200+ hours in, having assassinated political leaders, become archmage of the college, restored the thieves guild to a former glory and in turn now command it, and even walked through Sovngarde to defeat the firstborn of Akatosh, there is no consequence for it. At no point do bandits cower, challenge, or respect it, saying something like "Shit! The Dragonborn! Fight for our lives, boys!" or "The Dragonborn! Think of the stories they'd tell of us if we killed 'im!". It's so token and empty. The only people that respect your status are those of the various groups you can join. It's gratifying to hear the other thieves or Dark Brotherhood members bow their heads respectfully, showing that yes, you are capable and worthy of being the leader. But at no point does one of them say "Not only the head of our little family, but in charge of the companions too!" It belies what has really happened. It's a pool painted to look like it's full of water--it might look really wonderful, but any observation from less distance shows it to be a bluff.
The most change I've seen was that you can ask a couple of people around town how things feel now that the Stormcloaks are in charge. Most of them tell you that not much has changed, which really makes the whole "civil war" thing seem like this happens a lot, rather than being some kind of grand rebellion. Big whoop.
It reminds me of where Dragon Age 2 did things right; by the third act of the game, bandits, attackers, and assassins can all mention about the champion. The fearsome Qunari near revere you, which doesn't stop them from attacking, for they consider it a test of worth of themselves to fight you. People start going to crazy extremes to try and fight you, knowing your prowess. Lines they wouldn't normally dream of crossing become the only feasible way to defeat the champion, for whatever reason they feel they need to do so, and in doing so there's clear evidence of what you're capable of.
But in Skyrim? No one cares. The Jarls shouldn't be slumped in their chairs when I come bursting into their halls, they should be intrigued or bemused that here's this Argonian who would come before them without reason. But nope, it's nonchalance and apathy all around. Never once does it cross the mind of the vigilants of Stendarr to attack me on sight, while I'm wearing three Daedric weapons on my person, and full Daedric armor about my body.
What's even more annoying? My armor and weapons get more respect and/or fear than I do, barring the times people have such little health that they're asking for mercy--which, if granted, means nothing, as they just stand back up and attack again. Only rarely do they flee from my demonic appearance, my warped and spiked mace, my all-consuming fires.
You'd think word would get around that the Argonian who's now in charge of the college has been seen breaking into people's houses, or leaving an area where a dead body would later be found. You'd think someone might make a connection here or there. Tough luck on that one.
The most change I've seen was that you can ask a couple of people around town how things feel now that the Stormcloaks are in charge. Most of them tell you that not much has changed, which really makes the whole "civil war" thing seem like this happens a lot, rather than being some kind of grand rebellion. Big whoop.
It reminds me of where Dragon Age 2 did things right; by the third act of the game, bandits, attackers, and assassins can all mention about the champion. The fearsome Qunari near revere you, which doesn't stop them from attacking, for they consider it a test of worth of themselves to fight you. People start going to crazy extremes to try and fight you, knowing your prowess. Lines they wouldn't normally dream of crossing become the only feasible way to defeat the champion, for whatever reason they feel they need to do so, and in doing so there's clear evidence of what you're capable of.
But in Skyrim? No one cares. The Jarls shouldn't be slumped in their chairs when I come bursting into their halls, they should be intrigued or bemused that here's this Argonian who would come before them without reason. But nope, it's nonchalance and apathy all around. Never once does it cross the mind of the vigilants of Stendarr to attack me on sight, while I'm wearing three Daedric weapons on my person, and full Daedric armor about my body.
What's even more annoying? My armor and weapons get more respect and/or fear than I do, barring the times people have such little health that they're asking for mercy--which, if granted, means nothing, as they just stand back up and attack again. Only rarely do they flee from my demonic appearance, my warped and spiked mace, my all-consuming fires.
You'd think word would get around that the Argonian who's now in charge of the college has been seen breaking into people's houses, or leaving an area where a dead body would later be found. You'd think someone might make a connection here or there. Tough luck on that one.
