Thanks!
Re the second shot...no, that was just luck and tfc 1...
. Pressing tilde at the right time.
I'm having a hard, but enjoyable time with SkyRe and I've never died so much, but now I'm getting up in levels it's a bit easier. I love it though because it makes the game actually challenging, but not totally frustrating.
I've even had to leave a couple of dungeons and come back later which never happened in vanilla. I have to really use strategy or even a lowly bandit can wipe the floor with me, especially if his pals are close by. Having said that though, I haven't focused on enchanting and smithing like I used to so my gear is still pretty basic.
I wasn't going to use followers this time, (don't know how many times I decided that and failed) but I found at the early levels I had to and Marcurio is the only one that doesn't annoy the hell out of me and I like having him along. I just wish his chain lightning wasn't so powerful. I am using summoned creatures though, which doesn't really fit with my Nord warrior, so I may soon be able to send Marcurio home. Sorrel is more of a Spellsword and uses Destruction and Restoration so summoning a wolf pack isn't so bad and they are fairly strong as a distraction. Plus, my horse has an inventory which is extremely useful, especially when I come across hunters who have been killed by something else and they have a huge stock of good loot.
I don't want to cheat but the lockpick mini game is getting annoying, as easy as it is, so I've consoled open a few Master chests and don't feel guilty about it...
. I'm not sure which mod adds it, but either Mighty Magic or SkyRe has Open Lock spells like Oblivion, but I never remember to actually buy them when I'm in town. Next time...