Since the change in Coldharbour whereby you only have the choice of a sword at the beginning it really does work against casters looking for their first staff. I got to level 5 by the time I found my first weapon, by which time my sword skills were well advanced. Don't understand why the devs streamlined the game in this way.

I was wondering about that as well. I'm not a caster, but before it gave you the option to choose any type of starting weapon to begin your journey.

its because idiots were trying to grab the first thing they saw without listening to the argonian who essentially say "only pick one" and then they were like "why cant I pick up every single weapon THIS GAME IS [censored]"

Uh, did you write this post with a smile on your face?

I am not sure why they removed it, maybe because of what krunch say but that make little sense too.

Getting sword or staff in beginning really does not matter, Same in other tes games you get a few handpicked items in the beginner dungeon then you get on your adventure and get what you want.

I was given a little box when I left Coldharbour. Inside there was a leather body item and a bow; perfect for my Nightblade. Did you not get on of these boxes?

I think they did it so that people would go out and find their own things, rather than being handed everything on a platter from the get go. In previous Elder Scrolls games you've had to grab your weapons from corpses or off random weapon racks. I do think they should however give the player more chances to find what they're looking for.

discriminating is not the word I would choose. I'd pick "first weapon."

I looted every single box/urn in existence through the prison and Coldharbour! lol Did not get a single bow... only a couple of armour upgrades, staffs and daggers... and tons of ingredients related items, fishing bait, and lock picks. And potions.

Did you get given a box after leaving Coldharbour? I had one placed in my inventory.

Yeah, my caster got the same bow and armour. Maybe that could be a little more tailored?

The armour itself is random. I don't think the bow is.

The armour is a chest piece and can be either of the three types.

ZOS are a bunch of casterists.

Oh, I figured that I got a bow because I was a Nightblade.. well that's strange. They should definately make it so that each class is given something that you would at least usually associate with that class; Bows or Daggers for Nightblades, Staves for Sorcerers and so on..

Wait... um yes there was something really odd looking in my inventory that said my name was burned into it. Is that what you mean? I just threw it into my bank!

You can open it. It has goodies inside for you!

What does?

The urn the prophet gives you at the end of the tutorial. You also get it if you skip the tutorial.

Hmm, I must've looked over it when I logged in.

Had medium armor and a bow in mine, seems to be random.

I like the idea of that Urn, I do hope they make it so it is customized for the class. I got a bow and I thought it was for my nightblade, but it seems everyone gets a bow at the moment.

You are breaking out of prison. They ought to just give you a crappy improvised shiv.

When you leave the tutorial you won't have to walk far nor spend more than 5 minutes gathering mats to make the weapon of your choice.

By stepping over fully armored guards and moving through the armory.