I want to make a thief character that also has a chance in a battle. I've tried this before and have always had trouble with draugr deathords. It seems like sneak doesn't work against them and you can't use poison either. what strategy can sneaky characters who have light defense and medium combat skills use against these enemies? The only thing I can think of is to save some scrolls that do fire damage.

sneak w/ invisibility potions. Also, build your range up a bit... Always helps.

There are some amazing "sneak perks" that will help you out. utilize them, also- the shout "throw voice" is pretty handy.

This is basically my formula: Sneak mode, keep moderate distance and try to stay behind target. If target faces you, watch his movement cycle and note any particular moments when his back is turned to you. Once his back is turned make your way behind him, there's a "roll perk" that will shorten the distance quickly. Then with a dagger, attack unsuspecting enemy- there's an assassin perk that allows you to do 15x the damage with a dagger in sneak.

If the enemy is alerted to your position, toss back an invisibility potion, sneak to another area, give yourself some distance if you have to (hurry if it's a 'brief potion'), and make a plan of attack based off their movements. Always wait it out if they're 'alert.'

If the enemy is alert but doesn't quite know where you're at, and they are surely going to make their way to your position- use that throw voice shout (point it in a direction furthest away from you) and when they seem distracted, pull back, or if you see any opening for an attack- use it.

Again- utilize your ranged weapons as well. Staying in sneak mode, there's a perk that will do 3x the damage with a bow (or crossbow). Distance is your ally. It gives you time to reload and make the kill, also- it makes it harder for the enemy to find you.

yeah, but one time I had a sneak archer who had pretty good archery and sneak skill who got stuck in a room with a draugr deathlord. sneak didn't work and the room was too small to get away. only survived because i had about 30 health potions and repeatedly shot him from point blank range.

Archery from deathlords to ancient dragons.

but it seems like these deathlords are immune to sneaking. has anyone noticed that?

I've been lucky with a few. what level is your sneak at right now?

this was an older character. I was so freaked out from that experience that i haven't played a thief in about 6 months. that deathlord scared the crap out of me.