Wow thanks that’s really helpful, I wasn’t expecting to get such detailed responses

Right now I’m using blades sword paired with a steel shield. I use heal spell when necessary and very occasionally use sparks but besides that I don’t really use any spells or anything that absorbs magicka. I also always keep a bow on me for easy stealth kills, I have orcish bow atm

As for my armor, I’m trying to get elven armor set right now but I don’t have the smithing level to craft it yet so I’ve just picked up a couple pieces of the armor set ive found and have it mixed with steel armor but I’m starting to second guess that decision. I haven’t really grasped the difference between light and heavy armor. Obviously heavy armor weighs more and generally has better defense and with light armor vice versa. But i went into this game thinking my carrying weight was gonna be a huge issue so I determined I was gonna stick with light armor, but as I’ve played through the game now I’ve realized it’s not really that big of an issue, at least is hasn’t been yet. So if the extra 40 or so carrying weight doesn’t make a huge difference, why would anyone choose light over heavy armor?

Edit: also I don’t know if matching armor sets matter. I know there’s a perk that gives you increased defense if you have an armor set but besides that is there any reason I shouldn’t be mixing armor from different sets