So you're PC has just emerged from Helgen, is dirt poor, and faces a variety of choices, right? I like to role-play that the PC was already on a quest which was interrupted by the arrest and dragon attack. Now, it's time to get back to business. The most natural quest, in my mind, is for some sort of treasure or enchanted item. I've never found an item that seems like a natural first option regardless of the build. What about you folks? Is there a particular item you always acquire before all others?

I just finished the Aetherium forge quest for the first time and got the staff - that seems like a useful item no matter what your skill/alignment etc. Keep in mind that I'm looking for a specific item, not a generic store-bought item. I want it to be associated with a quest.

Maybe there is no such item?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and strategies.

I personally favor the aetherium crown, but I always go for Dawnbreaker...just gotta love a flaming sword...so handy versus the undead!

I seek the Aetherium crown with the character that are about to become overpowered, the Skeleton Key with the stealth characters, the Black Star and Molag Bal's mace (the former is required only if I don't plan to have an enchanting skill high enough to put a strong soul trap myself) with the battlemages.

So far what all of my characters have in common is that as soon as they got out of Helgen they first sought this... enchanting being called Lydia.