Skyrim update:
A villager mentioned to me that the Imperial Legion is accepting new recruits at a fortress named Solitude. It's a fitting name because it's an elevated fortress on the other side of the country, so I started on my way. I had a few encounters with bandits along the way, had to traverse near-whiteout conditions in a blizzard and was attacked by a few wolves but I eventually made it to Solitude.
Oh, I also met up with a few giants who quickly pwned me. And I stumbled into a secluded house only to be crispy-crittered by a high-level dark mage who was none too happy with me barging into his home. Just a few reminders that I have some leveling to do before I can deal with everyone in the game.
Anyway, after quite a while travelling I reach Solitude. It's great when you reach a new area for the first time because after you've discovered a location you can Fast Travel there (meaning the next time I want to go there I can just click it on the map and I won't have to spend all that time travelling). They gave me a little test. There was an abandoned fortress in a strategic location and some bandits took the liberty of moving in. The squatters must go and I was tasked with single-handedly clearing the place out. As soon as I'm spotted by the watchmen at the fortress a few bandits came at me. I have this sweet Bow of Embers that sets targets on fire. I used that until they got close then switched to my handy sword and shield and did away with them. There were a few tougher enemies in the fortress but nothing I couldn't handle.
I get back to Solitude, swear the oath of the Imperial Legion, receive my official Imperial Legion helmet, breastplate, greaves, boots, shield, etc, and I'm in. Now I'm off on my first mission as a member.
I haven't even touched the main story yet. I will.
Maybe after I join the College of Winterhold (mages guild). Or the Thieves Guild. I'll get to the main story eventually. Probably. Maybe.
