Took me about 4-5 hours, no use of saves. Finished 502-4. The one gripe I have with the game is critical hits in duels. I died 4 times because I was using the amp up crowd feature to get more gold/experience (great tool for early in the game with lots of Charisma), and they come in and get one lucky hit.
My basis was Charisa early, which dominates. I also kept my Magicka moving up, and using those powerful spells to cruise through the last 25-30 levels. I had 5 Moltens (400-800 damage) and 1 Rejuv which gives full HP/Armor back at any time.
Heres the picture leading up to my fight with the Emperor. GG.