So yesterday after contemplating which of the three basic forms of combat to grind through again, I decided I would try my hand at something I've been wondering if it's possible to do: Get through the game without killing, engaging in combat, preferring noncombat skills, etc.
I came up with the idea of a "Sly Pacifist". Someone who prefers Speech, Pickpocket, Lockpicking, Alchemy to get through life. She prefers to talk others into engaging with enemies for her, and will always prioritize her own gains and well-being over others.
For this I decided on a few rules in order to really get into my character's head. Please tell me if you think these rules are reasonable or need amendments, or are flat out invalid:
1) NO KILLING of NPCs through direct means.
This means that I will not kill NPC's myself with weapons or magic. All other enemies like creatures, dragons, undead, daedra, Dwemer, and vampires are fair game because from a role-playing perspective, they cannot be reasoned with and are more like forces of nature, they are specifically geared to kill you.
However, since killing enemies is the de facto way of getting through quests, and the primary objective at times, I decided that all other alternative ways of hurting and killing NPCs are fair game. Using traps against them, letting my followers kill them, and sneaking poisons onto them via Pickpocket all play into my character's cunning nature.
2) Avoid combat whenever possible. My character is mainly a pacifist, but also sly, and will avoid combat at all costs. Any quests or objectives which can be completed without engaging an enemy will be done so that way.
3) Take the Persuade/Bribe/Intimidate options whenever possible. They are always priority. My character is a smooth talker, and has lived life able to talk her way through almost any situation.
4) Talk to every NPC she comes across. She wants to gain favor with everyone in town, for her own benefit later of course. Forging relationships when arriving in a new town is key.
5) Donate to charity and the temples when possible. Despite her dishonest and sly ways, she still believes in giving back and committing selfless acts. Giving coins to children, praying at shrines, any charitable act are a means to continue getting through life in everyone's favor.
6) Gain all available followers. She wants to use others for her benefit obviously, and it is a no brainer to do the necessary favors for others so that they may follow her into the most difficult of tasks.
7) Complete all Daedric quests and obey the Lords. If there's anyone she needs to be on their good side, it's the Daedric Princes, as they will benefit her immensely for doing so, and will possibly punish her if she doesn't.
This sums it up. I realize that some of these may not be well thought out, and I only just got through Bleak Falls Barrow to get the Dragonstone. It was a success, and I stuck to the rules outlined above, but I realize some quests later on, such as Molag Bal's quest, will be difficult to complete without breaking a rule, but I will try any possible method to get through it in order to avoid breaking the role-playing rules.
If you have any suggestions or commentary, our you have your own experiences trying something similar, please share your insight.
I came up with the idea of a "Sly Pacifist". Someone who prefers Speech, Pickpocket, Lockpicking, Alchemy to get through life. She prefers to talk others into engaging with enemies for her, and will always prioritize her own gains and well-being over others.
For this I decided on a few rules in order to really get into my character's head. Please tell me if you think these rules are reasonable or need amendments, or are flat out invalid:
1) NO KILLING of NPCs through direct means.
This means that I will not kill NPC's myself with weapons or magic. All other enemies like creatures, dragons, undead, daedra, Dwemer, and vampires are fair game because from a role-playing perspective, they cannot be reasoned with and are more like forces of nature, they are specifically geared to kill you.
However, since killing enemies is the de facto way of getting through quests, and the primary objective at times, I decided that all other alternative ways of hurting and killing NPCs are fair game. Using traps against them, letting my followers kill them, and sneaking poisons onto them via Pickpocket all play into my character's cunning nature.
2) Avoid combat whenever possible. My character is mainly a pacifist, but also sly, and will avoid combat at all costs. Any quests or objectives which can be completed without engaging an enemy will be done so that way.
3) Take the Persuade/Bribe/Intimidate options whenever possible. They are always priority. My character is a smooth talker, and has lived life able to talk her way through almost any situation.
4) Talk to every NPC she comes across. She wants to gain favor with everyone in town, for her own benefit later of course. Forging relationships when arriving in a new town is key.
5) Donate to charity and the temples when possible. Despite her dishonest and sly ways, she still believes in giving back and committing selfless acts. Giving coins to children, praying at shrines, any charitable act are a means to continue getting through life in everyone's favor.
6) Gain all available followers. She wants to use others for her benefit obviously, and it is a no brainer to do the necessary favors for others so that they may follow her into the most difficult of tasks.
7) Complete all Daedric quests and obey the Lords. If there's anyone she needs to be on their good side, it's the Daedric Princes, as they will benefit her immensely for doing so, and will possibly punish her if she doesn't.
This sums it up. I realize that some of these may not be well thought out, and I only just got through Bleak Falls Barrow to get the Dragonstone. It was a success, and I stuck to the rules outlined above, but I realize some quests later on, such as Molag Bal's quest, will be difficult to complete without breaking a rule, but I will try any possible method to get through it in order to avoid breaking the role-playing rules.
If you have any suggestions or commentary, our you have your own experiences trying something similar, please share your insight.
