I loaded DR 5 OMOD version (I'm not big into using beta mods, DR 6 will have to wait on my machine )

Launched the game, selected my bash and dodge keys, set the decapitation to 30% (might be called something different, don't rightly remember atm)

Grabbed my mace, and went out to smack around some stuff. Fought ogres, imps, bandits...didn't really notice any changes. Bashing didn't really look like it was doing a whole lot. I did notice my power attack animations were different...kinda funny to poke something with a rounded stick and have it hurt. Probably looks better with a sword, though my wife found the animation hilarious

I'm wondering if I'm expecting too much, or it is because my character is only level 5. I'm using Oblivion XP for leveling, so I have decent control over my stats...running 85 strength and endurance, and over 50 in block, blunt, heavy armor, armorer.

You can use the bash key during combat to shield/weapon bash them to make them stagger. If an enemy is staggered, you can kick them with the grab key.
If you are sneaking, you can use the bash key to slit throats, sleep stab, and sneak jump into combat.
If you're weapon skills are high enough, you can do a decapitate or a throat slit or a skull bash on the enemy.
Horse combat is disabled in DR5.

I tried to shield bash some bandits, but it didn't seem to stagger them. I can understand if it requires a high block value. Didn't know about the kick feature.
My warrior isn't sneaky. Remember that orc in the Dark Brotherhood? Yeah, that's my character basically. Why be sneaky when you can just hit them with a big hammer?
Weapon skills will improve, guess we will see where this goes. Is it generally better to use two handed blunt instead of one handed?
Not worried about horse combat yet.

Blades have the advantage in DR5. You can only slit throat and sleep stab with a sword.

To stagger or down enemies with shield bash, they also needto have health lower than yours. Hurt them, then stagger them (don't do that too often, they learn), kick them to floor them, then impale them... :toughninja:

EDIT: I am not sure creatures can be staggered, I think it works only for NPCs, at least in my game.