Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-173.31.160.159-20190107023655/@comment-1470368-20190127232924

Hammerfell as the setting seems to be the most prevalent theory on the "NextElderScrolls" subreddit forum: https://www.reddit.com/r/nextelderscrolls/

I imagine that, if the next game takes place there... it's a strong possibility that neither the Empire or the Dominion will be majorly involved in events, due to Hammerfell seceding from the Empire after the Great War. Unless Hammerfell suddenly decides to rejoin the Empire, the Thalmor effectively have no reason to be there either.

Of course, there's also the popular theory of the Dwemer returning... but the only way I can see that happening is for a single clan (the Rourken) returning. No other Dwemer.

My personal favorite theory about the story for TESVI is the possible rediscovery and resurgence of Shadow Magic; a most dangerous discipline of magic that rivals the Elder Scrolls themselves in sheer power to shape the world's destiny.

Incidentally, Shadow Magic was also a plot element of a 2004 mobile side-game called "The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey".