Oblivion:Roleplaying/Infiltrator

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A very broad style of playing, it allows you to use any kind of combat, whether it's up-close, magic or sneaking.

[edit] Character

The Infiltrator can take many forms, so mix and match until you find one you are happy with. You should remember that the group you are infiltrating is not the group you will hang around with during your career. For example, if you are going to be a Necromancer infiltrating the Mage's Guild, don't make your character a Mage, if that makes sense.
As an Infiltrator, you will need to take on many disguises depending on how you will live your normal life. Maybe after each contract in a town you move to a different one and start a new life? Keep civilian clothes along with your Infiltrator armor and weapons, which should, by the way, match the style of your Infiltrator.
Also decide how your Infiltrator lives when he's not on a contract. Does he live in his employer's headquarters with the rest of his members, or does he live in a house by himself? During a contract, you should try to live with or near other members of the group you are infiltrating to make it seem like you are with them.
It's also important to decide if you are a "Good" Infiltrator or "Bad" Infiltrator. In other words, do you infiltrate groups of enemies like the Mythic Dawn and Bandits to keep the citizens of Cyrodiil safe, or do you infiltrate do-gooders like the Imperial Legion or Order of Virtuous Blood?

[edit] Jobs/Contracts

Start off as a freelance Infiltrator to get some experience. No employer wants a newbie! Maybe become an alchemist's apprentice, then when he trusts enough, steal his secret formula! Then you can make some money selling the plans or the potions itself! Or even get a job with a jewelry store manager, and when the shop's closed up take the goods! It is recommended that you save guilds for contracts, as they are easier and more realistic to roleplay against. Maybe you wish to break the ranks of the Order of Virtuous Blood, or another small clan.
Once you gain the trust of the victim group, you have a choice to make. Should complete your task now, or wait until you get more powerful in the group? Maybe since you are a new Infiltrator, you make the mistake of getting caught and getting kicked out forever. Do whatever you can to make it seem more realistic.
When you feel you've become experienced in the ways of infiltrating and are comfortable in your style, starting asking and looking for an employer. Employers will give you jobs and contracts to infiltrate a certain group with a task in mind. Maybe it's small like stealing some treasure, or big like eliminating the entire group. You may want to take your time on these jobs, as no one is very trusted when they first enter a group or guild.

[edit] Guild

Once you've done a few contracts, rise through the ranks of your "Infiltrator's Guild". Maybe have some followers wait in the Guild Hall and pretend they are fellow members (The Adoring Fan could even work: Who would guess that annoying pipsqueak would be an Infiltrator?). Also, make sure to furnish your hall with weapons, food and even trophies of your past jobs.
You could even be the one to start your Infiltrator's Guild. As a freelancer, maybe you cleaned out the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, this would make a great guild hall. But again, it's your choice. Do whatever suits you.
Maybe have a certain item on that that marks you are an Infiltrator. This way, if a fellow member gets the same job as you, you'll that that they are on your side.

[edit] Civilian Life

When not on a contract or job, you should be living life as a regular citizen. Get a normal job, talk to other people. But, remember: You are still an Infiltrator. Make sure to ask around for any tips on certain groups that might be a good next victim.

[edit] Other Tips

You can use the console to put yourself in different factions, which means you could infiltrate Bandits, Daedra, Marauders and more.
Avoid having to do the same tasks over and over again, like stealing or killing. Otherwise, you pretty much become the Dark Brotherhood or Thieve's Guild. Maybe you need to infiltrate the Black Horse Courier and deliver any upcoming information to your employer for his use, or maybe the Mage's Guild is creating an ultimate spell and you need to mess with their calculations. Be creative!
As an Infiltrator, you never know when something will go wrong. Always keep a dagger or spell ready to silence someone who's getting too smart.
When you choose you style of infiltrating, stick with it. Don't change in the middle of an important contract, otherwise you will have weak skills. If you must change styles, practice them so you get at least an idea of how to fight and infiltrate with it.
Here are some examples of guilds or groups that hate each other:
- Imperial Watch--Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood
- The Blades--Mythic Dawn
- Fighter's Guild--Blackwood Company
- Mage's Guild--Necromancers
- Knights of the White Stallion--Black Bow Bandits
- Order of the Virtuous Blood--Vampires