I REEEEAAAALLLLY want to play a wizard. Really bad. I was wondering if anyone has had any success using enchanting and alchemy to support destruction, and had success at high levels - especially after level 50?

Honestly, using weakness to magic, then magic boost potion are > than anything else for burst damage (Aside from backstab). I said it once, but my suggestion wasn't warmly accepted, yet I still stand by what I said. I think you could go all the way with it, if you're willing to go for alchemy and making potions a lot, it could be very interesting. Enchanting is common, it works great with it, but only alchemy + enchanting with pure Destruction, that is something fun. Conjuration and Illusion are handy, but only limiting yourself in Ench/Alch/Destro is challenging and fun. Do post here when you try it out if you liked it, and you just gave me idea for a new toon

Sadly, It actually took some fortify restoration loops for my vampiric drain to become on par with a master volikhar vampire's. Can't say much for other spells though.

I think I am going to load up a new game right now and try it out. I was planning on this for a build: http://skyrimcalculator.com/201232

I would only summon in extreme need. I would roleplay a wizard who is hesitant to play with Daedra. Instead, he would use nature to aid his magical ability - much like Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings books.

EDIT: Basically, I would just use normal destro, but in boss fights and such, I would keep potions I made that increase destruction damage.

EDIT 2: Yeah, this seems fun to me. Obviously a Breton or Altmer is ideal, but I will also be playing as the Dragonborn, so to me, nothing else besides a Nord fits that. Yu can look more like Gandalf with a Nord than you can with a Breton anyway.

Sound build, glad you'll do it. And this whole thing sounds like a great concept. Well it's hard to tell if you'll be dominating everything, or if you'll struggle at some points but it is 100% fun. Keep us informed about the progress, I'm really curious about this, and especially if you'll roleplay it as well. It will be a story to tell!

But..alchemy decreases cost, not increases damage. So what are you talking about?

You have weakness poisons, you take 40% extra damage from fire for example (Not you, the one you have poisoned with it ofc).

I have one mage that does that quite easily.

Alchemy increases damage. Enchanting decreases cost.

Alchemy increases damage. Not decrease cost. It's awesome. By increasing damage, it is effectively also decreasing cost, since you need fewer shots to kill the opponent. You can make very good fortify destruction potions from very early on, and get it up to +100% or more later on.

My favorite style is destruction + alchemy + alteration. I am personally not too fond of conjuration. Atronach stone is very good for this build. For this build, I do not use smithing or enchanting. I wear college robes of destruction and circlet I find or buy.

Weakness poisons are great in theory, but the mechanics of applying it is rather awkward for me, so I don't use them. I don't really feel the need. Dragon encounters are very easy for destruction mages. My mages usually do not need potions when fighting dragons. Magicka regen when the dragon is flying around and atronach absorb is usually enough even for ancient dragons.

Here is my old write-up on this type of play style: http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1387285-guide-for-new-mages-pure-destruction-opening/