When starting a new build, how many of you start on Expert or Master? I usually play on master once I hit the higher levels, but every time I try and start a game at that level I get my ass kicked. (perhaps my tactic of "run in room, swing sword" needs work). How could a level One character survive at master difficulty?

I start off on Expert sometimes, but mostly it's Adept. I never touched Master before.

Well I use to start on Master but now I start on Legendary. It may be rather difficult but that's why its fun.

I've never played expert or master in TES (adept for me), Fallout on the other hand, I have many times played on very hard.

I'm a wuss when it comes to combat in TES.

Are there any quick tips or tricks for "starting the game on level one without getting you're ass kicked?"

I play on Adept at first. At around level 30-35 I turn it up to Expert. At 50 I'll go to either Master or Legendary.

What kind of weapon are you hoping to use?

Oh good, I'm glad there's a topic I've found about this.

I for one couldn't understand how anyone could survive on the tougher settings than default (Adept) at the lower levels. Now it makes a little more sense since it seems many tend to increase the difficultly as they go, rather than doing so right in the beginning.

Honestly if you try it and pay attention to what the enemy is doing and after recognizing how the A.I. works its incredibly easy.

Well each to their own, but I don't think 'incredibly easy' is the right term, perhaps for you! On the other hand, once you know how something works, in this case the A.I., most things do become somewhat simpler. In truth I don't want to learn how the A.I. works, for then a lot of the mystique and thrill of combat will evaporate. I know this from past experiences. I digress...

However; Yes, I'm sure time will make a huge difference. I've only just brought Skyrim recently, and though I've spent a lot of time in TES IV:Oblivion, the mechanics between the two games are dissimilar enough to make one feel a novice again. My style of fighting I've brought over - which is very reactive based and hence intimately tied to what the enemy is doing - just doesn't cut it here in Skyrim, at least not at the moment. Infact, I've had more success not paying attention to what the enemy does so far, which is a little disappointing, but one can only hope such changes with time. I put this down to, once again, being new and learning the finer points of the game, as well as my character's skill development being in it's infancy, e.g. blocking is limited in use at such low levels at you still get hurt for significant damage. This latter point, inparticular, is not a bad thing; it's just part of the process of character development.

I start on Master before Legendary level exists. Now I start on Legendary and switch to Expert when reaches around level 10.

Started on Adept until the game got too easy. Then put it on Master difficulty.

You just have to adapt better to the AI, as others have said. on Master, aside from having more "health" (they actually don't; your damage is just halved), melee NPC enemies will block more often, power attack more often... at least it seems that way to me. Melee combat becomes a more risky proposition, and good footwork/timing will save your bacon. So will taking out ranged attackers/casters before anyone else. You really don't want to be pelted with arrows/mauled by an Atronach while you're moshing in the pit with the melee guys. All damage dealt to you is 2x, and it adds up fast.

My advice: Stealth. Thin the enemy ranks before you make any kind of rush. You'll see far fewer kill-cam scenes (of the bad variety) that way.

Edit: Wanted to add that with my current character, who started @ Master, I didn't really start feeling like I was overpowering the enemy until the 40s. But up until that time, Skyrim was a scary place to explore. But I also employ certain house rules, such as no healing during combat and what-not. My current character only really uses the Alteration school, and potion-gulping needs to have an animation. I shouldn't be able to hit a hotkey and insta-heal.

I started on Legendary and never switched to another difficulty setting. And I gave myself two more rules : no magicka, and no enchanted weapon or armor. Only alchemy and regular weapons.

I am now level 20 and I had really tough moments. For me the key of success is : a follower! I am still with Lydia and this girl is incredible, she stands up against almost everything.

I always play on Expert.

SkyRE takes care of the rest.

My name is Stannis Baratheon and I play on adept.

I always play with expert. In early levels as well as in the higher levels. And I usually have HUD disabled and I never use healing during combat (except with mage characters who have perks in restoration).

I personally start out on legendary and stay on legendary

I play on Novice to get through Helgen fast, after I get out of Helgen I put it on Legendary.

I myself like Helgan

I leave it at Expert, although I sometimes have to dial it down a notch or two. I've tried Master, but it seems excessive until certain abilities, such as Smithing, have been developed to a point where armour and weapons will have sufficient ratings to put you on par with the strength of many enemies on that difficulty.

Adept, then I'll switch to expert when I'm a higher level.

Starting on Adept, and increase difficulty later if you like. A completely new game, that's good enough until you get the feel of it.

Cautious and sneaky is the best way, whatever difficulty, always ready to run back and return to take them down one by one.

Good at running gives a lot more options as well in tactics, I raised Stamina for speed, rather than Health to absorb hits, it works. Good for leading them into traps as well.

I always play on expert. I hate damage sponges.

I prefer to gimp myself and my gear instead of playing on master as it's dumb for a basic bandit in fur armor to withstand so much damage from my axe.

The only time I switch to master (now legendary) is during a dragon attack or other notable enemies that I want a hard fight from.