Because I play dead-is-dead, and am still not too good at the game, I've now pretty much had my fill of sneaky archers and mages; at least for the time being.

I was noticing that Redguards get

• +10 http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:One-handed
  
• +5 http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Alteration, http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Archery, http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Block, http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Destruction, http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Smithing

And thinking of playing a Redguard battlemage sort of character.

I use Invested magic, so alteration is a given (cast buff spell, it lasts for a day but lowers total magicka available). Block, one-handed and an armor skill (wondering about heavy but not sure how much that slows you down and impedes your stealth).

Sneaky archers tend to suit my playstyle so going light armor and sneaking a lot is probably a wise move for me. Destruction seems kinda useless if you plan to use a shield so probably not going that direction.

Now the smithing part, this is really a big part of what I have yet to fully comprehend in the game: masterful use of smithing would seem to be complementary with enchanting (if not even dependent on it?). Enchanting in contrast would seem to be complemented by Conjuration, for the simple reason that, filled soul gems are expensive and not always available. Perhaps I should just sleep more often or travel to different cities more often?

I'm intrigued at the prospect of playing a batlemage who mines, smiths and enchants his own gear, but so far the weakening effect of leveling on the smithing and enchanting combined with the weakening effect of putting perks there has me stymied.

When do people tend to level up in Smithing and Enchanting? What general play strategies do you tend to follow? Is an orc a better character for an Enchanter-Smith?