UESP Forums

When you use Bound Weapons in combat, does their use increase the Skill Level in One-Handed or Archery, or is the skill increase strictly limited to Conjuration, for casting the spell?

Yes it does add points to the appropriate weapon skill when you hit with the bound weapon. Using/adding perks in that weapon tree also benefits your conjured weapons.

I've seen a belated increase in Conjuration when using a Bound Sword, as in the skill did not increase when first conjured but it did after I've slain an enemy with it.

This is with the Soul Stealer perk, mind you, so I have to assume that the Soul Trap cast by the bound weapon counts as a Soul Trap spell, not a weapon enchantment. That would explain the increasing skill.

My previous experience with Soul Trap was exclusively via enchantment of a physical weapon, never a spell.

I've hung up my physical weapons and have been using Bound Weapons for a little while now. My practical and realistic character is slowly morphing into a magic user. Old dog, new tricks.

For anyone else considering using Bound Weapons, simply casting the spell doesn't increase your Conjuration Skill. Someone/something must be hostile towards you when the spell is cast in order to earn an increase.

What does Dual-Casting a Bound Sword do? It certainly doesn't create two swords in one casting.

Dual-casting a Bound sword (or dagger with Dragonborn DLC) increase only the duration of the spell, and places the weapon in your left hand.

Poisons such as Paralysis can be used on Bound weapons. If the poisoned weapon is sheathed or the conjuration ends without the weapon being used, the poison is lost.