I am just curious how doable it is on expert. And I don't mean sneaking and then running away from everything you can't sneak on. I mean actually playing the game, fighting with just a bow or crossbow.

I don't know about Expert, but I did fine on Normal.

I play on Master and there's no running away at all. It's a bit harder than the other playstyles, but it's very rewarding. I also utilize the bow bash quite a bit when things get uncomfortable.

Right Now for Me:

• Ebony Bow
  
• Glass Armor
  
• No HUD

It's the only playstyle for me. I highly recommend it.

I am currently playing a archer,and not that sneaky type. but i play on adept,So cant give a comment on that. But i guess its good,also good now since crossbows are good for a starter weapon. wich you can get pretty early.

Do the block bash perks work with a bow?

The damage ones do. Basically the ones you think would apply. It works the same way as a shield would.

Edit: It's funny because once in a while I'll get a "block" skill level up for my accurate bashing.

First char, thief/assassin. There is nothing that I can't put down in, at most, a few shots, before it can get to me. It's not a play style for everyone, more stealth and such, but completely viable. About to start a Bosmer female huntress too.

I just looked it up, it looks like the only one that will really apply is the deadly bash.

You can be a warrior-like archer. I tend to favor the battle-scene. When I get the chance, I'll use a sneak attack though, just as anyone would.

Archery is overpowered because you can pause the game with Steady Hand, you shoot, enemy staggers, you shoot, enemy staggers, etc., untill he is dead. So getting archery to 60 is the first to do, and also using the bound bow which can be found at level 1 at lower levels which in the early game is very strong.
Later using the alchemy, smithing and enchanting route i got a damage output without any mods, without glitches, without restoration, just using beeing a vampire to maximise enchanting, of an enchanted bow and enchanted gear maximising bow of nearly 1000 damage a shot.

Yes, especially using bash, but then you're better off (much) in heavy armor (especially early on). More traditionally though, you'd want to keep more distance.

I play on master, marksmanship isn't my only means of killing, but even on master - an enchanted and smithed daedric bow with a couple of fortify archery enchantments, fortify marksman potions, and poison of lingering damage health will one shot kill almost anything short of a dragon or a Draugr death overlord.

I don't want to be overpowered in any build, so I will limit myself to one sneak shot per encounter, and not improve my bows through smithing. Nor will I enchant them. I will use alchemy though, for RP purposes.

Gonna have to go with a female on this one I think. Now, which race?

I only use archery if I need to clear a sneak route and for dragons, otherwise I prefer up close and personal encounters.

Bosmer.