10 Horrifying Video Game Character Truths You Missed
3. Jolda, The Tyrannical Shopkeep - The Elder Scrolls V: Morrowind
Open world games give developers many opportunities to tuck in small notes of world-building and character depth that many players won’t come across or even think much of. As Elder Scrolls III’s world of Morrowind is attacked by the Blight, one particular seemingly trustworthy citizen of Tel Mora has a dark secret.
A note in Jolda’s potion shop apologises for the lack of Blight treating potions in her store and recommends that residents use common disease potions to resist and treat any outbreaks. However… the Blight isn’t a common disease and cannot be cured in such a way. Surely a seasoned apothecary like this should know better?
Boxes upstairs in Jolda’s store that are marked with “DO NOT OPEN” notices contain more Cure Blight potions than the shop-keep is willing to share with her customers. Finally, if the player finds a note next to Jolda’s bedspread it all becomes clear: “The Blight cure is all mine! They won’t get their hands on any of it. When they are gone, I shall reign in the tower!”
Not just a humble shopkeeper, Jolda clearly has grander plans for herself and is planning on taking advantage of the Blight to do so. Apparently, not even shopkeepers are trustworthy in video games.