Ilya
Article Writer
My affair with Skyrim started 5 months ago when my cousin, Adam, suggested I get it for myself as a birthday present. I've always been a big fan of fantasy based books, movies, and even some games, but I had never spent more than an hour playing one. About 2 years ago I started reading "The legend of Drizzt" series by R.A. Salvatore, therefore sparking my obsession with the fantasy world. Up until then I had never really gotten into it. I played a little "Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance" for a week when I was in 8th grade visiting my sister. Aside from that, defeating Bowser in Super Mario Brother's was my biggest gaming achievement! Adam knew all too well how dear I hold Drizzt and Guenhwyvar to my heart so he told me, "You would practically be able to play your books." I was immediately sold! I needed that game and didn't waste time in getting a hold of it! Little did I know this game would unleash a part of me I otherwise wouldn't have known existed.
There are many reasons why this game has captured my heart and soul, perhaps too many to list. But one thing sticks out profoundly more than any of the others; the limitless options of play style. Skyrim has something for everyone, no matter how much prior experience one has in the vast world of gaming. From personalizing a character's physical appearance to creating a fighting style that best compliments the players ability....or in my case, lack thereof!
I decided to go with a Dark Elf, of course, and named her Ilya. Although, I was thoroughly disappointed when I found she didn't have a 600 pound black panther as a companion. I'm still waiting to stumble across that onyx figurine... I chose to stick with The Path of Shadow. My main reason for choosing stealth (at the time) was because I was such a newb. I figured my best defense until I familiarized myself with dual analog controls was to avoid potential foes. But once I had that figured out, it was on!
Needless to say, Helgen was utter chaos! I was certain there was no way I'd ever make it out of there, but finally after about a half hour standing in a burning house (thank god for dark elf flame resistance) I was able to navigate my way out. Once I was out of Helgen and en route to Riverwood I was able to really start figuring out the controls; and even stayed in Riverwood for a while just to try and get somewhat comfortable.
While I was roaming the streets, I couldn't help but notice how much different I walked from everyone else. Then I started to remember that I had a really hard time keeping up with Rolaf on the way there. I ended up coming to the conclusion that Dark Elves must walk really creepy and slow, and I'd try her out for a little while longer. It wasn't until I was on my way to Bleak Falls Barrow that I figured out why I was walking so slow and "creepy". Some bandits ambushed me just north of Riverwood and amidst all my button pushing, Ilya stood up! Once I sent those flea-bitten bandits back to their maker, I took a minute to figure out what I had done. It was then I realized I had been walking in a crouch since I left Helgen and had unintentionally boosted my sneak skill considerbly! My career as an assassin had begun!
There are many reasons why this game has captured my heart and soul, perhaps too many to list. But one thing sticks out profoundly more than any of the others; the limitless options of play style. Skyrim has something for everyone, no matter how much prior experience one has in the vast world of gaming. From personalizing a character's physical appearance to creating a fighting style that best compliments the players ability....or in my case, lack thereof!
I decided to go with a Dark Elf, of course, and named her Ilya. Although, I was thoroughly disappointed when I found she didn't have a 600 pound black panther as a companion. I'm still waiting to stumble across that onyx figurine... I chose to stick with The Path of Shadow. My main reason for choosing stealth (at the time) was because I was such a newb. I figured my best defense until I familiarized myself with dual analog controls was to avoid potential foes. But once I had that figured out, it was on!
Needless to say, Helgen was utter chaos! I was certain there was no way I'd ever make it out of there, but finally after about a half hour standing in a burning house (thank god for dark elf flame resistance) I was able to navigate my way out. Once I was out of Helgen and en route to Riverwood I was able to really start figuring out the controls; and even stayed in Riverwood for a while just to try and get somewhat comfortable.
While I was roaming the streets, I couldn't help but notice how much different I walked from everyone else. Then I started to remember that I had a really hard time keeping up with Rolaf on the way there. I ended up coming to the conclusion that Dark Elves must walk really creepy and slow, and I'd try her out for a little while longer. It wasn't until I was on my way to Bleak Falls Barrow that I figured out why I was walking so slow and "creepy". Some bandits ambushed me just north of Riverwood and amidst all my button pushing, Ilya stood up! Once I sent those flea-bitten bandits back to their maker, I took a minute to figure out what I had done. It was then I realized I had been walking in a crouch since I left Helgen and had unintentionally boosted my sneak skill considerbly! My career as an assassin had begun!