I am leveling a conjuration sneaky archer (Sneak + bound bow + summons if needed).
Two questions:
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Is Bound Bow (with conjuration perks + archer perks) better than Daedric Bow (with archer perks)? Consider that Bound Bow cannot be enchanted, but poisons do work.
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Which one should I level to help me the most with this build: Alchemy, Enchanting or Smithing?
How do I benefit from each skill as a Conjuration Sneak Archer?
By the way, I'm level 36, and with 2.0x sneak bonus only (I don't have 3.0x yet) I can one-shot most mobs with Bound Bow + Quick Casting (to avoid beeing caught) + Conjuration perk that increases Bound Weapons' damage.
Best Answer
Excellent build you have, that is my first character as well.
Summons work great (you only summon if someone notices you and you can't fire a shot off before they reach you). I personally felt the bound weapon conjuration perks were a waste. This is even more obvious after you raise enchanting.
I use a Daedric bow (enhanced with smithing), and dual enchants of fiery enchant(soul trap + small fire dmg) and I think paralyze if I recall correctly.
I'd much rather have those 2 perks back that I wasted on the bound weapons. Since the enhanced bound bow is nothing compared to a moderately smithed daedric bow. And then the fiery enchant at 1 second is a perfect enchant. Plus you can add another enchant once you get 100 enchanting(not add after the fact, but make another bow and add both).
I maxed Smithing and Enchanting, and was working on Alchemy. I personally think all my characters will max all 3 of those. Enchanting is nearly game breaking, and smithing makes you create ridiculous damage/armor. Alchemy is arguably as good as smith, but due to enchanting being so much more powerful than either, it doesn't matter as much.
Not to mention that I actually fully regret ALL conjuration perks. I still summon if the enemy(ies) are coming at me, but they are there to distract long enough for a shot, not damage. So having multiple (or more powerful) is a waste.