Can anyone simply describe the best point to pause before you go and complete the Main Quest?

In "Oblivion" if you wanted to ignore the Main Quest and Oblivion Gates you needed to avoid rescuing K'Vatch.

In "Oblivion"'s story the defence of Bruma was another major turning point.

The Main Quest in "Skyrim" is really drawing me in but I don't want to accidentally play my way to a game changing story transition before I've had a chance to slum it in the rest of the world.

If "Skyrim" has such points could you just simply list the quest names (as I'd like to avoid SPOILERS on the particulars)?

If it's not really something to worry about then let me know too.

I am aware that I may continue playing after the Main Quest but am just worried they might promote me to "King of Skyrim" (I think you get what I mean) and I'd feel a little weird roaming around Skyrim as it's king and completing quests for other people.

Thanks in advance.

Azrael
The Nord with the Sword

If you don't want any random Dragons to show up then avoid completing the main quest in Whiterun. There is a point you can get to where Dragons arn't showing up but you're far enough to buy a house and quest.

Minor spoiler:-

I took a pause after I finished the quest for the Jarl of whiterun. Just before they send you to the graybeards. I think that was the right moment to pause. Once I got further in I didnt want to pause as the need to finish it was huge. Definatly got svcked out of the game a little after I finished the MQ but that didnt last to long. Just pause whenever you think its the right moment.

I'd say after the greybeards if you don't mind coming across dragons

Thanks for the pointers guys.

I'll keep this in mind.

Az

i just never got the dragon stone.. period
joined the companions and the college and the bairds
found almost 200 locationes etc found about 7 shouts just by doing minor quests
when you here the chanting you know you are by a wall
now i am moving the game forward and will have to fight dragons
still deciding on a side

i stopped before grey beards

This, its after quest four. I get dragons, but only at a rate of about one an hour. Totaly managable.

I would advise those who don't want to dwell too far to stop the MQ, after they get Rank 3 of Unrelenting Might, because that shout is mighty handy with large mobs, or the unsuspecting civilian, standing atop a cliff .

You will receive a Quest to give an Artifact to the Jarl's Wizard. Don't give it to him and you shall be fine.