sheepskin

Pretty much agreed, I think its important to realize not all races are based on specific societies, or even historical cultures. The Dunmer being the best example, heavily drawing from Dark Elf lore. Aside from that, the only thing I'd like to add is that the Bosmer seems to draw from naturalist/primalist types prevalent in western cultures. While the Altmer seem to represent the financially elite classes; burgeousie. Hence the golden skin/eyes and lofty stature, its figurative. From this perspective, the Orsimer seem to represent a poverty stricken and over-worked proletariat, but... the correlation is too vague to make any actual assertions. If I was to make any sort of correlation between the Mer, they're based on intellectual types more than anything. So if they're to be contrasted and compared, the context needs to be taken into consideration when dealing with them. As in, the derivative base changes between Man, Mer, and Beast. Mer - Distinction is derived from intellectual types Men - Distinction is derived from historical societies Beast - Distinction is derived from tribal societies; instinctual urges. Interesting. You make some point about the Altmer being related to the bourgeoisie. Considering the Thalmor exhibit fascist traits (ethnic superiority, religion is important, I'd assume they want to make the Dominion strong), and considering 'fascism is capitalism in decay' (Lenin), you may have a point there. However, if we are going by classes, the Altmer society is one dominated not by the bourgeoisie, but by the Intelligentsia. And they wouldn't be Japanese, that would be the Tsaesci. I'm not sure about the Orismer representing the proletariat. A possible vague resemblance, perhaps. But I wouldn't say the proletariat inspired the Orcs. Furthermore, I have seen not evidence that the Orcs use horses for combat. In fact, they apparently eat horses. I knew the Bretons have a strong medieval French/Frankish inspiration, given some of their earlier names were very French orientated, and they have a stereotypical feudal system. And I wouldn't say the Nords are entirely Viking. They are indeed heavily influenced by them. However, they do exhibit traits of other Germanic tribes. Of course, direct correlations are senseless. We're discussing inspirations, which I think there is nothing wrong with. I think I can draw a correlation between the Orsimer and an impoverished proletariat though. They're rugged and dirty in appearance from working labor intensive jobs. They also eat horses, which the working class has resorted too during times of economic depression. Their berserker rage can also be correlated to many "going postal" incidents recorded throughout history; rioting, the french revolution, and countless other isolated incidents spurring from economic depression. And lastly, they are pariah. Outcasts from Mer society, they seek justification, even if they are too bitter to ever attain it. Not too dissimilar from the working class seeking recognition and equality from the ruling classes. I've thought about Dunmer a bit, not convinced they are completely abstract. If the Bosmer represent naturalist types might the Dunmer represent occult types? Looking at their behavior, culture, architecture, and color palette, I can't help but draw a correlation to a particular mindset possessed by a lot of goths, emos, wiccans, and other similar types. To improve my previous derivations: Mer - Super-ego, distinction derived from idealistic perception. Man - Ego, distinction derived from realistic societies. Beast - Id, distinction derived from instinct, abstract.

Traversing across The Rift with my Orc, I happen to come across a noble-man, his wife, and their personal guard on their way to a wedding. The noble-man comes off as quite kind and the guard indifferent. The wife is rather abrasive though, and decides to hurl racial slurs and insult my presence. Succumbing to rage, I slay her where she stood. The guard quickly reacts only to fall just as quickly. I regret killing the noble-man, but there could be no witnesses. The gifts they were carrying would have garnered the utmost appreciation from the newly weds.

Pretty much agreed, I think its important to realize not all races are based on specific societies, or even historical cultures. The Dunmer being the best example, heavily drawing from Dark Elf lore. Aside from that, the only thing I'd like to add is that the Bosmer seems to draw from naturalist/primalist types prevalent in western cultures. While the Altmer seem to represent the financially elite classes; burgeousie. Hence the golden skin/eyes and lofty stature, its figurative. From this perspective, the Orsimer seem to represent a poverty stricken and over-worked proletariat, but... the correlation is too vague to make any actual assertions. If I was to make any sort of correlation between the Mer, they're based on intellectual types more than anything. So if they're to be contrasted and compared, the context needs to be taken into consideration when dealing with them. As in, the derivative base changes between Man, Mer, and Beast. Mer - Distinction is derived from intellectual types Men - Distinction is derived from historical societies Beast - Distinction is derived from tribal societies; instinctual urges.

Is it just me, or does Kvatch sound like a dirty word?

Mudcrabs and a rubber band; go grocery shopping.

360 player, so no option for mods. But creating an illusion spec'd toon got me interested again. Its a heavy investment, but REALLY fun. The concept for this character is an Argonian Shadowscale; having lived in Black Marsh for the majority of his life, he finds dealing with "softskin" customs and body (facial) language wholeheartily challenging. After much turmoil and many burnt bridges, he discovers the forgotten recesses within softskin psych which allows him to effectively alter their perception of his actions. Hence, illusion. Paired with sneak, this allows him to effectively mask any motive, manipulating the softskins to his whim. Eh, RPing a decently thought out toon always gets me to come back. I read that someone was RPing a Vigilant of Stendarr here, which sounds really fun too. I felt really bad after killing the poor sap in Markath during "House of Horrors." But ya know, the voices in your head. What can ya do?

Looks fun. I'll be siding with Dawnguard. Because vampires are played out.

For a game rated "M" I find it considerably more tame than the majority of media being aired over the television and radio. Leaving your child unattended with a remote control or stereo seems much riskier than letting them play Skyrim.

I like the idea for this mod. I also think adding mounted harpoons along the shore, and spears as a playable weapon class would be hugely useful to the concept.

She sounds like a person who knows how to play the game. I often create characters with no intention of upgrading to the best items possible. I think of a concept and a look, and I stick to it for as long as I can. Dual wielding imperial swords sounds fun!

Neither Supporting the Empire has never sat well with me. Especially considering there is a very large demographic within Skyrim that wishes to retain their cultural identity. Assimilating would entail fracturing their identity and reducing their nation to but a cog in an already dying machine. Then there are the Stormcloaks; while initially admirable in some respects, they prove to be largely xenophobic and needlessly hostile towards foreigners. I can not side with this either. The Aldmeri Dominion needs no consideration. Under no circumstances do I support subverting an entire nation against their best interests: be it The Empire or Skyrim. If I had to describe my role-playing style, I'm an open-minded and amiable citizen, yet introverted at my core. Cherishing my cultural roots and identity, I welcome all foreigners into our beautiful land while opposing any attempts to exploit or manipulate the nation and its peoples. I plan to run for Carl of Solitude once I can come to an agreeable compromise with Paarthunax regarding Alduin and the recent dragon attacks.

Question; is it possible to be an isolationist, wanting a single unified nation for your people: yet still exhibit an open mind and tactful behavior towards outsiders, foreigners, and visitors? I'm that guy basically. If only the Stormcloaks weren't so harsh on outsiders...

OP, I find the moral ambiguity present throughout the game adds to realism and immersion. Just my opinion though. I can see what you're saying. It threw me off at first too. I kinda connected the dots though, what the vision was for the game. And the story line-choices tend to echo real-life dichotomies; neither side being right nor wrong, you're skewn between two opposing forces. A lot of times without your consent. I can relate.

I think your RP problem has to do with your definition of evil: wanton, cruel, merciless, short-sighted. Its an immature view of the nature of evil (bad, dark, whatever), thus can't accommodate a character whose destined to reunite Skyrim under a common banner and rid the land of menacing Dragons. I think you should focus more on what evil can do to a good person and what lengths evil can drive an otherwise noble and devout person too in order to control or banish it. For instance: have you ever conversed with any higher level clergy of the Catholic church? Bishops, Cardinals? These are not lovey dovey, rainbow skittled, overly idealistic, hands across the sea people. They have VERY REALISTIC world views, and will do what is required to balance the sides, as well as themselves. We are but human. So, RPing a good-natured person who happens to take contracts from The Dark Brotherhood becomes easy within this light; you balance the forces. When something so rotten, so degenerate, so toxic threatens to spill upon the general populace, tainting all who come into contact with it; Well, you do what you frikken have to in order to prevent it. This is the TRUE challenge of being a good-aligned person. Don't forget to include your internal struggles either; having to deal with such accountability once you pass.

Gold won't get you much in Skyrim =p Just enjoy the game.