Hiya! It's been a while I post anything at all in the Skyrim forums. Been playing one of my two main characters lately, and having fun with him again. However, recently I've thought of starting a new character. Not your warrior, thief, or mage archetype, but one who never attacks, never hurts anyone. A Healer-ish sort of person who doesn't believe in violence, and never raises a weapon nor wears armor. I thought of him specializing in Restoration, Speech, and also Illusion for a way of pacifying hostile characters. Of course a bit Alchemy, Alteration, et cetera, but I'd want him to become a Restoration specialist, an associate with the Temple priests and College of Winterhold.

Now, honestly, can this type of character work in this game? Any tips for playing one? I glanced through some of the new spells the DLCs have brought and I saw some nifty spells under Restoration that my character could use for protection that also would harm the attackers. Should I even consider starting this pacifist guy before acquiring the DLCs? Have you guys done it; can it be done? I can see Wards and *insert*flesh spells already svcking up my mana in no time...

Yes, i have role-played an doctor/alchemist myself who searched the wilderness for rare ingredients to concoct strong healing potions the sell to the temple of Mara. I employed Faendal for my protection while undergoing my profession as, of course, the wilderness is a dangerous place. If things got rather messy i would either just retreat or dabble in some illusion magic to calm foes.

If this sounds boring to you try a pure thief/treasure hunter type character who raids dungeons in the shadows without alerting foes, bows are great for this as a source of distraction so you can sneak by when needed or invisibility would be an option of course. Sometimes though in a tight area with a rather large amount of enemies combat can sometimes be quite tricky to avoid but still possible.

I find non combat orientated characters quite interesting, at least for a while, it does get boring after a few hours.

If you're exploring dungeons, you could use traps.

Nothing more satisfying then seeing a Draugr flying miles against walls because it got slammed by a gate.

Yes, it works. But it requires a lot of patience.

If you're going with a follower: Give him/her some basic enchatments and keep enchanting as the enemies grow tougher.

Spam his/her inventory full with potions. Fortify one/two handed enchantments do not work. But you can fortify their heavy/light armor through enchantments.

Resisting magic enchantments are also vial.

Thats definately a very interesting concept. I think definately restoration, illusion, alteration, alchemy and enchanting would suit you fine. I would also advise on destruction BUT just for the defensive spells like the cloak and various rune spells. They're for defense so you're not actually attacking with them, As far as leveling destruction, just look for the skill books and pay for training.

I would definately take a follower and give him/her the best possible gear you can find.