I never properly role-play on Skyrim, but have been considering it for my next character. To those who role play, how much does it really add to gameplay + what rules do you follow?

I try to abide by a few simple guidelines when immersing myself in Skyrim:

- Although the temptation was too much for me in the past, I no longer fast travel unless it is by carriage occasionally.
- Be courteous to everyone I come across in Skyrim, especially if I have not met them before.
- When hunting prey (deer, fox, bear, etcetera) I put the entire animal to use. The hide/products of the animal are prepared for transformation into armor, which in turn is then sold to willing vendors.
- Do not take any clothing from a dead character that was being worn by them unless it is a one of a kind item. Therefore, naked corpses are kept to a minimum.
- Never turn down a quest and complete every questline fully.
- I choose to not burglarize NPC's houses whatsoever.
- Read every book you come across.

Many other players take role-playing much more serious than I do. Some of the more extreme role-playing includes eating three meals a day, sleeping for six to eight hours every night, and only playing one questline per character. For example, their Orc warrior will only join the Companions, so they create a High Elven mage to complete the College of Winterhold. It all depends on personal tastes and the amount of free time you are willing to expend on playing the game. If you're the kind of player who just likes bashing skulls in and beating the quests, role-playing is not for you.

It depends on how immersive/nitpicky you want to get. You can have characters that only use certain types of weapons or armor for ethnic or environmental reasons and not have it affect gameplay TOO much, or you can play it like you would a Sims game, and sleep every few hours, eat often, drink, try not to commit crimes (or do) etc.

First think of an outline for your character's... character. Traits, a backstory if you wish, anything that would help you understand them better while playing. Play following their morals and make choices based on their knowledge ("I won't do this quest, I've read it has lousy rewards/a bad ending" is a no-no).
And about the backstory and the sort; you don't have to write a novel about your character before even starting to play them, it'd be enough to develop them while playing. Through the game your character will change, so don't make a conclusion before the end of the journey.

Roleplaying doesent really need to entail gameplay changes. Your can easily imagine/pretend your character does all the simple stuff alone (Sleeping, eating etc)

For me, roleplaying is all about your characters personality, ambitions and goals. And I always find a way to justify completing all quests. When I play my evil dunmer wizard I help people purely out of self interest. As in "Maybe Ill get something for it" or get a benefit for it later.

I will say it , simple ther is no need , to make some special ules, like special roleplaying hunting ,special roleplaying bath taking , specail roleplaying sleeping, roleplaying is about playing a character, just play like always, but try think what your character would say, what would he do, who would he married, what guild would he join ,etc.