Hitting the Wall

I'm about lvl 14 and things since about level 12 have started going from "challenging" to "frustrating".

I'm new to the Elder Scrolls games so I'm not sure if I've messed up my character build/development.

I'm a Dark Elf with a focus in Destruction (51) but also have perks in Restoration(28) Alchemy (30), Speech (40), Lockpick (36) and Light Armor (28). My equipment is pretty weak, it seems because I've had this same stuff forever, but I'm not finding better stuff - Novice Hood, Apprenteice Robes of Destruction and a Amulet +30 Magika, Ring +20 are the best things I've got.

I've got Lydia with me and she's borderline useless but I think that is a flaw in the companion AI more than her having issues - she in Dwarven Armor with a quality (I assume) enchanted weapon.

Suggests or is this just the normal scaling?

This is how I play Skyrim. With stealth. Lots of it. And some decent armor with me. I never have a companion, unless the quest tells me I have to. And if you want to sneaking around, I suggest that you don't bring any companion with you. But that's just me.

quote JonofLeyden

I'm about lvl 14 and things since about level 12 have started going from "challenging" to "frustrating".

I'm new to the Elder Scrolls games so I'm not sure if I've messed up my character build/development.

I'm a Dark Elf with a focus in Destruction (51) but also have perks in Restoration(28) Alchemy (30), Speech (40), Lockpick (36) and Light Armor (28). My equipment is pretty weak, it seems because I've had this same stuff forever, but I'm not finding better stuff - Novice Hood, Apprenteice Robes of Destruction and a Amulet +30 Magika, Ring +20 are the best things I've got.

I've got Lydia with me and she's borderline useless but I think that is a flaw in the companion AI more than her having issues - she in Dwarven Armor with a quality (I assume) enchanted weapon.

Suggests or is this just the normal scaling?

Are you sure you're going along the recommended path of the main questline and sticking to relatively balanced areas? This game does not have levelling enemies, so some areas and some fights are MEANT to be tough, and the game encourages you not to go through every fight. If you must flee to live another day, do so. That enemy/loot isn't going anywhere.

I would say mix your robes in with some Light Armor for now and/or pre cast Oakflesh (Or better, like Stoneflesh) before a fight. If you perk for it in Alteration, you can have a great deal amount of armor without ever laying a hand on an armor specialization, just takes time to get there. If you don't already, have Lydia aggro the enemies first, THEN you attack. Makes dealing with things a lot easier imo. I told my stepbro the same thing when he did the first few Companion missions. :3 Always carry potions with you, don't be afraid to heal, and if so, put some points into health on level up. ^^;

That is why i never choose mage in games like this . i tend to choose the warrior types .

Defensively, the best option would probably be Light Armor. Plow through the College of Winterhold quests as fast as you can to get Morokei, then enchant your Chest and Ring with Magicka Regen. This is the fastest way to max out your Magicka Regen; Mage Robe users have to wait until they get their Skill levels high enough to start seeing Master Robes.

Yep .... Many good tips here ... I can only add that none of your leveled skills (besides destruction) are combat based .... So it will be difficult to deal significant amts of damage at your current lvl ..... So you must decide to either improve offensively ... Or defensively .......of course if you choose defense ..(Better armor, robes, etc.) A companion would be suggested .... (For damage dealing of course) ...... If offense (stronger spells, one-hand, two-hand, archery, etc.) ....... Companions are optional ...... Whichever you choose ... As long as you stick to the plan .... You'll be fine.........

If you're rich you could boost your alchemy and enchanting up high and make 'crafting gear' which is basically equipment sets which add + alchemy, + enchanting and + blacksmithing bonusses. You can get insane gear through that because the potions and gear bonusses that add better improvement to skills will stack while you make even better gear.