Original notes from a Dungeons & Dragons campaign that contributed to the creation of The Elder Scrolls series have recently been discovered and archived. This significant find offers insight into the intricate world of Tamriel, crafted by its original creators. The archival work was a collaborative effort between two prominent Elder Scrolls projects: the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) and The Imperial Library.
Unveiling the Campaign Notes
The notes, which belonged to the late Julian LeFay, a key figure at Bethesda and often referred to as the “father of The Elder Scrolls,” detail two campaigns he ran while developing The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall. LeFay passed away in July 2025, leaving behind a treasure trove of over 8,000 words that illuminate the creative process behind the series.
Among the various elements documented are maps, character descriptions, and insights into the religions and geography of the Summerset Isles, the homeland of the High Elves. One notable character from these notes is Vanus Galerion, who continues to appear as a non-player character in The Elder Scrolls Online.
The Impact of D&D on Elder Scrolls
While the second campaign is somewhat recognized for its influence, contributing to the names of characters and locations across the series, it was the first campaign that has sparked intrigue. Previously unknown, these notes reveal that the Dwynnen campaign played a significant role in shaping the lore and geography of Daggerfall.
“A longstanding community myth suggested that the developers’ D&D campaigns actively established the setting for The Elder Scrolls. That’s not true,” noted The Imperial Library, clarifying that these notes originated during the Daggerfall era and did not predate Arena.
Despite this clarification, it is clear that tabletop role-playing significantly influenced the development of the Elder Scrolls universe. LeFay’s original maps and notes are believed to have helped shape the expansive world of Tamriel, laying groundwork that could extend into future installments, including The Elder Scrolls 6.
As the gaming community delves into these newly archived documents, the importance of this discovery will likely become more apparent. The notes not only enrich the lore but also serve as a reminder of the creative processes that brought such an iconic series to life. Enthusiasts are already speculating about new locations, with Todd Howard, a prominent figure at Bethesda, teasing that The Elder Scrolls 6 “most definitely” features more trees than its predecessor, Skyrim.
With LeFay’s notes now accessible, fans of The Elder Scrolls can look forward to a deeper understanding of the series’ origins, potentially uncovering new connections and narratives within the beloved world of Tamriel.
