Character Creation & Customization

Character Creation & Customization

Your journey in Oblivion begins with the crucial step of character creation. This process allows you to define your race, gender, appearance, and starting skills, laying the foundation for your entire playthrough. Choosing wisely can sificantly impact your early game experience and long-term development, so understanding the options available is paramount.

Oblivion offers a diverse selection of races, each with unique starting attribute bonuses and special abilities. These racial traits can influence your preferred playstyle. For example, Nords are naturally resistant to frost and have a bonus to Strength, making them excellent warriors, while High Elves (Altmer) have a bonus to Intelligence and Magicka, ideal for mages.

The character customization goes beyond race. You can meticulously sculpt your character's facial features, hair, and body type, allowing for a truly personalized avatar. While appearance is largely cosmetic, it contributes to the immersion of the game.

The most impactful choice during character creation is the selection of your Major Skills. You choose seven skills that will determine your starting proficiencies and how quickly you level up. As your major skills increase, your overall character level will rise. It's important to choose skills that synergize with your chosen race and desired playstyle.

Here's a breakdown of the character creation process:

1. Race Selection: Choose from races like Imperial, Nord, Redguard, Breton, High Elf, Wood Elf, Dark Elf, Orc, Argonian, and Khajiit. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses.
2. Gender: Select male or female. This primarily affects appearance and some dialogue.
3. Appearance Customization: Adjust facial features, hairstyles, skin tone, and body type.
4. Class Selection: You can choose from pre-defined classes or create a custom class.
5. Major Skills: Select seven skills that will define your character's starting abilities and leveling progression.
6. Births: Choose a births that grants a permanent bonus or ability. Examples include the Warrior, Mage, Thief, and various specialized ss like the Serpent or Shadow.

Tips for Choosing Major Skills:

• Synergy: Pick skills that complement each other. If you want to be a warrior, focus on weapon skills (Blade, Blunt, Hand to Hand) and armor skills (Heavy Armor, Light Armor), along with Block.
• Magic Users: Focus on magic schools like Destruction, Mysticism, Alteration, Conjuration, and Restoration, along with a weapon skill for defense.
• Stealth Characters: Prioritize skills like Sneak, Light Armor, Blade, Archery, and Lockpicking.
• Balanced Characters: Consider a mix of combat, magic, and stealth skills to create a versatile character.

Don't underestimate the importance of your births. The Warrior s, for example, provides a sificant boost to combat skills, while the Mage s enhances magical abilities. Choose one that best supports your chosen major skills.