Bethesda just released a newStarfieldvideo where Todd Howard answers a few questions from the community. Interspersed between his responses were gameplay videos showcasing different aspects of the game. Among these was a clip of the character creation screen, specifically the optional traits tab. And one of the traits references none other than the Adoring Fan fromThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.
The Adoring Fan is a pretty popular character from the olderElder Scrollstitle, but for all the wrong reasons. Most players think he’s a nuisance, while others just pity his very existence. Whatever the case, it’s interesting to see Bethesda making a callback to him inStarfield.
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The Adoring Fan of Oblivion
The Adoring Fan is an optional companion that becomes available to the player after they become the Grand Champion of the Arena. Upon completing the quest line and exiting the Imperial City Arena, the Adoring Fan will be waiting right by the entrance, a youngBosmer inThe Elder Scrollswith bright blond hair, often with a torch in hand. He’ll express his admiration for the player and ask if he can follow them around, to which the player can let him or turn him away.
As a follower, the Adoring Fan is an uninteresting character and useless in combat. For one, he doesn’t have a name, just the title the “Adoring Fan,” which is pretty much his entire personality. He doesn’t have any interesting, underlying backstory, and neither does he contribute to any hostile encounters. When the player enters combat with the Adoring Fan in tow, he just runs and hides. That explains why so many players either shun him or kill him. But even then, he’s undeniably one of themost memorable NPCs inOblivion.
The Adoring Fan Makes a Comeback in Starfield
It seems the Adoring Fan – or at least someone like him – is returning to Bethesda’s newest IPStarfield. In a recent Q&A video, Todd Howardrevealed ’sdialogue systemand spaceship mechanics. One of the video’s gameplay clips showcased some new optional traits in the character creation screen, with one in particular sticking out – “Hero Worshipped”.
The character creation process requires players to select from a wide variety ofbackground characteristics and optional traits unique toStarfield. Interesting to note here is that “Hero Worshipped” doesn’t appear in the old gameplay reveal video, so it’s likely a new addition to the list. According to the description, the “Hero Worshipped” trait earns the player the attention of an annoying “Adoring Fan.”
UnlikeOblivion’s favorite Bosmer, however, the Adoring Fan ofStarfielddoesn’t tag along as a companion. Instead, they’ll show up at random and reportedly jabber at the player incessantly. Though, on the bright side, he may sometimes arrive with gifts. What these gifts are and how helpful they’ll be remains to be seen. It’s also worth asking how often this Adoring Fan will be showing up to bother the player.
All in all, it’s amusing to see Bethesda call back to one of theolderElder Scrollsgames. It’s even more amusing that the company decided to reference such an annoying (yet weirdly beloved) character. It’ll be interesting to see how this new version of the Adoring Fan will appear inStarfield. He’s part of an optional trait, after all, and those are known for presenting players with hefty tradeoffs. Thankfully, the community won’t have to wait too long to find out. They might even find some more nods toElder Scrollslore in the new IP.
Starfieldwill launch in 2023 for PC and Xbox Series X.
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