Skyrim’s White-Gold Concordat & What It Means For The Elder Scrolls 6

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s White-Gold Concordat was a source of great conflict in-game and could have dire implications for The Elder Scrolls 6, depending on the setting. Tamriel’s power structure has shifted throughout the centuries, with the Empire and Aldmeri Dominion becoming dominant powers. Their conflict was inevitable, and its outcome heavily impacted Skyrim society. Unfortunately, little information has been revealed about The Elder Scrolls 6. Still, Bethesda is likely to continue placing importance on the White-Gold Concordat and the outcome of the Great War for worldbuilding purposes.

The White-Gold Concordat resulted from the Great War, a five-year-long conflict between the Aldmeri Dominion and the Tamrielic Empire. The Empire was severely weakened from the glory ages of the Septim line, suffering economically and militarily. The Aldmeri Dominion sent an agent to Emperor Titus Mede II, who gave the ruler numerous demands, including the disbanding of the Blades, outlawing the worship of Talos, and ceding portions of Hammerfell to the Dominion. The Emperor declined, prompting the Aldmeri agent to reveal a cart filled with Blades’ heads and sparking the Great War.

As is made apparent by the ban of Talos worship in Skyrim, the Empire was defeated and forced to sign the White-Gold Concordat. This document was unfavorable for the Tamrielic Empire and included many of the Dominion’s initial demands. Worship of the heroic Emperor-god Talos was banned, and the Blades were swiftly disbanded. Titus Mede II was also required to cede sections of Hammerfell to the Dominion, but the Redguards refused to back down. This led to Hammerfell’s break with the Empire, and defense of their lands, leading to a stalemate with the Dominion and a separate treaty.

The White-Gold Concordat Could Affect Elder Scrolls 6’s Setting

The Great War’s outcome and White-Gold Concordat’s effect on the Empire were revolutionary, crippling an already weakened Empire and turning some of its people against it. Elder Scrolls’ Hammerfell became an independent province, weakening the Empire’s military and sowing unrest. The ban of Talos’ worship also set the Nordic populations against the Tamrielic Empire, who felt betrayed at the dismissal of their god. If either of these races is prevalent in The Elder Scrolls 6, it will likely mean that both anti-Imperial and anti-Aldmeri mindsets will be prevalent.

The outcome of Skyrim’s civil war could also influence The Elder Scrolls 6. The White-Gold Concordat sparked rebellion in Skyrim, pitting the Stormcloaks against the Imperial Legion. Players determine the outcome of Skyrim’s civil war and can secure Skyrim’s independence or return it to the Empire. Both have troubling implications for the Aldmeri Dominion, as the continued rebellion of Skyrim would ensure the Empire’s ongoing drain of resources, but an independent Skyrim would mean another nation to oppose the Dominion. No matter which side Bethesda ultimately decides upon as the canon victor, the conflict sparked by the White-Gold Concordat and its resolution have weakened the Empire and set the Dominion on edge. This may give players an opportunity to majorly affect the political landscape in The Elder Scrolls 6.

Details of the game are still merely speculation, including its location, plot, and gameplay mechanics. It’s unknown when Bethesda will release the game, though hints for the title are said to be in Starfield’s trailer. Whether the Great War, Skyrim’scivil war, the White-Gold Concordat, or the Aldmeri Dominion will be prominent fixtures of The Elder Scrolls 6 is unknown. However, should it take place in Imperial or Dominion-controlled territory, the waning strength of the Concordat will likely have an influence on the political and societal relationships of its citizens.

About The Author

Natalie Lindner
(502 Articles Published)

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Natalie Lindner is a Game Features Writer for Screen Rant, creating content on the past, present, and future of games in the industry. Prior to this, she worked out of a writing consultancy in Rhode Island from 2018 to 2021, where she helped college students improve their writing abilities. Natalie has contributed her video game writing to several smaller websites and projects since 2018 and is eager to continue that journey with Screen Rant.

Working out of New Hampshire, Natalie spends the time she isn’t writing about games outside; hiking or biking. On those rainy days, she can be found striving for action on the latest FPS or perusing the latest comic books.

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