I'm going to give Mason's hilarious 'Hold Guard' build a spin but I have a roleplaying issue- why would someone be SO committed to serving others and putting themselves second?
Not only do I intend to become thane of each hold but also try to complete most of the decent local quests too. However, I have a hard time imagining why someone would lead such a selfless life in reality (maybe it's because I'm not that sort of person in reality ha) so has anyone got any suggestions? Character ideas, races, builds and backgrounds would be much appreciated, thanks! :)
If you ever seen any interviews about people that help others then you may have your answer. They universally say some variant of "It makes me happy." Seeing other people happy and knowing you were the cause can bring joy to oneself. From my experience, I found that the most selfish greedy people never seem to have any happiness - and they think they can become happier by gaining more and more. But it never works. After the 'basic needs' of life, accumulating more wealth does not adds to ones happiness (There are actual studies on this). So I guess, in a sense, it is for selfish reasons. I think a better question might be:
Why wouldn't a character be a hero?
Edit: If this was posted in the roleplay group, you might get more input.
You don't need to start out as a hero. Develop your character into one. They could join the guards just as a normal job; sounds better than being a farmer like your parents, and as a Nord, you love the idea of having an opportunity to test yourself in combat. Being a guard is good justification for this, as opposed to the slightly selfish and dreamy idea of taking off on an adventure, exploring the world. Which seems to be the Tamrielic version of a gap year.
After a bit of time in the guard, perhaps you begin to like the positive attention. You like the valour and accolades of success in battle, or maybe you enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. This carries on for a while, with you working for Jarl and Hold as best you can, until finally, you kill a dragon and become Thane of Whiterun.
As Thane, you're thought of as minor nobility, not some member of the guards or everyman mercenary. It isn't long before you get bored. You long to feel steel in your hand and blood boiling in your veins as you test yourself against a foe. So you leave. Go somewhere that people don't recognise you on sight. And begin again. This time, you pre-empt the boredom, thank the Jarl for the honour, and leave the hold as soon as he grants you the title. But a new idea forms. You're already partway there. Now you aim to repeat it, become thane of all Skyrim. Because you never leave a job unfinished.