This topics about my next character I'm making at this very moment (so quick replies are wanted). I want to make my Breton, but I can't decide what kind've play style I truly want. I've heard/seen very good builds on YT and other sites but I want to get the communities thoughts.

To help better clarify for people I will define what each means (at least to me). A Spellsword is someone who will use, well a spell along with a sword. Kind've self explanatory. BUT, I won't be getting perks like Dual Casting and Impact in Destruction. I want to literally keep only 1 spell out.

Now, a Battlemage is very similar but from most builds I see are either straight up just Dual Casting Destruction, or they got a backup 2H weapon for the CQC battles.

Spellsword:

Alteration
Conjuration
Destruction
Enchanting
Heavy Armor
One Handed
Restoration
Smithing

Battlemage is very similar except: Light Armor > HA, 2H > 1H. I can't honestly decide, or know if either build would be viable, all suggestions welcome!

Nobody?

I would go with a spellsword.

Just watched a few more vids on YT and now I can't decide.. even more. Lol.

This one dude made a very viable point for some things in Destruction (but this was a Spellsword). So that got me thinking I'll prolly just nuke Conjuration out entirely, I don't think it'd be worth the perk points in the end.

And more then likely both builds will just use Heavy Armor. But obv. the Battlemage would be going dual spells w/impact. I seriously can't decide..

My first character was a spellsword + dragonshout. It worked pretty well after about level 28.

This character is a straight mage after level 2 or 3. That's all I've used. I do cast a sword occasionally, but I've been relying more and more on atronachs, runes and 1 handed destruction spells. I have found that the atronach can really help cover me while I recuperate (less potions) and help me get a better angle on the attacker.

Also, this player hardly sneaks. No bad knees for him!

Not sure if this helps. I didn't plan the character. He sort of took over after level 3 (no mq, no cw quest, straight to CoW after chopping wood to earn carriage fare). He's level 15 and spends a lot of time in the Rift and has yet to meet the TG.

Wow. I always thought my character was a warrior, but he's almost a spellsword. :/

Let your character evolve. Maybe he/she starts out sympathetic to the stormcloaks, but after being told outsiders weren't welcome in Skyrim by the dude in Falkreath, they have second thoughts. Or maybe you think 'mage all the way' but then find a sword or bow that you really really like. Maybe you start the companion questilne and drift off to the Dark Brotherhood because of bloodlust for revenge on someone.

Not saying go with the wind, but let the character decide. This is how authors of books and actors in shows/movies/etc usually go.

Fixed for Skyrim purposes.

My spellsword uses one-handed, destruction, light armor, restoration, and block. Once I get where I need to go perk-wise, I think I might branch into conjuration as well. I basically change between a spell-shield and spellsword depending on the enemy, terrain, etc. (METT-T for you grunts out there). It's enjoyable, versatile, and I can change fluidly between styles while in combat. If you use this template, Spellbreaker is a must-have, IMO.