>>712469962
>>712471091

This mod should be in everyone's playlist if you want to avoid cheesing the game from the start

https://www.nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/45624

Now add in realistic repair, harder barter, real disposition etc and you should have a decent challenge. I'm level 25 right now, still broke as fuck because repairing my gear costs a fortune. People are starting to like me more but continue to rip me off and I'm not skilled enough yet to enchant my own items. High level enemies can still 1shot me on occasion so some fights require planning ahead and using every trick you got to avoid getting killed.