The combat. I love Skyrim so much, and everything about it. But there was one thing that I miss from Oblivion, and that's a certain aspect of combat. Being able to use any weapon (2-handed, 1-handed, 1-handed and shield, bow) and still be able to cast spells without having to switch.

I had made a character in Oblivion once that was like the "Death Knight" from World of Warcraft, he used a massive 2-handed weapon, while being able to summon undead and had a handful of Frost spells. It felt great whacking enemies with my weapon then freezing their faces with my Frost spells.

If I try that in Skyrim, I have to switch between casting and using my 2-handed weapon. Short cuts make it quick and easy, but it just doesn't feel the same.

Well, while I'm here, I had a few questions/ideas for a new character, just wanted some tips for her.

I wanted to make a "Merchant" character, mostly just for fun, probably not going to quest much, more for the RP side.

I was thinking of getting the biggest and baddest companion, someone to act as a bodyguard. I would need Speech as my main skill. Use a Dagger in main-hand, spell in off-hand, Illusion maybe?

What else would I use? Probably Alchemy, maybe Blacksmithing? She would be a bit of a treasure hunter too, going into caves and dungeons once and awhile, but she is terrible at fighting.

Enchanting is good for a treasure hunter. You will find a lot of items to disenchant and then make better gear for your follower. Restoration could be helpful- turning draugr and healing your companion.

And Stenvar is quite a badass.

I dunno, crafting skills may take some of the fun out of exploring and discovering great treasures yourself. You'll always be wondering whether you should disenchant Gauldur's Blackblade to learn the effect and make your own better weapon.

I'd treat Speech as your 'crafting' skill, and work at it aggressively, probably visiting the Bard's College to train it up. A real merchant/treasure hunter is going to be buying anything that seems useful - magical weapons, potions/poisons, scrolls, staves, other magical gear. And of course, selling off the stuff you collect and don't want to keep.

Maybe just a couple of perks in One-handed for your dagger, but probably nothing beyond that, lest you become too good of a fighter.

Illusion sounds like a good route to take. And I second J'Roqqa's mention of Restoration. If you're a real treasure hunter, you'll likely end up in some draugr-infested ruin before long, where your Illusion magic will be useless. Again, no need to become a master at Restoration - just enough for you to get through some tough spots.

Alteration would be a nice complementary magic skill, too. I might pair some flesh spells with a decent-looking light armor set... or alternatively, just wear clothes that fit the character.

Stenvar is a great companion - you're the brains of the operation, he's the brawn, and I've never found him annoying. Having a follower for this type of character is great, since it essentially doubles the chances of you finding suitable gear in loot. Find an awesome weapon/heavy armor, and hand it over - it's oddly satisfying to watch your follower 'advance' in gear as you come back from successful expeditions!

As for other magic - Conjuration, Destruction - I wouldn't invest. Maybe use the basic Flames spell for utility - lighting up oil puddles, etc. But followers and Destruction magic usually don't mix.

For combat, you would rely on your limited selection of spells and opportunistic strikes with your dagger - and when needed, you could make great use of all your bought and looted scrolls and staves.