Whenever I do the MQ, I usually hit Bleak Falls Barrow early, within the first three levels.

This time, I hadn't even planned on doing the MQ, wanting to explore a pure-Mage character with mastery in as many fields as he could get. Without checking one of the game wikis, I started the Alteration Ritual Quest (never having done that before, or even exploring Alteration at all. Boy, did I miss out on a lot, like the ever-fun paralyze spell), only to discover... I needed either a live or dead dragon for the scales.

Okay, I thought, Bleak Falls Barrow it is, might as well do the MQ for the fun of it, followed by Dawnguard (never played it seriously, had it installed for all of 5 minutes, heh!). Usually, BFB is just a little difficult (not overly so) for the beginner. Well, at level 42, I burned right through it like a hot knife through room-temperature butter. Fun.

Boring!

Well, at least I set a speed record for me. Of course, the Draugr weren't any fun, but with a Dremora Lord and a paralyze spell... Oi. I could have slept through the battle, such as they were.

Hmm. Must remember to try dual-cast paralyze on a dragon priest one of these days, just to see if it works.

Why did you go to BFB? Does this mean the dragon stone is required to see any dragon?

I'm asking because I hit BFB early, grabbed the stone, and intended to keep it until I was ready to play the MQ. A few levels later, I went to grab some crystals from the wizard, and he immediately started a conversation and took the stone from me. I was rather surprised by this, and a little miffed, but decided "meh".

I'm now at level 48 and have had 5 random dragon attacks. 3 were at Riften (1 landed and was killed, 2 did flyby attacks and took off). The rest were at their peaks (and have respawned since original kill).

I originally thought the stone was the key, but it turns out the meeting with Delphine seems to be the key. Without her quest, Alduin remains hidden, not opening his easter eggs.

I haven't seen a scripted dragon attack yet.

Best. Game. Ever!

I don't mind attacks, but when they happen too often to be considered "random", that's what I call boring.