I made my hero, like we all did. And at level 81 and with enchanted and smithed items to the max, all the goodies from every guild/faction, Daedric artefacts coming out my ears, well over 90% of the world map discovered, he’s more god than hero now. Except this god-hero felt removed from the world, I felt like I had bullied my way through the game, not taking the time to soak it all in. It didn’t matter to me that a ranger type character is the head of the Mage Guild and is a werewolf and a murderer. After speed balling hundreds of dungeons on my own the world felt silent. Something had to change…

So with that in mind an after seeing all the “dead is dead” threads, the release of Dawnguard coming our way, the no fast travel and putting up the difficulty threads, I decided. Why not? So I remade my hero, spent longer in character creation (even writing down the stats and restarting to get it perfect). I upped the difficulty to Expert and have set a few rules to play by:

- No fast travel
- I have to listen to the NPC’s and not skip dialogue
- Turn off quest markers and avoid looking at the compass (wish there was an option to remove it all together)
- I only look at my map in a safe location
- Dead is dead (although I have a backup save at the start, as I am really happy with the way my guy looks)
- Assess every situation like I would if I was there, no running in guns blazing, relying on brute force and potions to save the day.
- Sleep, eat and drink appropriately
- No waiting
- Cross rivers realistically (do you know anyone that just jumps in and swims it?)

And WOW! What a difference it has made. I feel a part of the world.

I met Faendal as I walked in to Riverwood. He seemed a little upset over a girl and some bard, so I listened to his problems. After the chat he warmed up to me and asked for some help. It didn't sit well with me but I never liked bards, so I decided to help him out. Seeing as I needed some supplies it was really no trouble any how.

My first thoughts as I walked in to the shop was, I can see why Faendal has eyes for Camilla! She's gorgeous, if a little strong willed. I over heard Camilla and Lucan's argument as I looked at their wares and handed her the letter when they finished. Her response was as I thought. Whilst buying some bits for the road ahead Lucan asked for my help about retrieving the item that was stolen and seeing as I was a little light pocketed, it would be a good opportunity to earn some coin. But first I wanted to tell Faendal the good news! The smile on his face was worth the bad deed done and when he agreed to help me out I was glad for the company. He’s steadfast and respectful, if a little bit clumsy (set a dreadful trap off). But he helped me delve into the depths of bleak falls barrow for the claw and saved my skin when the dead rose and we were surrounded. I was about to catch one across the back when an arrow sailed over my shoulder, punching the draguar off his feet. We made it out alive, just, and followed the river back to Riverwood. Lucan Valerius paid me a handsome reward which I split with Faendal, my half allowed me to buy the materials I needed from Alvor to improve my gear. And so after a glass of red, a filling meal and a sleep we decided to head over to Whiterun. The road was short but hard. Faendal’s elf eyes spotted the rampaging giant before mine and together we fired off a few volleys of arrows, aiding a hardy bunch who call themselves the Companions.

That took me a few hours, instead of the rampaging bull that did it in 30 minutes. I missed so much the first time around. Didn’t even know there was a giant. So for anyone that is bored of Skyrim, take some time and make your hero. Stick to the rules and ENJOY! I’m not sure where Faendal and I will go next. We are a little light on coin after my frivolous spending and if Bleak falls was anything to go by, Faendal might need something more substantial than a cotton shirt. So I need to earn some coin, which shouldn’t be difficult. Skyrim is a world of opportunity!

Nice story. I typically fail Faendals quest and make friends with Sven instead

Thanks!
I did the first time too! lol. I'm looking forward to tonight, I really have no idea where to go next.

Nice story

For me, it was the other way around. My almost maxed out potentially demi-god (has the ability to craft the most powerful items, but choses to use less powerful items both for looks and for keeping some slight challenge) never skipped a conversation, read every scrap of paper she found, talked to every single NPC she met. She did pretty much everything in Skyrim except TG, DB, CW and evil Daedric quests, and I justified her rather incompatible achievements (like Harbringer AND Arch-Mage) with curiosity. She was driven by curiosity, curiosity made her open every burial urn even when she's swimming in gold, curiosity made her read all the notes, journals and books which naturally brought her to Bards College and College of Winterhold (upon entering she honestly answered 'I just want to see what's inside'), curiosity made her hone her skills, curiosity got her in all kinds of troubles and fame. And you know what, despite the popular belief that godlike jack-of-all-trades powerplays ruin the game whatnot, I disagree. I had much fun with that character who went from rags to riches, who started out chopping wood in Riverwood and retired as a filthy rich Thane of all holds except Eastmarch, holder of various titles and the list of her achievements goes on.

Now I play a limited and strictly specialized character who barely ever talks to anyone, doesn't explore wilderness let alone caves and ruins, doesn't run anyone's errands, and it's just as much fun.

its good that you didnt get caught up in the "speed ball" as I call it. You know, the need to get better weapons, the need to see what that next quest was and then then next and so on and so forth. I guess I was so eager to do everything I never sat back and appreciated it all.

I think the only upside to doing this is that you then have an idea of whats coming for your next play through, so in some cases you can avoid things. Also, with the many glitchs my god file is a little messed up, which really breaks immersion for me. Thats something I am going to be really careful off this time.