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Title says it all. They both have to do with conjuration - so what's the difference between the two?

Without looking at any actual differences in game play, I'd assume that summon implies that the creature exists somewhere else and you are simply bringing it to you so it can serve you. A possible example would be with deadra, you summon them from where they were on a plane of oblivion so they can do your bidding. Conjuring on the other hand I feel like would be more along the lines of creating something out of nothing, for example conjuring a bound weapon. I'd imagine that you aren't just summoning a deadric longsword that someone else could potentially be using, you are temporarily creating one for you to use.

I'll go look through some of the spells and see if any of the language used supports my theory as I might very well be absolutely wrong.


Edit: After looking at some spells and descriptions briefly, it appears that before skyrim everything was imply called summon "x" but in skyrim they started calling spells both summon "x" and conjure "x" and they seem to be used interchangeably. Almost all summon spells have the title of conjure "x" and a description along the lines of summons "x" creature to fight for you. There are a few exceptions, these are Summon Arvak, Unbound Dremora, and Arniel's Shade.

Dunno if any off this helped or not but there it is...

Yeah, that's about what I figured: inter-changeable. Thanks for verifying though!

Well, you could look at it class-wise. Conjurers typically rely almost entirely on their summoned beasties and use the more miscellaneous magics, while Sorcerers (summoners) often fight alongside their partners and are generally power-crazy.

If I had my way in the realms of magic, a conjurer captures an otherworldly entity through some artifice and uses the imprisoned creature in very much a master/slave relationship. Such creatures enslaved are the sort who are much harder to reason with or control, hence the need for such forceful measures. When pressed for action, the conjurer 'conjures' the thing, bringing it into being, by unleashing the captive force. Of course, the conjurer then makes sure the conjured being is dispelled before it turns against them.

A summoner negotiates with an otherworldly power and enters into a contract. Such creatures are more intelligent than the ones a conjurer will consort with and potentially more powerful, but they are much more tricky to please.

Conjurer:
"Ha-ha!" said the mage as the scintillating cloudlet of light was drawn into the prismatic jewel in his hand. "I have captured the death sprite!"
"What happens now, master wizard?" askes his apprentice.
"I will retain this binding stone for the appropriate time when it may be most useful. I could use it as a distraction. Or a weapon of last resort. The creature will be enraged the moment the stone is shattered and it is freed-- the trick is to hurtle it as far as possible so that when it attacks the first person it sees, that unfortunate victim will not be me."

Summoner:
"Come forth, Dark Spark, and provide us your great counsel!"
A cloud of vapor coalesces above the circle drawn on the stone floor. It carries a curious smell: a blend of cheddar and mint.
"Oh, this better be good." says the Dark Spark. "I have Galaxy Quest spooled up and ready to roll. Popcorn's already done."
"Mighty and terrible master, we beseech you to provide us with knowledge and service from the Great Beyond. To that end, we offer sacrifice. What do you require of us?"
"Okay, here we go. I will come to your aid when called. But, to deaden-up your enemies, I shall need the following: a box of fudge-covered Oreos. A pygmy hippopotamus. The carburetor float to a 427 Tri-Power from a '67 Corvette. Pumpkins. An illustrated storybook depicting the many adventures of some time-travelling cowboys and--- oh, just let me send you an email with all I want..."

The biggest difference to me is that when you say 'Conjuration', that might be a force or energy, like how the master of Shouting conjures Kyne's breath through his Thu'um, or a priest of Mara can conjure a healing wave with a prayer to his Divine of choice.

Summoning usually causes a physical entity or object to appear. That's what the word means in my mind. That something actually appears, physically. That's the big difference in my mind, at least.