general question

[Ragin Cajun]

trying to get into the game. I know it's been out a while and I've had it since right after release but as with most Bethesda games (every Arena game actually) my old cpu wasn't up to the task. So, new computer now I can try the game out. Only a few years too late..lol.

It seems that you do NOT have to follow the Main Quest line religiously and that the game allows you the flexability to "look around" as it may be. What I can't figure out is if there are certain zones for certain levels or if the game "auto levels" the mobs and quests to be in line with your character. My searches haven't really answered that question. Having asked, here's why the question comes... I did the dungeon immediately across from the jail when I escaped (the tutorial section). I then fast traveled to turn in the necklace for the main line quest. I returned to the capital to follow up on a side quest for the artifacts I received. I joined the Fighters Guild in the capital. I then went to Anvil to get a contract. Second contract in with the three mobs in the shop (after hours) and they have now kicked my butt three times and I haven't made a dent in them.

[fable]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragin Cajun It seems that you do NOT have to follow the Main Quest line religiously and that the game allows you the flexability to "look around" as it may be. What I can't figure out is if there are certain zones for certain levels or if the game "auto levels" the mobs and quests to be in line with your character.

Oblivion is a case of very drastic treasure leveling and monster scaling to your character. Hence the complaint, frequently heard, that there's little or no reason to go check out the various caves, forts, and ruins one finds, because nearly each one is like the others--and because they replenish monsters in a short period of time. One of the reasons I prefer Morrowind, though Oblivion with plenty of the right mods can be a fun experience.

Quote:

I then went to Anvil to get a contract. Second contract in with the three mobs in the shop (after hours) and they have now kicked my butt three times and I haven't made a dent in them.

You might want to stick with the sewers and a nearby cave to level up a bit, just so you can find a bit better armor, and a decent weapon. Also, I strongly recommend you check out our sticky thread on Oblivion mods. There are some that reintroduce a measure (large or small) of variation in the scaling and leveling, others that add new quest systems, and some that create excellent companions. I'd urge you grab one of the last--especially Viconia, who has her own quest system, can be a strong asset at melee, ranged, or magic. (She can even learn spells from you.) Having a second fighter with you when you confront those mobs can be the difference between failure and success.

Incidentally, a great place to locate Oblivion mods (and Viconia in particular) is TES Nexus.

[Ragin Cajun]

Nice. Thanks Fable.

[Fljotsdale]

Another way can be by making sure you don't level up too fast.

A mistake I always make is to put my chosen favoured skills into Major skills, which means I level fast and so get tougher opponents than I can handle at times.
It can be better to keep your favoured skills in Minor skills, and put the ones you don't much use in Major skills slots. This means lower leveling whilst you are in actual fact getting tougher than your opponents. I kinda see this as a sort of cheat, but I know a lot of people do it religiously. I do put some of my favoured skills in Minor, from time to time, but I don't feel good about it, lol!