The Elder Scrolls VI: Secrets of Summerset Isles

The Unearthed D&D Campaign Notes That Shaped Early Elder Scrolls Lore

Delving into the history of game development can often uncover hidden gems that shed light on the creative process behind beloved franchises. Recently, notes from a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign played by developers of the Elder Scrolls series during the development of Daggerfall have been made public. These notes provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Bethesda and the influences that shaped the lore of Tamriel.

Following the passing of Julian LeFay, a key figure in the early days of Bethesda, scans of the campaign notes have been published by the Elder Scrolls lore enthusiasts at the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages and The Imperial Library. These documents, recovered from LeFay’s estate, have been carefully preserved by his family and the TES Community. With the permission of Julian’s family and Bethesda, these notes have been shared to honor LeFay’s impact on The Elder Scrolls and the gaming community.

The campaigns LeFay ran, known as Sumurset and Dwynnen, played a crucial role in shaping the early lore of Tamriel. While the Dwynnen campaign has been previously known, the Sumurset campaign was only recently discovered through the publication of these notes.

The lore enthusiasts at the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages and The Imperial Library have been granted permission to share these rare insights with the community. The notes reveal longstanding rumors about the original D&D games that influenced The Elder Scrolls, hinting at the possible origins of the iconic franchise.

As fans await a deeper exploration of the notes by the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages, the hand-drawn maps and character bios within the documents offer a unique look at the early development of the series. The maps of Auridon and Alinor, with their labeled cities, demonstrate how the geography of Tamriel evolved over time.

One intriguing aspect of the notes is the detailed backstory of Mages Guild founder Vanus Galerion, a key player character in the campaign. The descriptions of Altmer royals and barons provide insight into the political intrigue and dynamics of the High Elven society.

Characters like Baron Alastor, described as “ill-natured and mean-spirited,” and the feuding twin siblings Deryk and his sister add depth to the lore of Tamriel. The notes hint at potential questlines and story arcs that could be explored in future Elder Scrolls games.

Overall, these unearthed campaign notes serve as a tribute to Julian LeFay’s contributions to The Elder Scrolls series and offer fans a nostalgic look back at the early days of game development. Preserved for posterity, these notes provide valuable insights into the creative process behind one of the most iconic gaming franchises of all time.