If you hate magic, why are you posting on this thread? . . .

Exactly. I have been hoping for something besides Destruction and I Hate Magic on this d@mn forum for a long time now.

I practice the sadly overlooked arts of restoration and enchantment.

I love enchanting. Wait, that's my favorite!

"I would just like to remind everyone, once again, that Restoration is indeed a valid school of magic." - Colette Marence, College of Winterhold

I tend to use restoration more than anything, but I also tend to favor the one handed sword. I've tried playing exclusively mages, but just never could get into it. Healing spells seems to be my thing. I do dabble in conjuration from time to time, though. Bound weapons are pretty sweet. 

I use all of the schools, each for their own purpose. I use Conjuration to summon creatures against stronger enemies, Destruction for just casual combat, Restoration is pretty self-explanatory. I use Alteration to give me an armour boost before a fight and so I can go into deeper place in rivers and lakes. I seldom use Illusion, but I find fear-based spells to be useful.

I started a mage character, and for the purposes of his story he uses Destruction magic (Alduin Shouted him from dovah to joor when he returned). I haven't done too much in other schools but from what my main guy has Alteration is pretty cool. And Illusion. Telekinesis? Nice. Equilibrium is good for leveling Restoration too. And he's a thief type guy, so Muffle and Invisibility are godsends when you don't have enchantments/potions on you and when your maxed sneak isn't enough. The master-level Conjuration spells sound fun too xD

This is an excellent discussion! Alteration spells are truly useful, especially the one ash spell that encases your foes in ash, every time. Damn useful during fights with one too many high level enemies to handle. Also, the destruction spells allowing you to cast walls of fire, storms, and frost are very satisfying to watch in use. That much I can give destruction.

It's not Ash Cloak, but it's called Ash something. You buy the spell from Master Neloth's assistant in Tel Mithryn, the giant mushroom house. He sells lots of cool spells after you do quests. One of my favorites i]s Summon Ash Guardian. You have to use a Heart Stone, but it's worth it. Who uses them for staffs, anyways?

Turns out those Heart Stones are useful formsome alright staffs.

What are some good homemade poisons we've made? Mine is a long lasting Poison of the Silver Shroud, you shoot it at your follower and they turn invisible, gain 100 something health, stamina, and magicka, and are swifter. Worked on it for days.