The Elder Scrolls: Arena walkthrough is split up by the eight dungeons necessary to retrieve the parts of the Staff of Chaos. For the most part the game is highly randomized, so you will need to get the primary quest and go to the random locations provided by the quest givers. We begin here with the character creation process.
The game begins with the title screen, title sequence, and then it shows the load/start game screen. Clicking Start game will show a sequence of images before prompting you to choose your class. You then enter your name and gender, and region/race of origin. Then you roll stats and add additional bonus stats to your preferred stats. Finally, you get to choose from several pre-set face and head appearances.
Title sequence[edit]
For centuries different factions battled in petty wars and border conflicts, until in 2E 896 Tiber Septim crushed all those who opposed him and took control, proclaiming himself as Emperor. Still, the bitter years of war had its affect on the populace. The name Tamriel, Elvish for 'Dawn's Beauty', seldom fell from anguished lips and was soon forgotten. In a place where life and death were different sides of the same coin tossed every day, the people of the known world began calling the land of their sorrow, the Arena...
Now, 492 years after Tiber Septim took control and kept the peace, the land of Arena has a new threat. The Emperor, Uriel Septim VII celebrates his forty-third birthday. But jealous hearts desire the throne and plot his downfall.
It is said that hope flies on death's wings. Prepare then, for as the Elder Scrolls foretold, it will be here that your adventure begins...
—Game title sequence
Starting a new game[edit]
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Uriel Septim IV, Emperor of Tamriel, stands with Talin, leader of the Imperial Guards.
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They have been summoned by Jagar Tharn, Imperial Battle Mage of the Empire, on rumors of treachery...
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The Emperor is betrayed...
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And transported to a dimension of Tharn's choosing...
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After months of preparation Jagar Tharn, takes the throne...
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Ria Silmane, once Tharn's apprentice, is capture before she can warn the Elder council of the Imperial Battle Mage's treachery...
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Manipulating the essence of magic, Tharn prepares to take the Emperor's place as ruler of the known land...
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The Imperial Wizard wastes no time in gathering his servants...
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And turning them into twisted counterparts of the Emperors Guard...
Class selection[edit]
You can now select from one of the following pre-made classes or make your own.
- Pre-made classes
- Acrobat: "Thy body and mind must be agil and quick if thou art to succeed as a Acrobat."
- Archer
- Assassin
- Barbarian
- Bard
- Battlemage
- Burglar
- Healer
- Knight
- Mage
- Monk
- Nightblade
- Ranger
- Rogue
- Sorcerer
- Spellsword
- Thief
- Warrior
Name and gender[edit]
After selecting your class, you will be prompted to enter your name and gender.
Origin[edit]
"From where dost thou hail"? Choose one of the regions on the map to select a race (starting from the top and rotating clockwise; Imperial Province is not selectable):
- Skyrim: Nords
- Morrowind: Dark Elves
- Black Marsh: Argonians. "Thy race is born of the swamps, thou hast stayed thyself from the open fields, for thou art hunters of a different sort, those who stalk thy prey in the still black waters..."
- Elsweyr: Khajits
- Valenwood: Wood Elves
- Summerset: High Elves
- Hammerfell: Redguards
- High Rock: Bretons
"Go ye now in peace. Let thy fate be written in the Elder Scrolls..."
Stat bonus[edit]
After selecting your origin you get to see your stats. To re-roll stats press Done, then Re-roll. Try to get above 59 in your primary stats (e.g. Acrobat uses Agi & Spd). Then you can click on the stat in the left column, then click the up or down arrow to add or remove stat points (you cannot lower the stat below what was rolled). In general, for every 5 points 50 stats you will get a +1 to a modifier (e.g. Agi 55 = +1 to hit, Agi 60 = +2 to hit, etc.).
Appearance adjustment[edit]
Click on your character's face to change to a different facial/head appearance. Each race has several to choose from. See Gameplay#Races for more info.
The Quest[edit]
To rescue the Emperor from the dimension in which Jagar Tharn has imprisoned him, by recovering the eight pieces of the Staff of Chaos.
—Manual p.4
The game then shows you an image of a woman:
Do not fear for it is I, Ria Silmane. <Character Name>, listen to me, there are no others left to carry on this fight. You have been left in this cell to die. Jagar Tharn, Imperial Mage of Tamriel has taken on the guise of the true Emperor. He does not see you as a threat, being only a minor part of the Imperial Court. In that act of arrogance, he has made his first mistake. Look to the north wall of this cell. You will find a ruby key which will unlock the door. Take it and make your escape. The passages here were once used by Tharn to hide treasures he had stolen from the Emperor's coffers. If you wish, you can gather enough to support yourself away from the Imperial Seat. Be careful, there are many creatures which inhabit the sewers now, vile rats and goblins. It is too late for me, for I am already dead. Only my powers as a Sorceress keep me between this life and then ext. That power however is waning. Do not succumb to greed or you may find these tunnels to be your resting place as well. I can still work my magic to a certain extent. If you travel west from this cell, then south, you will find a Shift Gate. It will transport you far enough from the center of the Empire that you should be safe. If you survive these sewers you will see me again. Remember, <Character Name>, Tharn has taken on the guise of the Emperor. No one will gainsay his word for yours. I will come to you again in your dreams, so it is imperative that you rest from time to time. In that way I will be able to communicate with you and send my aid. You are entering a dangerous arena, my friend, one in which the players are beings beyond your mortal comprehension. I do not envy your role. There is however a power within you as yet untapped. Look for me when you have gained experience in the world. You are my last and best hope...
—Ria Silmane
According to Ria, you begin in the sewers below the Imperial City ("Imperial Seat"). She is the narrator of the game who will provide descriptions throughout the game. She also mentions that if you rest in the dungeons, enemies will come for you so be careful how long you take to get out.
Finally you wake up in the First Imperial Dungeon.