I first joined the TES forums in 2007 – I came here because I was playing Morrowind and my settlement in Solstheim (Bloodmoon expansion) wasn’t the size the guide book said it should be. After talking to someone on the help-line (there was one!) I came here. I have been an avid member ever since and have made some great friends.

It disturbs me profoundly to see the change that’s been happening in the Lore forums. There is more intolerance, name-calling, and viciousness than I’ve ever seen here before. It is – in my opinion – killing the wonderful community of Elder Scrolls fans and lore-enthusiasts that frequent this forum.

This has been happening for some time. There are a number of issues that seem to be “triggering” the negative behavior – this is not a thread about those issues. Maybe at some point we can address issues like canon, apocrypha or the meta-narratives of the game series – as a theologian I live to talk about these things – but I feel we need to start somewhere else. Addressing the specific issues now will only lead to more vitriol, bitterness, and hate. There’s enough of that to go around as it is.

Let’s begin with something positive.

I think its fair to say that most of us who frequent the Lore forum love the Elder Scrolls series. We may love some games more than others, some quests more than others, but we love them nonetheless. I would like to invite you all to share in a few sentences on what you love most about TES. It doesn’t have to be a long post, but if you wax eloquent the Lore-folk certainly understand (verbosity is a virtue!).

I open the floor to you all – what do you love most about the Elder Scrolls?

I gently ask that participants avoid accusations, foul language, and verbal/written attacks. I know that we are passionate – that’s why we’re here – but lets try to be civil and respect one another.

Su’um arkh morah,

scourgicus (Michael)

Let's see! Probably the depth and uncertainty about the lore, even though I know that's why a lot of people DON'T like getting into it. I love how vague and straight up wrong the lore books can be. I love the conflicting and missing information. I love how in game authors can be obviously slanted one way or another, and can make obviously false claims and back them up or choose not to.

It makes the world seem more realistic. It makes the characters more realistic. It makes TES a game that isn't just a GoT setting or another LotR rip off. It makes it a real and beautiful place. My fav~