particular game, it has been recreated and reworked very nicely in order to make its place within Skyrim.

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SLAUGHTERFISH-

The Slaughterfish is a creature within Skyrim that loves within the larger rivers. It is an aggressive fish that attacks on site and can cause serious damage. The Slaughterfish draws from several different sources such as the crocodile, piranha and a typical fish. This creature has a large snout and teeth, similar to that of a crocodile, along with the head and facial features of one. It also follows some small features of its body, primarily the feet and legs, which are very similar to a crocodiles. The majority of its body however follows that of a typical fish. It has a long sets of fins across its back and underside along with a larger tail at the back for stability and momentum. This Slaughterfish is used within the game to take the place of a piranha, which is seen in terms of its smallish size yet high levels of aggressiveness. In order to create a creature of this sort, the combination of a fish and crocodile was used.

SOVNGARDE-

Sovngarde is a location within Skyrim, which to the Nordic people, is ‘Heaven’. It is where fallen soldiers of Nordic decent go to when they die. Sovngarde is very similar to that of the ‘Norse’ interpretation of heaven ‘Valhalla’. It is said that upon death, half of the fallen Norse warriors would travel to Valhalla upon death, chosen by their God, Odin. During the night, fallen Norse warriors would feast upon a banquet of food amongst Odin. Within Skyrim, this is the same situation. At night, those Nordic warriors feast on an endless amount of food. Sovngarde is very much based on the idea of Valhalla, which has had its concepts slightly reworked in order to compensate for the motion of the game.

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