I have nothing but the respect for anybody who plays like this, but......I think you guys are crazy! Count me out.

I think it's too hard and the feeling when you die is too strong, so I prefer to play relaxed. But I tried for fun in Oblivion with a random character and it ended stupidly fast, by a guard's sword if I remember correctly.

I always try to see how far I can get without the first death, but I'd never throw away a character I wasn't finished with. But then, I like to mod additional dangers in my games, and I like to play characters that take chances. Success at a DiD game requires a cautious sort of game play that isn't particularly enjoyable to me.

I have tried and I have repeatedly failed to not die.
The one thing I know for certain is that Niamh WILL die in any given situation at least once. I think she really hates me causing this through my incompetence as her guide. I am personally just glad there is a barrier between us.
I've seen what she can do with an axe/bow/fire...

I just started doing the Dead is Dead.

My first one was a Nord farmer who just signed up with the stormcloaks and promptly got captured with Ralof and Ulfric. I figured I'd give it a try on mastery because him being an untrained farmer wouldn't have any proficiency with weapons. Also just picked from the presents and only changed the hair to the balding look. Things started out great while Ralof was helping us out, kind of like a big brother ...but then Ralof decided to stay in Riverwood and the farmer decided to make his way to Whiterun. After beating some wolves and a close call with a mudcrab he found a cave. (can't remember the name, but has that blind guy Ulf in the first room). slowly made his way thru the place and with his confidence at an all time high took on the bandit chief (who had a 2 handed sword). and two hits later the poor farmer's Stormcloak career came to an abrupt end. (level 4 or 5 i think it was)

The other was an old Orc warrior who was just looking for a good death (no magic, potions or enchanted weapons. only steel for him, played on expert) . 3 Hired Thugs gave him that good death. After clearing out Halted Stream Camp, he just didn't have it in him (or the food for health) to make it thru another battle. Had fun with that character while it lasted though. (level 10)