Hey guys,

I've had Oblivion (Got the original, traded that, then later bought the GOTY for the PC) for a long time now and have played it a little in the past, but could never really get immersed in the world, due to me always having problems with keeping my equipment and money in check. I've also felt like the game was really boring because of the above reasons and more. However; after reading a preview on Skyrim, I've decided to give Oblivion a second chance before Skyrim comes out later this year.

So could you guys possibly give a few tips for, basically, a total noob at this game? I'm thinking of maining in archery, but still want to be somewhat useful in close quarters. Also, any ways to make a decent amount of money a bit early on in the game? Lastly, I was wondering what types of magic do you guys suggest I use with this build?

Finally, can anyone suggest good mods to use? I heard that Natural Environments, Midas Magic Spells, and Deadly Reflex (I've had Midas and Deadly Reflex before but could had trouble with Deadly Reflex to work) were really good mods. Anything else like these mods? Maybe some mods that add new enemies and creatures or other things.

Thanks!

Urm where shall I begin?

Lets start with Mods. If you are new to the game then I suggest playing for a while without mods. Yes they do add a lot to the game but this could actually hamper you to begin with. I know lots of other people run loads and loads of Mods but I myself have been playing Oblivion since its orginal release date and still manage to find an hour or two everyday to play still and I run very few mods. Natural Environments isn't to bad just remember to put it in the right directory for your game. Although this mod will only change the graphical parts of the game it isn't wrong if you wish to install it from the start.

In regards to your character I could recommend that you think of what you want your character to do. I'll use my two characters for example. Arch-Mage Sabarel Tatheth is the Arch-Mages of the Mages Guild as she is a Mage so I did all of the Magical based quests along with the Mages Guild while her sister Euisa is more of a Combat Mage so she has climbed to the top of the Fighters Guild while also being a Journeyman in the Mages Guild due to her magical skills in the Illusion and Alteration Schools.

If you are wanting to do a Archery based character then I would suggest taking Marksman along with either Blade or Blunt to back you up when they are a little to close. Light Armor would work best with this aswell along with Alchemy to give you the access to good quality Poisons. I'm not sure what other Majors you would want to take but I would be careful about what ones you pick so that you can manage your leveling process a little bit. Remember the more you use a skill the quicker you will level.

As for making money early on there are a few easy to do quests in the Imperial City along with a few old Forts and Aylied Ruins around the outside aswell. Don't forget to visit the guild halls and pick as many flowers as you can to help raise alchemy. Make your self your poisons and potions that you need and sell the rest. I would also suggest being careful about what you pick up, remember that just cause an item is worth a lot it might be the only thing that you can carry where as a bunch of items that aren't worth as much might be when you sell 5 of them.

I would also suggest using the 'Haggle' button when you are in the vendor screen. This will allow you to increase the amount you are paid for each item aswell. I normally cast a charm spell on the vendor aswell so that my rep with them goes up and I can either pay less or be paid more.

Thanks!

That advice would help a lot and hopefully I can re-enter this great game!

As far as keeping equipment and money in check: the way I usually go about upgrading my equipment is to confiscate it from Bandits and Marauders. Bandits for light armor, blunts and bows, Marauders for heavy armor and swords, plus a few bows. To that end, the Red Ring Road around the Imperial City (as well as City Isle itself) has some good hideouts to raid every now and then. Ringleaders/warlords are the prime targets for stuff you might actually put on, while the regular enemies are great for boosting your Armorer skill and/or generating cash. Repair whatever they drop, and if you wish to go through the trouble, haul it back to town and sell it.

Armorer is a skill that's worth considering as a Major. Getting it to 50 lets you repair enchanted gear yourself, and getting it to 75 lets you over-repair it so that it's more effective in battle. The sooner you can get these perks for yourself, the more effective your warrior may become.

For your build I would go with Bosmer, since they are naturally the best archers. Also either Blade or Blunt as a back up. Alchemy would be a good choice, since you can use it for posons and health potions, plus it's one of the easiest ways to make money. Defense would be Light Armor. Magic probably Restoration, Illusion and/or Alteration.

If you′re into magic I strongly suggest the Mages Guild and gaining access to the Arcane University where you can design your own spells and enchantments.