So, we all know that in The Elder Scrolls games, we usually get 3 options when we break the law.

1. Pay the fine

2. Go to Jail

3. Resist Arrest


But I think there should be a 4th option


4. Plead your case in Court

"The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall" had this option, but I think that it needs to be brought back in a way that goes FAR BEYOND what Daggerfall did.


You should actually be in court, with a choice of different ways to plead your case, and counter certain arguments (based on certain crimes). Yes, this could take some time to implement, but I think it could be fun. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could either go to jail, or possibly face execution (if you lose that case, obviously your player gets executed and you will have to load a previous save point) or you could even attempt escape during the court proceedings, or when you are being escorted to jail/execution.


You should also be able to have the option of:

"TRIAL BY COMBAT" like they had in the medieval times. This is basically where your character has to fight to the death against a fighter of the court's choosing. If you win, you get pardoned. They should pick a very powerful opponent to make it a challenge.


What do you guys think? I think it would be a good idea.


Consider it Bethesda, if you are reading this, please

I definitely think a more developed judicial system is needed, but i can't say i like the Trial by Combat idea. Tamriel's general crime and punishment system is more refined and far more centralised than the social structures that allowed that kind of option to flourish. If it were to resurface, it would only really fit with High Rock and Skyrim, culturally, and we've basically already seen those provinces.

That said, it's important to remember that a Judicial Duel (I've only ever heard it called Trial by Combat in fantasy, not actually historical sources) is a LOT more regulated and standardised than, say, in Game of Thrones. Combatants are given the same weapons, the same armour and fight in a designated ring. And you didn't fight against a representative of the Court, you fought against a representative of your accuser. Judicial Duels weren't even options in proceedings where an individual was standing trial against representatives of the Crown.

I really like this idea!

Depending on where it is set, the trial by combat option might not make so much sense, imagine trial by combat in the Summerset Isles. It wouldn't make too much sense. In somewhere like Skyrim or Orsinium, it would really work with the world.

We have a thread for suggestions on future TES games: http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1601280-official-beyond-skyrim-tes-vi-78/


Please feel free to repost and continue there.