So im a level 14 ..something, thief/assassin i guess, and im just curious what are the skills do you feel are a necessity? Im thinking sbout enchanting as i would love to enchant my weapons, and i was thinking alchemy so i could posion my arrows. But what about armor? Should i always invent points in at least one armor type?

I have alot of perk points coming up and i dont want to have a 'everything' character,i just want stealing and assasination and then the others must haves?

Thanks for the help guys

My must haves for every character are speech up to merchant perk and alchemy....I never self enchant and rarely smith, if I do it's only to arcane smithing.....

If you dont enchant, how do you make your weapon powerful?

it depends on what you need... Maybe you need a stamina-boost everytime you hit someone? Or a tradiotinal "fire sword?

edit. oh nevermind... Maybe he uses unique items that already have a magic effect.

For every build? The main enchanting ones that add 20% per level, plus the one which adds 25% to skills. After that it's down to build-based perks. I don't bother with the one for bartering because it doesn't make enough difference, and it's not like money is a problem.

Must have for all builds?

The answer is none.

Correct sir!

Always lockpick. Always.

Just get the perks for whatever weapon you are useing.
Also don't underestimate Alchemy,a fortify marksmen potion can get you massive extra damage for 60 seconds and this has the benefit of working against opponents that are imune to poison.
I prefer alchemy over enchanting any day because you don't have to keep filling up soul gems to recharge your weapon.
However you do have to keep collecting ingredients to make potions with,so it's a trade off I guess.
I just enjoy makeing potions more than enchanting also.

I'd recommend one form of crafting to use up the inventory clutter, and to have some fun.

Closest to essential are the Steel Smithing and Arcane Blacksmith perks IMO. Only character who hasn't taken them was one who only used bound weapons and she'd have liked to have them so she could improve enchanted weapons and armour for followers but I had too many other perks I wanted for her.

I don't think any skills are 'must have'. My thief is my only character with alchemy and he just does it to earn extra profit. My ranger doesn't use smithing often, or alchemy or enchanting at all. You can play with any combination of skills on paper, to be honest. You don't need to have any of the skills in the game.