I have about 110 hours. I got the Mace of Molag Bal ages ago, and it is still my main one-handed weapon!!
It's not quite as powerful as some of my other stuff but it's super handy for trapping souls with, so I carry it around.
The spellbreaker is another ace daedric artifact. It's a really strong shield but it automatically casts a ward that deflects spells when you block.
When I get around to the daedric quests......(got the Wabbajack though, like heat, it collects dust in my storage unit)
I need to go toe to toe more, I can't help feel like I'm missing out by being all mage-like.
Even though my dual-wielded destruction spells KILL EVERYTHING.

what starting characters are you guys? I always go wood elf since morrowind, no real reason why like apart from i like using bows... and RFUS is right the Wabbajack is ace![]()
It's not really useful for proper combat but it's fun to carry around. And occasionally when you're fighting a really powerful enemy, turning them into a rabbit can work wonders!
I started off as a mage, as ever. But the further you get the weaker spells get, proportionately. Plus the very final set of spells are basically unusable until you can get the perk to half their cost at 100 destruction. Which is really, really hard to reach. And even then those spells can be interrupted as you cast them.
Start mixing it up is what I'd suggest. One spell, one sword. Dual-wielding is best mind.
Never had any problem....my arhcery is maxed out, and hitting anyone with a sneak critical attack with my daedric arrows......they are all light work.
Thief: The Dylan Project
*buys some Skooma
High Elf because they were easily the best for magic.
And that was great at first but now I don't use much magic!