I felt like starting a new character where I try to do everything in the way it's most likely to be in canonical sense. Model my Dovahkiin according to promotional material of the game and make the choices that are clearly favored for the "default" Dovahkiin.

- Nord male, the first preset. No changes at all.
- Name: "Ysmir Stormcrown".
- Use One-handed and Shield. Use Studded Armor and Iron Helmet (though mods allow me to use Barbarian Helmet which is the same as Iron but light armor).
- Join Companions, but cure beast blood.
- Join Dawnguard.
- Join Stormcloaks.
- Slight use of Destruction magic.
- Marry Ysolda or Lydia.

Any other ideas?

Umm, I think you pretty much got it. Any idea I had you already covered. Actually, I think any Nord wife would do.

other than using a mod to reduce shout times i would asume your char would shout as much as possible you don't have to use a mod but i often forget to shout mainly cause of long cooldowns

Yes but I aim to always make the most "obvious" choice in things. Ysolda and Lydia are the most prominently placed spouses in the game - they are the most likely NPCs you find to be marriageable when you first play Skyrim.

That's true. Personally, I think Jordis is a better choice the other two.

I dunno. For example, the dovahkiin on the forum background uses dual wielding, with a dagger on right hand, and iron sword on the left hand.

I suggest to level smithing and enchanting like crazy if you plan to wear armor like the one that default dovahkiin uses.

Before TES V, Nords had a bonus to restoration. And we still start with a healing spell, so use of the school could definitely be filed under 'typical'.

And marry Iona, Housecarl in a more Stormcloak friendly hold. And less likely to get lost on the way to the temple and back home, if no other reason.

Good ideas. I'll consider dual-wielding as well. Thing is, there are two kinds of "official" Dovahkiin: One seen here in the background, and the one in the videos. The latter uses heavy armor and sword-and-board. I think I should try DW though, especially since I have a mod that lets me block when having two weapons.

What should I do with the Blades? Do their bidding or leave Mr. [REDACTED] alive?

Umm, I would think he wouldn't side with them. That's my opinion though.

Let that old guy live. He's awesome.

I came up with the same exact idea a month ago, chose exactly the same choices you listed. the only thing that i didn't do is get married.

I don't think he would get involved with the civil war tbh, he'd probably have an attitude similar to the greybeards.