Hi everyone. I finished Oblivion a few years ago but never played SI. I'm thinking about finishing it now, but I may want to start a new character instead of use my old one (who was around the 30s when I finished the main game). If I start a new character, what is a good level for him to enter SI? Does it matter? I don't mind leveling a bit in the original game first, but I'd rather not have to get as high as 30 before playing the expansion.

Thanks.

Given the fact that Oblivion is leveled, you can do SI at level 1 if you wanted. But I *think* the minimum level to get in is 5. It's kind of difficult at low levels without turning down the difficulty, but it's possible. I always do it 30+ though to get the best quest rewards, since they are leveled, and the higher level items from SI are the best in the game.
The content is aimed at higher level players, though. Like I said, it would be kind of difficult at lower levels. I'd recommend, for the maximum experience and fun, level 15 minimum. But that's just my personal preference.

I Usually dont start SI till around about level 23 or so , only for the reason thats when the Amber and Madness Armors are at their peaks.

It's better to do it at lower levels because there is a quest where you have to bring a young boliwag or what ever it's called to someone. These creatures appear at lower levels and it seems like they don't appear when your a really high level. By the time I started this quest I was level 46-48 and could not find this creature anywhere. In a lower leveled file I was level 8 and saw them around everywhere. Excuse the newbieness but I have not played shivering isles in a long time and I only just a few weeks ago became addicted to oblivion again after a 7 month hiatus from the game.

What makes it difficult at lower levels? Just the fact that I won't have as many abilities?

Some of the enemies will be brutal for a lower level player. That said, you can access the Isles at any level. My mage goes strictly for the alchemical ingredients, and the wonderful exploring. Weapons are leveled, so you will find the best type of weapons at a higher level.... and you may have some more resources in terms of spells and weapons at your disposal to deal with some of the scaries like Mended Flesh Atronachs. **shudders**

Hmm, maybe I should just re-familiarize myself with my level 30ish mage.