So, Tamriel is quite obviously a fantasy setting. Though, throughout the series we have seen insy weensy hints of modern culture, and even technology! The most obvious of these modern influences are the Dwemer and robots and piping and etc., though I am more concerned with modernization of governments, and this has showed itself in the series as well! Something that sticks out to me is slavery being outlawed, as this is a very modern and progressive idea for a fantasy setting, though there are others, such as the moot for a high kind showing a semblance of democracy.
My main question here is this, would you like to see Tamriel's politics become more modern or stay that of a fantasy setting? Would you like to see countries adopting democracies and communist governments, or would like it to stay kings, emperors and queens?
Or
Both, I think. I don't know if the lore has anything to say about it, like if some obscure god in another dimension forbade democracies because it felt like it, but I think it would at least be interesting to see how new systems of government not only survive, but emerge in this universe. I'm sure the wars that come out it of it would be fun.
Though to be fair, I've never felt like I was in an empire while playing Skyrim or Oblivion. I think because the nature of the game that allows the player to get rich quick really helps sever that feeling of being in an empire where a clear separation of wealth exists between the leaders and the lead. Starting as a prisoner in an empire and being able to work your way up to being more rich than the Emperor is a very good way of reminding people that the game world exists only for the player character. Of course, the Thieve's Guild makes a lot more sense now.
Maybe a form of government that requires more from the player than simply existing would be better. More interesting maybe.
I'll be honest here, I would HATE if TES changed from a fantasy setting to a modern setting, simply because fantasy is my favorite genre. I'm sure Bethesda could make it work somewhat, but it just wouldn't be the same for me.
Now that I think about it, it reminds me of a book I wanted to write a while ago about Elves and other fantasy creatures in a sci-fi style world, like a magic and technology crossover, it was a nice idea to toss around and if TES became something like that, I guess I could deal with it, although I'd rather that it didn't.
I can see why that many people would see things that way, It would be VERY different and would definitely take some adapting! And that book sounds like a good read for sure! I bet many fans of sci-fi and fantasy would love it! I hope if you decide you decide to write it you have fun and it does well!
Something that sticks out to me is slavery being outlawed, as this is a very modern and progressive idea for a fantasy setting, though there are other
The Persian empires might reveal there is more nuance to these things and that our ideals are not as modern as oft-asserted. That aside, there is no reason why a faux medieval (human provinces, mostly) world has to follow - assumed - medieval politics or why fantasy should be such either. TES is a mixture of things and its governments should reflect that.
It's probably a really hard balance to strike. Dunmer have a hell of a lot of fans but their culture and government is rather conservative. Despite (or maybe because of) the slavery thing they are very unique and we love 'em. Yet fast forward to TES V and the Thalmor government of the Old Mary Dominion and their right-wing policy of restricting religious freedom and rooting out Talos worshippers have earned them a lot of hatred. A large proportion of players have said they enjoy hunting and killing Justiciars whenever the opportunity presents itself. The irony of that is apparently lost.
So to some degree I think the setting has to stay vaguely modern as it allows the average gamer to relate to the world's themes better.