Does anyone else find it odd, that in almost every TES game (with the exception of Daggerfall), you start off as some prisoner off to save the world? I mean thinking back on it Arena, Morrowind, and Oblivion had you as a prisoner, and with Skyrim starting you off as a prisoner about to be executed, it had me wondering if Bethesda has some type of...prison fantasy or something. I guess it is a way for your character to be a "blank slate". Except for, you know, being an apparent criminal.

Its the sense of going from nothing to hero of the world. 

I think it's more of a tradition thing at this point. Every core game (can't speak for the spin-offs) but Daggerfall has started this way, might as well continue the trend. Gives them a good excuse not have any backstory for your character ready, too.

I think it's more of a tradition thing at this point. Every core game (can't speak for the spin-offs) but Daggerfall has started this way, might as well continue the trend. Gives them a good excuse not have any backstory for your character ready, too.

It's just their way of making you a someone from a no one which is what the series is generally about. You and creating your mark in this digital space. 
 
Also, under legal jurisdiction, Australians can torch your house with a BBQ grill for the thread title. 

I mean I know it is just a way of presenting a blank slate and making you a nobody who became a somebody. I just find it an odd "tradition" to keep up.
 
@eroticfishcake said:

Also, under legal jurisdiction, Australians can torch your house with a BBQ grill for the thread title. 

I mean I know it is just a way of presenting a blank slate and making you a nobody who became a somebody. I just find it an odd "tradition" to keep up.

@neoepoch said:

I mean I know it is just a way of presenting a blank slate and making you a nobody who became a somebody. I just find it an odd "tradition" to keep up.

Well it's either that or you can do it Fallout 3 style where you're literally come out of the womb and play through the tutorial under the guise of growing up. Do you want too see an Orc give birth? Do you?! Though now that I think about it, hatching from an egg as an Argonian sounds kinda interesting.

It's TRADISHUN, dammit!