Are sword and shield builds viable?

[Goober Mensch]

I'm all finished up with my mage character and I'm trying to debate whether to go for a sword and shield character or stealth. I'm aware that stealth is pretty viable but I'm not sure about the other route.

[John]

Sword and Board is one of the most powerful builds in the game, not as OP as stealth archers but, those are boring anyway, no challenge at all. Swords are strong, still have a good backstab and are fast. A shield for backup gives you some extra defensive options in terms of both enchantments and bashing. Mage characters are actually the weakest in this game, still viable to play on legendary trust me on that, i have done it, but still the weakest.

[jancawa55]

Pharnham pretty well nailed that one.

[Wet Water]

Sword and shield builds can be OP. If you have two enchantments:
1)Improve one handed damage by whatever percent
2) Block an additional percentage of damage.

You’ll be unstoppable.