Bethesda Softworks and Zenimax Online Studios have shared a new trailer and details for the upcoming “Summerset” expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online.
Featured above, the new trailer introduces the game’s new faction and details their origins, as well as their new inclusion with the incoming content. In case you missed it, you can find our thorough 35 minute hands-on preview with commentary for Summerset here.
Here’s a rundown on the new faction, via Bethesda:
The reclusive and mysterious Psijic Order vanished from Tamriel centuries ago, taking their ancient wisdom with them. Now, in The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset, the Order has returned to face a new, sinister threat.
MASTERS OF MYSTICISM
Ancient and mysterious scholars, it is said the Psijic Order were the first in Tamriel to study the secrets of Mysticism or the “Old Ways”. This study has allowed the Order to develop knowledge and power not found anywhere else in Tamriel, and there are rumors that they have obtained the ability to manipulate the flow of time itself.
“The Psijic Order have stated that they are primarily interested in learning the fundamental basics of the world and universe, what holds it together, and what could threaten it,” explains Lawrence Schick, The Elder Scrolls Online‘s Loremaster. “They are dedicated to knowledge and study for its own ends, and to them, knowledge is its own reward.”
For centuries, the Psijic Order conducted their studies in seclusion on their island home of Artaeum. Located just south of Summerset, it was there within the ancient halls of Ceporah Tower (a massive structure that pre-dates even the arrival of the Ancient Elves) that they explored the mysteries of the universe, rarely leaving their island home.
It is no secret that the Order is loath to share their learnings beyond Artaeum, and while throughout history some members were said to be found in Tamriel, they kept the majority of their knowledge to themselves.
“Unlike the Mages Guild, the Psijics have little interest in teaching anybody anything, and they are not interested in taking an active role in Tamriel,” explains Lawrence. “When they did engage in the world, it was only in an advisory capacity, and they withdrew even from that limited role when they disappeared.”
Even within the Order itself, this self-seclusion and (some might say selfish) hoarding of knowledge was not without its critics. The great mage Vanus Galerion, reportedly believing the Order’s knowledge of spellcasting should be shared with all of Tamriel, left to create the Mages Guild, an organization founded on the principle of the sharing and propagating magical knowledge.
THE VANISHING ISLAND
The reason is unknown, but around 350 years ago, the island of Artaeum simply vanished, taking the Psijics and their secrets with them. To where or even when they went is a mystery, but for centuries, the Psijic Order was no longer a part of Tamriel.
It is only upon the Queen’s decree and the opening of Summerset’s borders to foreigners that the Psijics have appeared to return, although the island itself remains hidden. The return of the Psijic Order’s agents to Tamriel, while historic, is also troubling, for their purposes remain obscured. Why did they leave? Why have they returned? And what is their connection to the shadowy conspiracy that now threatens the home of the High Elves?
There’s no telling what role the Order will have in shaping the future of Tamriel, but whatever their plans may be, as you explore Summerset, you’ll become a key part of their current efforts, and even get the chance to become a member yourself.
“The Psijic Order admits you as a special case and allows you to come to Artaeum, wherever it is they’ve taken it to,” says Lawrence. “Usually, they’re not particularly interested in sharing their knowledge with anybody outside the Order unless they prove themselves worthy or can meet them on an equal basis.”
The Elder Scrolls Online is currently available for Windows PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset is launching June 5th across Windows PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. An early access release is set for May 31st.
