Since almost the very beginning of the franchise, soul gems have been an essential part of Elder Scrolls gameplay. They are an important commodity to keep in a player's inventory because they are the power source for the many magical abilities and enchantments that gear can have. Given the depth and breadth of the franchise's lore, many players might have spent hours collecting and using soul gems in Skyrim without knowing exactly what they are and where they come from. Since soul gems are a vital game mechanic, they are expected to reappear in The Elder Scrolls 6.
The conjuration school offers a spell called "soul trap," which allows the Last Dragonborn to trap the souls of their enemies in the moments after they are defeated. While some immediate ethical issues come with trapping the souls of the dead, it's an entirely new issue to use them as a power source for an already super-powered being like a Dragonborn. Using black soul gems -- powered by trapping the soul of conscious humanoid beings -- is prohibited by the College of Winterhold and is a crime in many of Skyrim's holds. Despite this, players can freely use them, creating an ethical disconnect that may continue into The Elder Scrolls 6.
The Ethical Dilemma of Using Soul Gems
Soul gems first appeared in-game with the release of The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard but were not used as a magical energy source until the release of Morrowind. Since then, the soul crystals have been a critical aspect of gameplay, especially for players who like to enchant items and gear. The ethical issues involving using soul gems for personal gain is a long-enduring theme. Soul gems have been a part of Tamriel history since the First Era and infamously used as part of experiments in the Clockwork City to create powerful black soul gems by trapping the souls of aging Dunmer.
Soul gems have also been tied to necromancy, as Mannimarco desired to use black soul gems to gain power in the Second Era. Many mages soon turned away from trapping black souls and focused on white souls, the essence of animals and non-humanoid beings. In Skyrim's quest The Black Star, the Dragonborn gains control of a powerful Daedric artifact called Azura's Star and can choose whether it traps black or white souls. This small side quest has vast ethical implications for Tamriel history, but there are no enduring consequences present in the game.
How Soul Gem Ethics and Lore Could Affect Elder Scrolls 6
In the few instances in Skyrim when soul gem lore was featured as part of the game, they quickly become memorable moments immensely rewarding for players. This is especially seen in the Dawnguard DLC when players can travel into the Soul Cairn -- the plane of Oblivion where souls stuck in black souls gems reside -- and see that black soul trapping turns the Last Dragonborn into a villain. The purpose of the "Ideal Masters" would be an excellent story thread, as they are the rulers of the Soul Cairn who use souls as payment to a mysterious higher power.
It would be incredible to have the player travel to the Soul Cairn and other similar planes of Oblivion in The Elder Scrolls 6, especially if they are able to experiment with black soul gems. It would also be great for immersion if players could be called out on their soul gem usage, actually driving away more accessible companions depending on their ethical choices. It may only be the first type of powerful, forbidden magic available to Elder Scrolls' more malevolent players.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is currently in development.