Hey guys,

So I'm planning on starting a new character and I'm wondering if I should go with a Shield and Sword or Restoration healing and a sword. I like the offensive appeal but then again I've heard shield bash is very good. I've never used a shield before, as my past characters have been a mage and a stealth archer. Right now I'm leaning towards the restoration because I like being more offensive but I've never really used a shield before so I don't know what it is like. What are your guy's experiences with shield and sword or restoration and sword?

Use 1 handed and block but have restoration as back - up.

That how I use my Imperial Battlemage in light armor (Dragonscale with Mages Hood). It works well.

Being a Battlemage i only use 1h, Block & light armor then use all magics.

Power bash is very good. With an Ebony shield (not too hard to get) you'll do about 60 damage. While this might not seem like a lot it also staggers so you'll never be hit back as long as you don't run out of stamina. You can take on any enemy this way using restoration for restoring health and stamina. Power bash also works with weapons for similar effect; good 2H weapons do even more damage than shields at around 90 for Daedric.

So, you could use restoration and sword or even restoration and shield. Actually Restoration and shield is fun to play. You can't be disarmed, you have higher AR and you'll hardly ever get hit. If you want to use Restoration, I would recommend Block as well for sword, shield or both.

edit: if you decide to go sword and shield with no Restoration, you can still power bash if you drink a certain soup that restores stamina.