The world of The Elder Scrolls is rich with a variety of races, many of which haven’t yet taken center stage in its main games. This opens up a fantastic opportunity for The Elder Scrolls 6 to shine by introducing players to intriguing races like the Sloads. These fascinating creatures, among the oldest races in the series, have remained on the fringes of the main storyline so far. However, if the upcoming game unfolds in Hammerfell, the Sloads might finally step into the spotlight.
One notable character, N’Gasta, a Sload who was an ally to the infamous Mannimarco, lived just off the coast near Stros M’kai, suggesting a close association with Hammerfell. While Sloads have made their mark as antagonists in The Elder Scrolls Online, they’ve never appeared in a primary game. Given that The Elder Scrolls 6 might take players closer to their domain than ever before, it could be the perfect moment for their introduction.
Sloads, with their distinctive, grotesque appearance, resembling a mash-up of slugs and toads, might seem like a humorous addition at first glance. But there’s more to them than meets the eye. Known for their intellectual prowess and mastery of necromancy, the Sloads could bring depth to this arcane art, which has largely been underexplored in the main series.
Their absence from main games can be attributed to their origins—an island in the Abecean Sea, adjacent to territories like the Summerset Isles and Cyrodiil. Should The Elder Scrolls 6 be set in Hammerfell and possibly Stros M’kai, it brings the Sloads closer to center stage, potentially making them significant players in the storyline.
Culturally, the Sloads are fascinating. Their lives revolve around seafaring and magical expertise, with a notable proficiency in teleportation due to their cumbersome nature on land. Since teleportation and necromancy didn’t get much attention in Skyrim, the inclusion of Sloads could enrich these aspects within the school of conjuration. Their historical link with the prominent necromancer Mannimarco highlights their potential importance in the lore.
Historically, the Sloads have had a tumultuous relationship with the rest of Tamriel. Beyond the general stigmatization of necromancy, the Sloads infamously unleashed the Thrassian Plague during the First Era, devastating Tamriel’s population. In retaliation, the forces of Tamriel submerged Thras, the Sloads’ homeland, sparking a long-standing tension that persists.
This historical backdrop of enmity could add intriguing layers to the narrative of The Elder Scrolls 6, particularly along Hammerfell’s eastern coastlines. Despite this, there’s room for nuance—players might encounter Sloads willing to teach necromancy and teleportation, offering unique skills and expanding gameplay possibilities, all while staying true to the series’ rich lore.
