Hi,

I'm an orc, level 29. I'm pretty much emphasized one-handed attacks so far, and I've gradually raised my shield skill level, too. Haven't invested many perks in one-handed or "block" so far, so I can still change my mind. So far, I have used mostly heavy armor.

I was getting ready to invest perks in "block" when I figured out how to run around with fast healing in one hand, a weapon in the other. That seems to work pretty well.

What are the pros and cons of depending on restoration spells in one hand versus a shield in one hand? I understand you can do some of each, that that can be awkward, and sometimes in combat, things happen fast. In addition, I've got to decide whether to invest more perks in restoration spells, or more perks in blocking.

Your opinons, please.

Thanks in advance, Daddyorc

Personally, if I need Restoration in Combat, then I use a potion. That is because to me it takes too long to cast a spell, but then I don't keep a healing spell at the ready either. Sounds like you have a good tactic plan and should work with it.

Blocking is awesome, if you time the Bashing right, you can actually prevent enemies from hitting you at all! (As long as you have enough Stamina) Even Enemies that could One-Hit you in Close Combat like Giants and Ancient Dragons.

Restoration healing seems more fun and challenging to me than spamming potions, and if you start dual casting "healing" soon enough it can keep you alive long enough to run to safety (sometimes). But if you're trying to compare it to carrying a shield, it has no offensive capabilities, aside from the secondary benefit of eventually restoring stamina. But one handed power attacks aren't all that great. As for shields, quick shield bashes will knock your target off balance for long enough to land a few quick, unanswered swings, and the perk that adds 50% elemental resistance when blocking is also very powerful.

I keep my restoration spells on hand at all times to not only bring back my health but to also restore my stamina for beating enemies with shied bash. I don't find it that awkward, but if you are going for melee invest in blocking. You'll be healing a lot if you're melee without a high attack power or a shield.

When your fighting three npc's block comes in handy.

I use sword and shield on my warrior with just enough points into restoration to make Fast Heal stronger, cheaper, and healing spells restore stamina. I can't tell you how many times getting health/stamina back from 1 cast has saved my butt at higher lvl vs strong melee attackers and strong casters.

I just started using block, and it's cool, but I haven't yet committed to perking it. I always ran with a sword and a heal spell, and my Resto perks kept it pretty useful. I don't like switching between the two, either, so I have to pick one or the other for the most part. I get tired of hauling potions everywhere, though, so who knows how this playthrough's going to end up.

Defensive ability vs no defensive ability.

Once you get a one-off massive dose healing spell such as Grand Healing, and your health stats are reasonably high, you probably only need one or two doses of it even in the toughest of fights. For a one-handed sword wielder, block and shield is (almost) too useful to avoid...I don't know of any other single ability which can mitigate magic attacks, cause damage, and cause consecutive disruptive stagger attacks all while increasing your armour rating.