|| I.2e - Reputations 009 ||

Learn how to manage your reputations with factions like Merchants, Peasants, Scholars, Nobility, and the Underworld in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Optimize your class creation!

Alright, you're almost done creating your character! The last big step is setting up your reputations with the various factions in the game. There are tons of them out there, but we'll focus on the main ones here. You can tweak how much these groups like or dislike you by clicking on the graphs, but remember: the total has to add up to zero. If you boost one faction by 5 points, you've got to take 5 points away from another. Think of it like balancing a scale!

Here's a quick rundown of the major factions and what messing with their reputation can do for you:

• Merchants: This covers all the shopkeepers and traders. If they like you, you'll get better prices when buying or selling. Honestly, money isn't usually a huge issue in Daggerfall, so super-great deals might not be your top priority. However, merchants also offer quests, so making them absolutely despise you could cut off a whole avenue of adventure.
• Peasants: You'll run into common folk all over the towns. They're who you'll ask for directions, find out about local services, or get leads on work. If they don't like you enough, they might just refuse to talk to you, which is a real pain. So, it's generally a bad idea to make them hate you. That said, there's not a ton to gain from having them absolutely adore you either.
• Scholars: This group includes the Mages Guild and all the Temples. If you're planning on joining either of these, it's a smart move to get them on your good side right from the start. If you're not planning on joining, you could potentially lower their opinion of you a bit to boost another reputation elsewhere.
• Nobility: These folks aren't usually super critical to your success. You can get quests from them, but they're often not as rewarding as quests from other sources. Unless you're really into roleplaying and want to support the nobles, feel free to make them dislike you.
• Underworld: Think thieves, assassins, and criminals. If you plan on getting involved with these shady characters, it's definitely beneficial to build some goodwill early on. On the flip side, letting them hate you can be dangerous – these types are known to ambush those who cross them, which is obviously not ideal.

And that's it! Your class is all set. Just don't forget to give it a cool name. Some NPCs might even refer to you by your name, race, or class, so your choice here can actually have an impact!