I'm sort of brain-storming for my next play through and I got the notion of systematically working through a single hold, discovering all the locations and clearing all the baddies. I think I'd limit myself to whatever followers, instructors, resources are available in that one hold and see how far I can get. I haven't decided yet on a build or the hold but given the limitations, I might allow all possible means of advancing. This would mean having followers, buying enchanted gear from vendors, taking lessons to level up quickly etc. I usually don't do any of these things as it makes becoming OP highly likely (which then takes all the fun out of playing).

Has anyone tried something like this - please share any suggestions, tips, or lessons learned!

Thanks!

I spent one game entirely in The Rift. I played a hunter who lived off the land. She fished and collected pelts and sold the raw materials to merchants in Riften. I adore everything about The Rift and that ended up being one of my most enjoyable games. I didn't do any of Bethesda's quests with that character.

In fact, thinking about it, I may do that again in the near future.