10 Things Nobody Wants To Admit About The Elder Scrolls Games
6. The Plot Always Revolves Around The Player
Bethesda, the player is an agent in your world, so not everything has to revolve around them. Without a doubt, the player’s character should be the hero – or villain, depending on your playstyle – but, the extent to which the player is emphasised throughout the story is downright ridiculous.
In Skyrim alone, the player is prophesied to overcome Alduin, become the fabled Listener of the Dark Brotherhood – hand chosen by the Night Mother herself – the arch-mage, the Harbinger of The Companions – an ancient institution of werewolves – and the leader of the Thieves Guild.
In Oblivion, you even become The Grey Fox himself.
It’s pretty ridiculous when you really think about it: the fact that every single quest line – including the main quest – ends with the player fulfilling some ancient prophecy, becoming this destined leader born once every thousand generations.
Every instalment, the entire plot is written around a single individual – the player – which makes the world seem small and inconsequential, reducing the complexity and scope of the universe significantly.