The backgrouind system from Daggerfall. It would've been well suited for Skyrim since you were someone crossing the border at the wrong place at the the wrong time, rather than some anonymous convict the Emperor thought had a higher destiny than sitting in the Imperial City Prison. This background, which would probably be based on race-specific questionnaires, would add a sense of backstory and would apply certain perks and/or additional skill points based on what you chose. Its omission was a questionable error on Bethesda's part since it would have made the game feel less like a shallow action-adventure game and more of an RPG.

I would just prefer a system similar to New Vegas' "Traits". Pick some perks that kind of reinforce a backstory that you've made up in your head.

A good idea. I always hoped for a feature or "skill" reminiscent of the sign bonuses (now the standing stones), but affected your overall character mindset and background, and had one attached skill or perk. Like Mass Effect's earthborn/spacer/ruthless/etc.

I would like to have Attributes back.

Would have been great to see DAGGERFALL's character creation system make a come back but am happy with the system in SKYRIM. Its different and works in an invisible natural way while still feeling like the Elder Scrolls evolve as you do mindset. There are plenty of perks and leveling up systems in place to make me not miss what has been removed or transmuted into something else.

Considering how many initial "build" parameters they took away, I'm surprised that race still conveys bonuses. It would have been better to start all characters equal, with a handful of unspent stat/perk points to allocate wherever, rather than pre-assigning them by race.

Ehhh... Yeah, but all those people not wanting such a fine RPing element convinced Beth that 'K. Let's simplify this stuff by removing it.'. At least that's how I think it went. It's not true that devs never listen to their fans, but which of them more? The people on Twitter or the folks here at the forums? Who knows.

Yes I always thought they should give each race a bit more uniqueness like the Argonian water breathing instead of mainly stats the other races would eventually catch up to as they improve. Would have been nice to have an Orc whose strength would increase by ten points higher then any other race once he reached the last possible level up. Might make a level cap feel rewarding having something other races don't.

Me too!