So Im bored out of my mind with the typical thief/stealth build....and want to take it a new direction. I have always either used archery or destruction, never both with any character. I know it may seem redundant since they both do the same thing (ranged damage), I would use them both in different ways.

Archery would obviously be for sniping, stealth attacks, and ranged attacks when out of magicka, while destruction would be used after the initial stealth attacks, to further weaken the enemy coming towards me. Illusion would be another must, never really got into it but always wanted to, as well as alchemy. Does anyone have any tips on how to make either of those more effective?

Lastly, since im using two different types of ranged attacks, my idea was to use dual enchanted daggers as my melee weapon, and get the elemental fury shout as soon as i can to become a dagger-whirling dervish pretty much. Light armor and sneak are the two other major skills, along with a few one-handed perks.

So my main question is what race do i choose?

I want to pick dunmer because of the awesome destruction bonus as well as sneak, illusion, and light armor bonuses. Also, never played a dunmer before. Buttt the 25 skill boost the wood elf has to archery is really making the decision a tough one. Which race do you think would do better?

Basic Build:

Main Skills: Archery, Destruction, Sneak, Illusion
Minor Skills: Light Armor, Enchanting, Alchemy, One-Handed

Go dunmer because you have never used him.

why don't you just go all out and play as a big dumb orc warrior?

I'd go with Dunmer, as it would distribute to most of your skills, while Bosmer would only distribute to Archery. Even though Archery is one of your main skills, you will also be using it a lot so it won't be that hard to get up. The other skills could use an extra boost. Besides, Dunmer are cool.

already done that, got bored, plus my other character is a sword and board paladin so i already have my "run in room and smash emeryones face" fix lol

My last char was a dunmer wizard, and I wasn't all that impressed with the dunmer advantages. It was still very hard at certain points in the game, due to the lack of alteration defensive skills at the time(s). I think it might have been much easier if I had worn armor, I was using just the best destruction robe/hoods I could find. But then I would have needed to take different perks, as opposed to the ones that give alteration bonuses ("flesh" spells) for not wearing armor. It made me wonder if it would have been better to go W/Altmer. Lesson learned: It is very hard to be a pure mage (plus archery optional) in Skyrim. It also practically requires you to use a ton of potions. However when I got up lvl >55, it was getting pretty easy and I increased the difficulty lvl; and still found it easily playable on Master. FYI, don't know if this helps or not.

Dunmer wizard/alchemist/crazed mage.... sounds badass.

correction: dunmer wizard/alchemist/assassin/sniper..........awwwwesome lmao..

I almost want this character to be tough,,,,,that is why i thought of the dual daggers thing

Think outside the box, but with a purpose.
As an example, perhaps you could make your archery/destruction character a Breton.

Yes, I said Breton.
- Their inherent magic resistance is always useful, from beginning to end
- Alchemy and Illusion, two mentioned interests, will start at 20
- Dragonskin will allow you to absorb magicka which you can then use for Destruction, which will subsequently level quite quickly
- A starting racial bonus in Archery is irrelevant in Skyrim. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can get Archery to 50 in no time with Faendal...for free.

A Breton may prove just the change of pace you're seeking.
Just a suggestion

Ever try an Argonian before? Or an Atlmer?

My latest character on master difficulty

* Major skill: one handed, archery
* Minor skill: illusion, conjuration (necromancy)

Crafting skills: all crafting skill are allowed. but levelling is strictly limit to stuff you find beside alchemy. i.e. you can't buy anything from vendor. you may allow to go all the way out to find ore/ingredients but you should avoid it if possible. (this is to control not levelling crafting too high as all 3 combined can be too powerful)

Can use equipment/potion to boost crafting skill (prefer it is something you find while travelling), but you can't create crafting enchantment/potion (this loop is too overpower IMO even in master difficulty)

Start your life as mercenaries, and do all side/misc/bounty quests for all hold (mainly because i finished all factions and main quests in other character. those radiant quests are less boring)

Stealth is strongly not recommanded

p.s. this is not suggestion on race, but if you are bored with making new character. this may able to give you good fun

Argonian paladin hist skin will save your ass multiple times
You will never die if played properly
Use all three one handed types the are each good in their own way
Shield bash lots and yes dem healing spell and wards are pretty useful against mages specially with the perk that absorbs magic and alteration for more armor and spell absorbing greatness.
And if all else fails
"detect life!!!" jkjk HIST SKIN *

a breton being outside the box?