I have invested hundreds upon hundreds of hours into Skyrim, but recently took a four month long period off from the game due to a complete and utter boredom with it. After looking through these forums, I feel as though the big reason for this is because I simply do not feel attached to my character, his companions or simply see any of the decisions/events within the game of any important. This, when compared to games such as Knights of the Old Republic I & II where I almost broke down in tears at some of the more upsetting moments (I won't post them here for those few of you who have yet to play one of the greatest games ever made), is not how I want to be and it would seem that a viable way of fixing this is through role-playing. I have a couple of ideas, but having never done this before and not having much knowledge of the lore means that I aren't too sure as to what I am doing. So, if you feel up to it, please do help me.

• Whilst I have yet to touch any of the non-human races beyond the Altmer (High Elves), I feel as though my first role-play should be with my favourite race. This is the Bretons. Not only is their resistance to magic quite useful, if perhaps a bit overpowered on lower difficulties, but I just find them to be both incredibly versatile and their image as the most civilised race suits my very personality. I also tend to dislike the non-human races, yet favour magic in almost all my builds (even my warrior builds utilised restoration) making it just make sense. I usually playthrough as a male, which is my same gender, and would like some genuine Breton names I could use instead of just my real name (Bradley).
  
• In terms of skill sets, I simply have no clue. I have tried a large number of builds, but the majority never hit it off for me. Stealth is certainly not my play-style in an RPG either (despite actually loving stealth games like Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed and Dishonored). Anyone have some ideas of less commonly tried character builds? A pacifist build seems rather cool, but I feel as though it will be ridiculously limiting and also quite dull - unless there is a way to make it enjoyable and possible to do quests with still?
  
• Depending on the skills, I also want a unique background that actually relates to how he has said skills. I also, despite being a Breton, want him to have been born in Skyrim. The idea of his parents abandoning him and his ultimate aim to be able to find them always seems quite cool. With any role-play, I feel there would need to be a reason for him doing these actions - more so than just wanting to help. Since I always play Imperial, I may end up going Stormcloak. However, it would be rather hard to justify as a Breton as to why he would. Any ideas?

Name Generator: http://tamriel-rebuilt.org/?p=modding_data/ngen

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/747418-so-you-think-you-can-rp/

This helps. Found in the Fanfiction/Roleplay/Art section of the forums.

Thanks for the advice and the helpful guide. I will use it as a basis when I write out this role-play. I love writing though, so don't mind its "blatantly honest" approach. Anyway, this may sound a bit of an odd question also, but what happens if Belethor or a merchant within a city dies? I usually reload my saves. However, I just read somewhere that another NPC will instead fulfil their role and act as a shopkeeper. Is this true?

Anyone actually want to help me with my build? The name generator isn't the best. I want something that sounds cool.

Anyone?

Skyrim doesn't let you role-play. It's just a fact. Just try to do one of the factions and look for an option to NOT do what the factions quests forces down your throat, because you know your character would never actually do that. At best you can try to join one faction and try to justify your characters decisions (or lack thereof) during those quests. Then explore a lot to level up, build a home, do the main quest (unless that's something your character wouldn't do) and retire a hero ... or just retire.

EDIT: Note some RP's in my sig.

Well Breton names tend to be French, so you could google French names and look for one that behooves your character. Or you could use the names as a base and make a "Breton-sounding" name.

According to Wikipedia, Enzo was a popular French name. That sound good?

Does it sound good to you? That's the only question that needs to be answered. I generally go here and just pick a random first and last name that sounds good together.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Breton_Names