The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim post-release thread

I rented the console version first and then bought the PC version after I saw how awesome it is. I’ve concluded that the PC is version is better for me. I saw a noticeable improvement in graphics on the PC, and also load times were much faster. The actual gameplay is better to. I can’t hit a moving target with a bow to save my life on the console. I think just having more keys to hit helps immensely. That being said, I would like to make this my hub for any questions I have that are Skyrim related. I can Google around for answers, but sometimes those gaming sites have a ton of crap to load, and my Internet connection isn’t the greatest. So, here comes the PC list so far; thanks guys!

Steam – I can run the game in offline mode, but is there anyway to bypass Steam completely? I would think it’s installed locally and I could just click on the Skyrim.exe or something instead of having to have Steam up and running.

Enemies – is there anyway to tell if a NPC is friend or foe? I snuck up to a ruined castle and saw some guards on the walls, but I couldn’t tell if they were friendly or not. If I put my crosshairs on them, it doesn’t tell me their name or anything. I have to get close enough to interact, or un-sneak so they see me. It seems once there aggressive towards me, I can then see their name and health until I split their skull with my axe.

Health – is there a way to see a NPC’s health without being in combat against them? For instance, if two NPCs are fighting, how can I see who is winning?

Making money – Any tips for making money early on? I’ve been trying to sell all the swords/armor I can from dungeons, but it seems the value set when I pick up is different from what I actually get selling it (usually about 2/3 less). Any way to change that? Also, has anyone heard of any item vs vendor price lists to maximize what to pick up and what to leave? I think Penny-Arcade described me the best: http://penny-arcade.com/comic/2011/11/14