it's a shame that skyrim's mages questline is too easy to game, since it's definitely the strongest in construction. all the other factions have the same "do a generated contract, get a story quest" structure that really gets old (hello companions) but winterhold drops the padding for an immediate storyline and active antagonist. i really like the criss-cross of motivations from the thalmor advisor and monk that hides the scripting by having them interrupt your research. it's uncharacteristically organic for skyrim and much more engaging.
actually joining the college is kinda pathetic though. because bethesda's terrified of the player not getting to experience every single thing, the game bends over backwards to let you in despite undercutting the believability in doing so. do you have 30 gold? good news! you're accepted, off you go, don't worry about your, yknow, aptitude in magic, you can happily Archery your way through it all.
i really, really dislike this "served on a silver platter" design and it only got worse in fallout 4. if im able to do everything, what am i? what role am i playing in this role-playing game? am i a character or a checklist?
