..............and i'm trying to take some different paths this time. I'm a big burly breton this time instead of a nord. I'm gonna side with the Imperials this time rather than the Stormcloaks, i'm gonna destroy the Dark Brotherhood rather than join. I went to Lost Valkygg and lifted an ebony greatsword and an ebony bow off of two draugr deathlords at level 5 (which was no easy task). One other thing i've done differently that's payed off is join the Thieves Guild right off the bat. By just doing two quests with them i've gained a fence for selling my stolen goodies. I've also gone to Solstheim very early for the purpose of visiting Glover Mallory. There are two very simple things that you can do without putting a weak, low level character at great risk that will net you access to his basemant and some really nice stuff including a very nice set of blackguard armor. And the goodies reset after several days too. You simply have to go to Raven Rock Mine and get the ancient nordic pickaxe from Crescius Caerellius and give it to Glover. You then have the option of retrieving the bonemold formula, which involves traveling to Castle Karstaag Cavern in the northern potion of the island. The cavern is occupied by Rieklings but you need only enter the cavern to find the formula on the body of Esmond Tyne. You can then just fast travel back to Raven Rock. I'd really like to hear everyone's ideas of what they like to do differently when starting a new character. Thanks.