This is a melding of several methods of starting the game I've read on various sites recently. I've used it with a couple of characters already and I like it better than the "on rails" start to the game. I thought I'd pass it along for those roleplayers out there who want a more "I woke up and was standing in the road" kind of starting experience. Enjoy.

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Start the game, play through the tutorial but don't fight anything, just follow Hadvar let him take care of all the fighting for you. Don't pick any locks or pick up anything or do anything to improve your skills -- that means no sneaking past the bear

Once you are outside, Use the console command 'tmm 1' to add all the locations to the map. Then fast-travel to your desired startpoint (no cheating -- make the place reasonably remote) and then use the command 'tmm 0', which removes all the location markers.

Then use the following console commands:

player.additem 0001397e 1 (adds a dagger)
player.additem 00064b2e 10 (adds 10 apples)
player.additem 0000000f 100 (adds 100 gold)

Then save your game and roleplay you just arrived in Skyrim.

Note: This method postpones the main quest, which you can always go back and pick up later, if you like.

What if you use coc [insert location here] to skip the tutorial dungeon?

Very nice idea. I'll have to use this myself when I roll a true RP character if the CK and Alternate Start mods are not out.

Looked at a similiar post where the guy had 1 apple 15g? and was on a boat in raggedy clothes.. think it was on the PC mag site.

I honestly don't know as I never tried it.

I just assumed things like that would be disallowed until you've completed the tutorial. I'll try it, though.

One apple and no weapon? Yikes, that's traveling light.

I'm willing to give it a try.

Hmm. Interesting. We're always discussing "multiple endings" and how hat affects the canon of the game. But how about "multiple starts" (official)? There is very little chance it would affect the "post story" in the canon. Something for the next game? Sure haven't been done before in TES (afaik), other than being able to define your backstory in DF.

Nice idea, would be a whole diffrent game I guess

I'd suggest the shipwreck on the north coast as a fine starting point.

This kinda seems cheating

Cheers

Personally I'd like to arrive in Skyrim via ship, specifically journeying from Anvil and arriving in the East Empire Company docks in Solitude. (Alternative destinations could include Dawnstar, Windhelm?)

Actually, perhaps better. Why not start in one of the provincial border gates? That way we could RP as travellers coming over from Cyrodil or Morrowind (the road to High Rock has had an avalanche/rock slide, and I'm not sure if there exists a passageway to Hammerfell).

I don't know, I guess it's how you look at it.

I think looking at a compass with quest markers is cheating...