Sword & Shield Warrior (likely Nord or Imperial), or Archer Assassin/Thief with Illusion and Alchemy (Argonian or Dark Elf)?

Combo idea which I enjoy:
Nordic Bow/Axe Scout who uses Alchemy and Restoration, shadowing the province's roads protecting travelers.

What I just started playing (with which I'm having a ton of fun) is a Khajiit Ninja (custom). I'm using the SPAM leveling mod, so I can take all thematically appropriate skills and not worry about how it will affect my leveling. She (Kurisu, after the sister of Sulik from FO2) has a primary specialization in Magic and a secondary specialization (a SPAM thing in Stealth) with Intelligence and Agility as favored attributes. Her major skills are Blade, Alchemy, Alteration, Illusion, Mysticism, Acrobatics, and Sneak. Obviously, I went with the sign of the Thief. The Shadow might be more appropriate, but a single invisibility spell once a day is kinda lame. Anyway, she's wearing no armor, but I was lucky enough to find a robe that gives me 15% Shield. Right now, she's only carrying a single long sword. I plan to do a fair bit of enchanting and carry around a few different specialized daggers (or one long sword and one dagger, though that's more Samurai than Ninja). Of course, I'll be enchanting up some Ninja outfits, too. On top of that, I'll have poisons and other potions from Alchemy.

Now, she's not very strong (starts with Strength 30, and can only get 2/level with SPAM), but low base combat damage is offset by sneak attacks and the enchantments I'll be able to put on weapons. As for carrying loot, there are spells for that (and enchant-able items). Also, using light weapons and not wearing armor means I have more room anyway.

One of the reasons I went with this is to give me more options in combat (rather than just hack and slash or constant spell casting or whatever). I could get in a poisoned sneak attack, cast an armor spell while they get their bearings, get in a couple slashes, dodge back and toss a flare as I do so. Or, if they detect me first, cast some spells while they close the gap, and be ready for melee by the time they do. This build keeps things interesting, but doesn't make things all that easy (keep in mind, low Strength and Endurance). Of course, you kinda need the SPAM mod to pull this off.