While Bethesda has yet to confirm an upcoming installment to its "The Elder Scrolls" franchise, some hardcore fans are already speculating on the next title. According to rumors, "The Elder Scrolls VI" will have close ties to its predecessor, if not a direct sequel of "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim."

According to Vine Report, rumors are floating online that while it is still unclear where the next adventure will be located, the upcoming "The Elder Scrolls VI" will still have close ties to the previous game. Interestingly, there are also speculations that these ties may not be a direct sequel or continuation of the Dragonborn's journey in "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim."

Instead, the upcoming installment will delve deeper into one of the main players of the previous title, the Thalmor. In addition, rumors place the Thalmor Empire at the heart of the story for "The Elder Scrolls VI" –- how the empire came to be, where they are from, and how the White Gold Concordat was conceived. Also, the next story may explore how the agreement ended the war between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion during the Great War of the Fourth Era.

Meanwhile, the continuing silence from developer Bethesda might mean that fans will not see "The Elder Scrolls VI" anytime soon. According to an earlier report by Crossmap, Bethesda is in the habit of focusing on one franchise title in development, and the company is currently absorbed in its "Fallout" series. Although the new "Fallout 4" is already out in the market, Bethesda continues to update the game and even laid out expansion content plans.

However, this doesn't mean that other franchises like "The Elder Scrolls" will be taken for granted. According to speculations, Bethesda is slowly gearing up for a major "The Elder Scrolls VI" development starting in the latter part of the year. Should Bethesda finish earlier than their targeted schedule, fans might see "The Elder Scrolls VI" in 2018 at the earliest.