It's really hard to play on, but it's really fun!

Yeah, early on you clearly won't be capable of disarming enemies via Shout, Pickpocket, or Bash, so the focus should remain on your typical assassinry. The Draugr in Bleak Falls, for example, are pretty damn easy to sneak up to without waking, so you can actually backstab your way through most of that dungeon (which raises Sneak so very rapidly). In the early levels, I kept my focus on finding a weapon, whether it be the pickaxe laying next to the two bandits over there or the sword I looted off this guy's corpse after I choked him out with an unarmed backstab or you name it. Once I had something in my hand that would suffice, it was time to play the shadows game. Backstabs, Frenzies, you name it.

Michael! Great to hear your input on this! I agree, Bleak Falls Barrow's Draugr are easy to sneak up on, and you can raise sneak at least 5 levels once you're there.

Man, how long have those screenshots been there? Lol thanks a ton, Ponty. That bashing one is fucking superb. And is it just me or does the Hooded Black Robes + Ebony Gauntlets & Boots look not work way better than that skintight Dark Brotherhood crap?

I put those on yesterday, Ponty made some bad ass ones for us! Thanks again! And yes it looks much better.

Nope, I totally did too, especially early on. Nothing like German suplexes and rear naked chokes to prove you're the killer of all killers.

I always only play on Master, but that isn't for everyone. If you need to, take it down to Expert or Apprentice even.

I suggest using a sword, mace, or axe at the beginning (along with a shield). That way you can level One-Handed and Block at the same time. Do this up until you get Disarming Bash (one of the most essential perks for this build), or the Disarm shout. Once you get either of those then the game gets easier.

If you still can't play it on Master then just lower the difficulty for a while.