O.k. All, trying a dual wield build for the second time the first was a total failure, but that was the first build I attempted so hopefully I've learned a little. Of course I'm going for the one handed damage perks, and I figured I'd throw in some alteration for added protection to make up for lack of defence. After much thought, I think I'm going with heavy armor instead of light, I know the dodging would be easier with light, but I figured for the times I don't get out of the way the extra armor will be worth it. I'm open to any suggestions from those who have gone this road, I'm not only looking for sucess, but fun as well.

on my dual wielding builds i only use daggers/swords as weapons, as axes and maces seem to swing slower. just an idea you may want to consider

WIth a dagger/mace (dagger in left hand) your mace attacks will be just as fast as the dagger, IIRC.

Dual wielding is fun...I had an arcane warrior, Nord, that dual-wielded bound swords. SInce bound weapons cannot be upgraded, I thought I would be at a disadvantage later in the game, but I still felt almost overpowered. I would have been, had I not been only wearing hide armor and using Stone Flesh spells.

So, it is a lot of fun, but if you plan on smithing/enchanting both of your weapons, you may get bored.

Power attacks are your friend if you are planning to dual wield. The off hand power attack strikes very quickly and can break a guard or stagger an opponent when they are trying a power attack of their own. You can also cancel a normal strike into a power attack, which can lead to some devasating damage for a relatively cheap stamina cost. Generally speaking, off hand power attacks tend to come out faster and are easier to direct.

Also, the dual weapon power attack is extremely powerful but takes a heavy toll on your stamina. Still, it can be very useful, as it is your most damaging attack and tears through any defense your opponent might have. I am not sure how well known it is, but if you hold both attack buttons, release as the swings begin and then tap the attack buttons again you will do four normal strikes in rapid succession. This is useful against creatures and dragons, especially if you want to conserve stamina.

Dual wielding is a lot of fun, especially when you use footwork around enemies. Striking down a cave of bandits with flourish is extremely satisfiying.

Dual wielding is fun but I mostly use it for archers because it uses the least amount of perks. My last duel wielding character was a bosmer archer but he could slice some stuff up in melee with his elven dagger and elven sword. My next character that I'm building is an imperial merchant/thief he will be dual wielding daggers.