This is my first topic, and I didn't see any topics that are discussing what my thoughts may be....

So I think the common assumption is attributes are out of skyrim. I can't say this for sure, as it is all pure speculation. But I figure if attributes are gone they must figure out a way to determine the basic things we're all accustomed to (ie. Encumbrance, starting magicka, ect.)

My thoughts on this boils down to the races! What if picking your race at the beginning of the game WAS in fact, the most important decision to make... what if picking a bosmer as opposed to an orc made you faster, and more.agile, but far weaker... or picking a breton over a nord gave you more intelligence, which translates to more magicka.

The possibility to make each race completely different and distinct is something I think a lot of people wanted... whether getting rid of attributes is really necessary to do this, I do not know, but it definitely raises some interesting possibilities

What does everyone else think? Good idea? Bad idea?

What I think is that I do hope you are right. The race-thing is my main worry about the disappearance of attributes : picking a Bosmer or a Khajit (as it is, a male or a female) has to be an important choice that will determine your whole game, not merely a cosmetic one.

At first i was a little worried but now i am starting to think that might just make the game BETTER
like in a whole new level

I think choosing your race should be the biggest decision in the game.I mean,if I am going to be playing a character for 200+ hours it seems which race I choose is pretty important.I hope your right,as I think it will make the experience better in the long run.

....not to mention the replay value :hubbahubba:

I endorse this idea with all my

I like Argonians but maby I will be a kahjiit for my fur to keep me warm.

I think races will have more distinct traits than in oblivion as you say.

I remember reading a post somewhere on this forum that suggests the idea that attributes aren't out of the game but are rather more "under the hood" like traits assigned to races and not much else. But the same effect could be achieved by setting the skills for each race differently at the beginning. I think the ladder is more likely based on the idea that attributes wouldn't do much but differentiate the races, and I doubt the same attribute system in oblivion still exists due to the new leveling system.

...all your what?

As long as the make the Race bonuses part of the gameplay (maybe permanent skill bonuses? 105 instead of 100 for High Elf magics).
And some race powers should activate automatically (Adrenaline Rush, Night-Eye, Berzerk)

wouldn't khajiit feel colder since they live in the desert?

If you watch the behind the scenes of Skyrim interview with Todd, it seems like he agrees. I can't remember the exact words he chose, but he made it sound like there would be tangible gameplay differences between the races.

Exactly!! And I think it'll give more reason to.choose races that are outside of a persons usual few choices

See I think you're right... and I think instead.of being able to increase three attributes a little bit each level, skyrim will have perks that do it inconspicuously so you don't see +10 to strength. Instead you'll see.+50 encumbrance, or +5% damage with melee weapons.

Indeed =]

...it's already like that. 10 stat points is a big deal. Anymore and they'll be determining my gameplay for me, and that would be anathema to the series.

True, but by the end of the game, aside the races with magicka bonuses, you could have the same exact attribute stats for every character you play, regardless of playstyle... besides, doing it this way would get rid.of the 'character stunting, need to power level' type issues with attributes.

There's nothing a wood elf can do that an orc can't or vice versa. The player character is extraordinary.

An orc is obviously going to be stronger than a bosmer, its just nature, and its in the lore.

Just as bosmer is known for being quick and quiet... excellent in the art sneaking... how many orc thiefs have you seen in TES? I think bosmer should be more agile than an orc, just as a kahjiit should be more agile and faster... a freaking cat?! It just makes sense to make the races more important han just aesthetically because it adds depth to the experience.

They live in a desert I thought it was a forest.

i want racism back

The toughest enemy in Morrowind was a Bosmer, heh.

Orcs on a whole are stronger than Bosmer, but it would silly to insist that no outliers exist. The player is an outlier. Racial determinism in an RPG is uninspired and makes for predictable gameplay with no meaningful contributions. I don't want to the game condemning me for rolling an Altmer who is down on his luck and forced to pick pockets.

Lol a bit off topic, but I totally agree. Racism definitely added a bunch of believability to TES universe... kinda showed that everything wasn't puppy dogs and flowers between the races lol. Theres obviously conflict, and I think it should be shown.

I don't want to be limited in my character creation. If I want an orc mage and a wood elf barbarian, I shouldn't be penalized for choosing the wrong race.

I'm not saying you can't do that, I just think a bosmer or kahjiit should have an easier time doing it. You can have an altmer thief, or an orc thief for that matter... the sneak skill won't change, I just think races should have certain differentiating features which would add to the weight of the decision on which race you'll play... I mean breton and altmer already have bonus magicka... so why can't bosmer be a bit faster, and nords a bit stronger?