I'm new to oblivion and very to start playing but I'm kind of overwhelmed by the whole character creation and leveling system.

I've done some research and I know I want to play a character like the default scout class and I will probably be playing a Nord.
I've looked into efficient leveling and I don't know if it is worth trying on my first character or if it will be difficult to do with a default class especially since the Scout has 3 major skill under the speed attribute (Athletics, Acrobatics, and Light Armor) which I think would cause easy over-leveling.

Right now I'm look at a custom class very similar to the scout:

Race: Nord
Gender: Male
Birthsign: The Warrior
Attributes: Speed and Endurance
Major Skills: Alchemy, Marksmen, Athletics, Light Amor, Blade, Block, and Armorer

Does this look like a good character. I don't necessarily want to create an 'Ultimate' character, I just want to make sure I won't over-level to easily and not effect the game experience by having a 'messed up' or weak character.
Thanks.

Hi,
You should create a class based on how you want to play. If you want to be a scout and sneaky then yes pick marksman, etc. If you want to pick sword fighting them pick blade, block etc.
But just create whatever you want, because you'll probably do many playthroughs.

Read the link in my signature, itll clear everything up for you.

The only quibble I have with that build is the Alchemy as a major. The skill advances very quickly, which may force your character to level faster than your weapon and armor skills do. A better bet might be to substitute perhaps one other magic skill for the Alchemy, or perhaps Speechcraft or Mercantile.

Alchemy can be quickly advanced to Apprentice level by making Restore Fatigue potions from food items, which you can then sell. Doing it this way is a money-maker, and doesn't weaken your character by leveling you too fast.

Alchemy is a great skill to have, but it doesn't need to start as a Major, unless you're doing it for role playing reasons.

Thanks all for the replies, very helpful.

I'm also wondering if the major skills chosen have any other effect except the initial increase and the fact that they are the level determining skill.
For example I want my character to focus on alchemy and use it frequently as they are an outdoorsman, but can I still do this with it as a minor skill?

Now I'm thinking of swapping out athletics for acrobatics because I've heard athletics levels very fast. Also I am thinking of dropping alchemy to pick up sneak to work with marksman.
Is it a mistake to take marksman and sneak while I also plan to play with a sword and shield a lot of the time?

Once Alchemy reaches 25 (Apprentice) - which it will do quickly if you use it - it makes no further difference whether it started as a Major or Minor.

The only skills in Oblivion which grant anything special by being Majors are the magic skills, where you get a couple of "starter spells" for that skill. All other skills get full Apprentice benefits at level 25, whether they were Major or Minor.