Yeah something like the Oblivion Crisis would be tough on the commoners. But if I could just chill in Vivec City or even Whiterun for most of history it’s pretty safe.

Yes, a true Rogue-like where every run is fresh.

Sometimes I wonder if moving dirt and shooting bugs is a good way to make a living…

You’re way more likely to be a random civilian pressed into service to defend Minas Tirith, if that helps.

The game was rigged from the start…

If you take them at face value and not as a gamified abstraction, sure. “Pallet Town” having three buildings is unlivable but it isn’t shown that way in non-game media.

The organized crime is rough but that usually gets sorted out by a child at some point so just keep your head down.

It’s pretty safe to be an NPC in thr Elder Scrolls as long as you aren’t important or interesting and you’re polite to adventurers.