A custom class barbarian with the Lord Birthsign and Majors as

Blunt, Light Armor, Armorer, Marksman, Mercantile, Destruction and Conjuration.

Actual skills used gonna be Blunt, Light Armor (but mixed with Heavy pieces for asthetics), Armorer, Block, and maybe a bit of Alchemy and Marksman.

I've never succeeded in playing a totally non-magic character.. while I like that Oblivion allows you to cast spells while 2-handing a battleaxe or Sword+Shield, it almost encourages you to have a spell equiped. Whenever I try a combat-only character I inevitably end up giving him some Mysticism or Alteration spells at the very least.

For this guy though I'm going to be strict. Only spells I'm going to allow are the Lord Birthsign regeneration spell and Illusion Light spells. Perhaps later on I'll include some on-Touch Paralyze spells if Illusion ever gets that high to simulate my character knocking down my opponents. I'm thinking tedious Fighter's Guild tasks first, then start up Main Quest once it gets interesting.

Has anyone else succeeded in playing a non-magic character?

I like the Fallout reference in the title.

But yes, they can be very strong. Just make sure you use marksman a bit too. And it's important for a melee character to dodge. The best way to survive is to make sure you don't get hit. And use potions!

EDIT: Always keep your blunt skill many and many levels higher than your other skills. Or your damage output will be low and fights will take a looooong time.