Many changes from OB. OB, I often play as Briton stock spellsword. No classes this time. I think I will try a Redguard as it has a mixture of combat and magic.

In OB I could have a weapon equiped and switch between magic and weapons, Skyrims seems to limit, one or the other. what's the deal with magic requiring two hands at higher skill level? Can I have a shield in one hand and cast magic with the other?

yes you can have a shield in you left hand and a spell in the right hand.
the 2 handed spell are master level spells. I think they are worse than the adept and expert spells.

My First Adventure in Skyrim: OOOOOO BUTTERFLY

In Oblivion you had three hands, Skyrim only gives you two.

Takes a bit of getting used to.