I'm about to reach level 81 and am planning my next PC. I'd like to try a combination of stealth and magic which would be a first for me. If possible, I'd avoid heavy armor, shield, smithing, and two handed so I'll probably be fairly squishy. Can I postpone the MQ indefinitely by simply avoiding the Jarl in Whiterun after working through the opening 'Before the Storm'? I'll get to it eventually, just not right away. I'd prefer to work through the Thieve's Guild, College of Winterhold, and Companions quests first. Please share your experience if you've tried the quest lines in this order. Thanks!

I think that if you enter Dragonsreach, Irileth will still rudely approach you..."WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS..."

I'm not sure though. Definitely try it, and avoid Dragonsreach. There isn't really anything essential there for much else of the game.

Except for Lydia #SWOONNN

Go to the Jarl and take the quest for the Dragonstone. Then just never go get it.

If you go get the Claw, you can just go to the end of Bleak Falls Barrow, kill the Draugr boss and leave the Dragonstone in its body. It will stay there permanently until you return to retrieve it later on.

The Main Quest can be "halted" at any point. Personally speaking, I tend to just carry through up to the point where I'm tasked with going up to High Hrothgar. That way I still get access to the Thu'um and Dragon attacks.

Yes. I usually deliver the message that Riverwood needs aid and then never do Bleak Falls Barrow if I am avoiding the MQ. Of course you could just head your own way out of the Helgen cave and leave Gerdur/Alvor to rot.
Just remember dragons will not spawn until you return the Dragonstone tablet and defend the Watchtower.

You don't have to avoid Dragonsreach, I always go there and still avoid the main quest.

After escaping Helgen and following whatshisface to Riverwood, Hadvar asks you to go to Whiterun and ask the Jarl for help. You can go to Dragonreach and as mentioned Irileth will confront you. Follower her up to the dias and tell the Jarl what you saw. He will then start talking to Irileth ordering her to send reinforcements to Riverwood. While he's talking, retreat from the throne down the steps and you will be too far away from the Jarl for him to address you again.

You have satisfied RP by warning the Jarl, but have avoiding him giving you the quest to get the dragonstone. Now as long as you don't get close enough to the Jarl for him to autoengage you in dialogue, you have avoided the main quest. You can visit Dragonreach to collect bounties or buy spells all you want as long as you don't speak to the Jarl.

Yes! That's the key, thanks. I really wanted to know what triggers the dragons. Woo Whoo, now to get to 81 and then start over, can't wait. Thanks all.

Yes it's no problem at all.

When leaving Helgen, when the dude says "we should split up", just take his advice and leg it off into the wild (my dragon free character went straight to Riften and started from there... dragons are just a myth in her Skyrim).

I have only ever done one playthrough where I have "enabled" dragons. All my 9,000,000 playthoughs are all dragon free. When Irileth approaches me I just press back and ignore her.

Glad to help! Happy gaming!

Just a heads up, but you have the best username of all time.

It used to have _69_69_69 but I asked the mods to remove it. It's actually my family name, I'm Scottish and that's my clan name.