

There are thirteen birthsigns to choose from in Morrowind to have the hero be born under, each with its own special abilities and sometimes spells. But without the hero, there is no Event." ― Zurin Arctus, the Underking Character system Prowl the streets as a nimble thief picking pockets and fencing ill-gotten treasure, join the Mages Guild and rise to the rank of Arch-Mage, be an assassin stalking targets in the shadows, become a noble member of one of the Great Houses, and even explore "life" as a vampire or a werewolf. Even though the main quest centers on the player being the Nerevarine of prophecy, it is an open-play style role-playing game, meaning you can do what you want and be who you wish. Once freed, the game world becomes an incredibly interactive environment filled with opportunities for fun and adventure. This is where the character creation begins and the game opens up. The next voice heard is that of a concerned Dunmer prisoner named Jiub who wakes you from the dream and asks for your name. As this scene is playing out there are runes scrolling faintly in the background and as Azura finishes speaking one line becomes readable. Azura gives only a reassurance, with no explanation as to why you have been chosen or even for what exactly you've been chosen. In the opening cinematic scene Azura explains to the dreaming Nerevarine that they have been taken from the Imperial City's prison to Morrowind. Bethesda also released two expansion packs for Morrowind, titled Tribunal (2002) and Bloodmoon (2003)."In the waning years of the Third Era of Tamriel, a prisoner born on a certain day to uncertain parents was sent under guard, without explanation, to Morrowind, ignorant of the role he was to play in that nation's history." Morrowind sold over four million copies worldwide by 2005, and was voted the 2002 RPG Game of the Year by Computer Gaming World. The first Elder Scrolls game to be released on a console, Morrowind is the third game in the series, released in 2002 on PC and Xbox. The world of The Elder Scrolls is vast and rich, with players often dedicating hundreds of hours to one game. The Elder Scrolls is heavily influenced by classic tabletop role-playing games, with considerable character customization and skill-based character-building and leveling, as opposed to the typical experience point leveling system of many RPGs. All of the games take place within the same world on the fictional continent of Tamriel on the world of Nirn, a fantasy world of magic, monsters, and its own complex history and lore.

The series is known for having numerous side quests that almost always intrigue the player more than the main story. The games focus on player exploration rather than a rigid, scripted story. The Elder Scrolls games, primarily developed and distributed by Bethesda, are well-known for their vast open worlds in a fantasy setting.
