Argonians. Lizard people. I don't even like lizards. But there was also a certain lack of asian representation in my opinion. Also I have played through the game many times as the other races, but of yet have I played as an argonian. Maybe it's because through my prior experiences playing that I have noticed argonians and khajits are not really represented all that often in Skyrim. I mean how often do you slay argonians or khajits in combat? Sure they are merchants, but I feel like playing as a less common portrayed race would give my avatar a unique flair. Now Murgurth further separates himself from the other characters in the world. This gives Murgurth a rather perfect excuse to being a narrator for our story. He is new to Skyrim as he is from the lands of the Black Marsh and as a result, he sees the world as most players would, new. In this case I need a new set of eyes as I will have to look at Skyim differently than before: with eyes set upon the literacy devices the developers have implemented into their game. Plus I have a tail, that's kind of rad.
Moving further into the actual game: as I made it to the fork in the road and had to choose who to accompany I chose Hadvar. Despite sending me to my immediate death, Hadvar showed empathy in that he did not wish to send an unknown man to his death. He even promised to send my remains to my home land of the Black Marsh, a kind gesture if it wasn't for the circumstances. Even as I was escaping, he offered me protection and aid if I could follow him quickly enough. It was obvious that Hadvar did not enjoy executions of those undeserving. I also did not have any particular stake in either side so while Ralof was quite the nice individual, it was mostly circumstance as we were prisoner companions. Hadvar had no reason to offer me empathy, but did nonetheless.
While moving through the dungeon with Hadvar, I noticed more Hadvar's personality traits, mainly more of his empathy. When we initially came upon some Stormcloak rebels, Hadvar wanted to talk it out with them and perhaps negotiate some peace. That ended in their deaths however. Descending lower into the dungeon, we happened on a torture room. My companion expressed his displeasure of this room, stating that he wish they(the imperials) didn't need to have this room. He also displayed his companionship to his fellow imperial soldiers as he told them they need to leave the dungeon so that they could live.
I believe Hadvar represents pathos for the imperial army. He presents to the player through player interaction that the imperial army does have soldiers sympathetic to other characters inhabiting their world. As he states his beliefs through the short time through the dungeon, we as players glimpse how the game presents a side to the story of the current rebellion; showing that the war is not only black and white, and that neither are the characters.
It seems like you have played this game for many times you must be very interested in this game then. "war is not only black and white, and that neither are the characters" this is a good point you made at the end and I totally agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your thoughts on the different race representations within the game. It was something I hadn't noticed before but now will definitely keep an eye out for further on in the game. I also hadn't thought of Hadvar as being a character who displays pathos, I just followed him in my struggle to get out of the firey area.
ReplyDeleteThe way you justified your choice to follow Hadvar was very interesting to me; the point that he had no reason to provide you with empathy is compelling, and I had never considered that before. I think it is important that this member of the Imperials (who were going to execute you) was given likable traits, allowing his humanity as an individual, not only as an Imperial, to be considered. I think without this use of pathos it is unlikely that anyone would choose to stay with the Imperials.
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