General:Mark Nelson's Posts

Mark Nelson's Posts
Medium/Format	Online Forum
Interviewee(s)	Mark Nelson
Hosted By	TES Forum Twitter

These are a few notable comments from Mark Nelson on The Elder Scrolls setting. Nelson is known as BlueDev on the forums and @BlueDev on twitter. These comments were originally archived by The Imperial Library.

Undated

On Oblivion (circa 2002-2006)

On Oblivion as "hell": It is not the Christian Hell in the sense of "this is where the bad people go when they die." It is hell in the sense that (a) it's not a very nice place, and it's where the equivalent of demons (the daedra) hang out. I would say that Todd chose to use "hell" because it's a concept non-fans of the Elder Scrolls can readily grasp. That, or, like me, he just takes great pleasure in causing you confusion.

On Daedra as Good or Evil: As some have said, they are neither. Some are certainly more aggressive than others. Some have a greater tolerance for mortals. But, I wouldn't say that any are good or evil. Some people think of Azura as a "good" daedra. That could end up being a very dangerous misconception in the Elder Scrolls world.

On if there was more time to develop Morrowind (circa 2002-2006)

Lots of stuff I would have liked to have done. I would have loved to develop the vampire clans into really large factions. It would have been great to develop the slavery themes a lot more, and explore what the Twin Lamps faction was up to. I always thought the Argonian and Skyrim missions needed more going on. I would have liked to explore the drug trade in Morrowind to a greater extent.

Really, I think the list could go on and on. Sadly, there is never enough time to develop every single theme that you want to, so you have to pick and choose.

Oh, and I really wanted to make snowballs a thrown weapon in Bloodmoon. We actually tried, but it looked goofy.

On NPC having AI to take special loot before the player gets the chance to... (circa 2002-2006)

Work so it doesn't happen? I think that sounds sweet.

In Morrowind, I always wanted to create a sort of "Life of Brian" NPC who was always showing up to quests just after you finished them. Now, I could pretty easily set up an NPC to actually compete with you for them.

On easter eggs in games (circa 2002-2006)

It would be great to be able to include references to all the great fans of our games. It would also be great to include references to all our friends, family, etc. Unfortunately, there just isn't enough time to cover everyone. We do try to sneak them in when we can, though. Heck, Creeper is based on my best friend (who, at the time, was an unemployed drummer [and part-time drunkard]). So, we do what we can. No promises, though.

2001

On Argonians and their role in Morrowind (2001-04-18)

The Argonians are a slave race in Morrowind, but there are certainly a good deal of free Argonians as well, living as productive members of society. Therefore, you'll find a number of them playing vital roles in your questing (unless affamu has replaced them all with his beloved khajit [sic] ). But, given their stature as slaves, don't expect their history to play a vital part in this game. That's not to say I wouldn't like to include it in various ways, which I'm working diligently on sneaking past the ever-watchful eyes of Ken. Shhhh...don't tell. Personally, I'd love for a future game to explore Black Marsh in great detail. I think there are a lot of folks out there who dig on the lizard folk, and would like to see them developed more. Same goes for the Khajit [sic], but you'll have to ask Affa about the furry guys.

Clarifying the Hist (2001-04-24)

Okay...here's my attempt to clear up a little confusion (or maybe create some more, which could be more fun ;)) without giving away too much:

The PGE says the Hist are an intelligent strain of Argonians. But it was written as a piece of Imperial propaganda. So, the author is writing with a bias, and, in some cases, is misinformed.

The creation myth says that the Hist were the first trees, and sentient. But, it is, above all, a myth. So, it shouldn't be taken too literally, either.

When it came time for me to flesh out the Argonian history (and you can't have Argonian history without a little "hist"), I had to try and decipher what truths could be gleaned from the various sources. So...the Hist are trees, and very special to the Argonians, for reasons I'm not gonna go into yet. Perhaps the author of the PGE got a little confused when hearing Argonians talk about the Hist. Could be that what they were saying led him to believe that they were speaking about other Argonians (read into that what you will). There has been talk about how the Hist (and Hist sap) are related to Argonian sexuality. This hasn't changed...it's still related. And, it's not a taboo topic; I just don't think it's the most interesting one out there.

Maybe that answers a couple of questions. Might raise a few, too. Rest assured, though, that our goal isn't to deviate from the established mythos of the Elder Scrolls.

2 more Questions.

1) i wonder, will the Hist will be modeled as an NPC???

one gets killed,

and has Argonian Eggs when you search it.

2) are the Hist related to Spriggans? (2001-04-30)

No comment on the exact relationship between the Hist and the Argonian reproductive cycle, but it's cool. As for egg-laying, this is an interesting question. While the majority of reptiles do lay eggs, there are a number that have live births (basically, the eggs hatch internally). I guess I had pictured the Argonians going more the live birth route, because they are so humanoid, but the concept of them laying eggs is an interesting one. Have to think more on that.

As for your questions: 1) Nope, no Hist NPCs to be found, although I think it's a really cool idea. Remember, we're gonna be in Morrowind this time around, and won't be delving into murky Black Marsh quite yet. The Argonians are pretty touchy when it comes to crossing their borders. ;)

2) Nah. Hist are much cooler.

Does anyone know if Argonians have tails? (2001-06-11)

Yup. Big, lizardy tails. I now feel I've done my good deed for the day.

yes they will have them, will they have realilistic movement...will u be able to use them? yes to what

To clarify: Argonians have tails. They move. Don't expect to beat someone up with one.

On Ebonheart (2001-06-11)

WormGod: And Ebonheart is intense. Mark is doing an incredible job on that place. It's the way a castle SHOULD BE ina game.

Personally, I think it should be smaller. Much smaller. Maybe one room. With one NPC. Just one man's opinion, though. :P

Does Argonian skin provide natural protection? (2001-08-15)

This is something that has been discussed a bit, but I'll touch on it again. Because of their physiology, Argonians do have some natural protections. However, their hides aren't an "armor," exactly. Sure, it's a lizardlike skin, but not all lizard skin is as tough as alligator skin. Think of the Argonian skin as more of a snake's skin (no, they're not going to be shedding it :p ). It offers some protection, but it's certainly not as thick or durable as actual armor.

2002

Morrowind's clothing (2002-01-08)

...the tailors of Morrowind, due to the unusually harsh environments, have been forced to use unusual materials for their clothing needs. While they first experimented with a wool woven from the fur of the waste rat, this proved to be unpopular. The material, while fairly durable, stank to high heaven when wet. Additionally, the scent tended to attract other waste rats, making the garments especially unsuitable for children and the elderly.

After many years of searching the continent for a suitable material (now referred to as the Great Chafing), the intrepid craftsmen discovered the silk of the blight moth. Though not truly a blighted creature, it's coloration resembled the ash grey left by the mysterious disease infecting the land. The silk, it turned out, was incredibly resilient, pliable, and easy to work with. It also readily accepted magicks, making it a popular material for enchanters. After years of experimentation, tailors perfected the weaving of this delicate silk into thread.

Today, you'll find almost all of the clothing of Morrowind is made of this super strong blight moth silk, as it never degrades, is highly resistant to damage from the elements, and even seems to repair itself from damage. Lo, the wonders of Morrowind.

On musical Argonians (2002-01-31)

We actually talked about something similar to this one day. The discussion was about Argonians and their culture, and music was mentioned. The question arose as to whether Argonians would have music based around their slave culture. Do they sing Argonian Spirituals? If so, it would be influenced by native music from Black Marsh (think deep, resounding drums, haunting woodwinds), but also by Dunmer culture. But then Argonian character was taken into account. They are very proud and very patient, and wouldn't give the Dunmer the satisfaction of hearing them sing. This really has no bearing on the game, but it was fun to talk about.

2003

Do Argonians lay eggs? (2003-11-07)

Men and Mer assume much about Argonians, but who among them has ventured deep into Black Marsh and lived to tell about it? They assume that Argonians lay eggs because they resemble the tree-dwelling lizards that scurry about on four legs. Yet they assume Argonians have live births, because the females have breasts with which they might suckle their young. Perhaps it is both, as necessity demands. All live at the whim of the Great Root.

Argonian egg-laying, again (2003-11-10)

Never underestimate the adaptability of Argonians, or, more specifically, the power of the Hist to allow Argonians to adapt.

I wouldn't expect to hear an Argonian born in Skyrim (or on Solstheim, for that matter) mention being hatched. Nor would I expect to hear more transient Argonians (say, members of a small, nomadic tribe) speak about laying eggs. However, in warmer climates, in places with established, stable, and permanent communities, you would likely see a great number of eggs.

2004

On Helseth (2004-10-16)

Helseth is one of my favorite characters from Elder Scrolls lore (his mother is up there, too, along with lots of more minor characters). In Tribunal, he was written to generate exactly the kind of debate that's going on here. I wanted him to be loved and hated, admired and scorned. Seems to have worked.

Personally, I've always considered him a bit misunderstood. I'd call him a morally ambiguous pragmatist.

As for the ear cropping: it's fair to say that he did it to look more Imperial. But...did he do it because he wanted to look more Imperial, or because he wanted it to appear to the Imperials that he was more Imperial? Boy, say that aloud 5 times....

On Sotha Sil's vital status (2004-10-19)

I feel like I should reply to this thread, as I wrote that part of Tribunal, but I'm not sure where to start.

I designed the end scene to promote some discussion, but I didn't expect it to (a) last this long, or (b) head in such odd directions.

There are a few things that are certainly open for interpretation in the Clockwork City. Why is the second Imperfect not active? Why is Sotha Sil rigged into machinery? Why is he missing limbs? What are the Fabricants? This is all intentionally vague. I've not yet read an explanation that has hit on exactly what it is I had in mind. I'm okay with that.

Here's what I'll say about Sotha Sil, his life, and his death:

1. Sotha Sil was very aware that the end was coming for the Tribunal.
2. He had a fascination with both machinery and magic.
3. The Fabricants were an early attempt of his at a synthesis between the machine and the organic. Dwemer constructs may have been an inspiration.
4. The Imperfects were an attempt at a different project; it failed. Hence, "Imperfect."
5. Sotha Sil is dead. Almalexia killed him.
6. If I really, really needed to, I could devise a story loophole to bring him back. Such is the way of fantasy worlds.
7. I do not forsee this ever, ever happening, because it is both cheesy and unnecessary.
8. I reserve the right to be cheesy, should it become necessary.

On Solstheim's political status (2004-10-25)

Solstheim doesn't officially belong to anyone, except maybe the Skaal. It's a disputed territory (both Morrowind and Skyrim have claimed ownership at various times). Imperials will tell you (of course) that it belongs to the Empire. Having an Imperial fort there does help with that claim, I suppose.

Edit: I believe "Imperial Territor" has to do with that annoying lack of a Daedric "Y." Silly daedra.

On Jyggalag perhaps being Meridia (2004-11-18)

Jyggalag is not Meridia. Meridia is Meridia.

Who, exactly, Jyggalag is remains to be seen. It's something I've been thinking about a lot recently, and I'd certainly like to explore it in the future.

NOTE: I am in no way suggesting Jyggalag has anything at all to do with Oblivion (the upcoming RPG of the Year, not the plane of existence). It's just one of those mysteries that has always interested me, and I'd like to work on solving it sometime.

Wait, you all have to "solve" these things...

Perhaps "solve" was the wrong word. Let's try "flesh out," "expand upon," or "bring to the forefront."

And, please, don't let me stifle your speculation. I think it's great. Just the kind of stuff I would ste...um, consider.

2022

Original Map of Solstheim (2022-10-27)

The map

My son found an old notebook from my @bethesda days. Included a map of Fallout 3's Vault 101 and my original map of Bloodmoon's Solstheim. (Also, these are indistinguishable from my 5th grade D&D maps. Sigh.)