The Fireside

So I've been playing Oblivion at a steady pace, in my spare leisure time - you know, when I've done some writing, not in the mood to watch a show / movie, etc... Since this game is 'free roam' I only really follow a strategy if I get stuck on a quest, or if I want to read up on an area before I get there. I just hit level 20 last night, and here is my checklist for the foreseeable future: - recommendations for fighters and mages guild for Bravil and Bruma. [My cities visited, in order, are Chorrol, Skingrad, Cheydinhal, Anvil, L, and am now in Bravil] - getting the Relics of the Crusader [since I have blade specialty, I'd rather the sword than mace] - Castle of Kvatch [Oblivion gate is closed, though. Chipping away at this one. My next step is the Guardhouse Key portion] - Arcane University [ enchanting and spell creation] - Oblivion gates / main quest - undecided about Shivering Isles. T...

I'm a newcomer to the Elder Scrolls series. I've tried Morrowind way back in the day (my introduction to the series) but never got around to getting my own copy, or playing too far into it.  I did manage to get the Game of the Year Edition for Oblivion, The Elder Scrolls IV .  Due to the openess of the world, it was hard to determine how far into it my first time playing. Also, I was learning to play as I went, so my gaming approach was quite sparodic in regards to quests etc.  Lately though, I've fired the game up again. Now that I know how to play, I have a better handle and tighter focus on the game. Rather than going too open and crazy, I'm 'loosely' following the main quest.  I am playing as a Breton 'adventurer' (spellsword, battlemage..) basically, using magic for attack and healing (attack as opposed to bows, and for my ranged attacks) but using light / leather armour, and a one-handed melee weapon and no shield. I'm also seeking...