I'm trying to max out my fire output as much as possible.

I use poisons that make enemies weak to fire
I have a fire enchanted bow and sword

What I'll do is lure a group into a rune. Then I'll use the rest of my magicka on fireballs. Then I'll use my bow until they are at close range. I seem to deal decent damage with my sword, but I feel like my left hand not holding anything is just a waste. I know torches deal fire damage when you shield bash with them, but is it effective at higher levels? I thought it would be hip and original to incorporate them into my combat.

I guess I'm just asking if shield bashing with torches is effective.

I'll take a stab at no. I'm not certain, but I think the damage would be minimal.

One of my characters used to use a torch in the offhand when in dungeons/at night and it felt like the sword was doing all the damage. Make of that what you will.

Every little helps though.

how are you casting fireballs and hitting things with your sword, if your left hand is still free?

torches are only good for bashing quickly. The fire damage on them is minimal, so i doubt they would turn the tide of a battle or anything.

I've never tried that, but is it true that wielding a torch while sprinting lets you sprint indefinitely?

Don't things that are on fire take extra damage? If that holds true to torches, I guess that'd be its only thing going for it, besides the lulz factor.

I've never heard of such a thing.

I would rather use the Left Hand to cast a Flame Cloak, then use the Torch to Shield Bash. I have not played with Pyromancy enough to say that it is not effective against an already weakened opponent. Most of My Mages like using Cloaks in close to an opponent and just let them fry, but I play with Electricity instead of Flame

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/62827172

Number 46.

I wouldn't take their word for it though.

I don't have any torches to test it right now.

I guess I could wait until night time, kill a guard, take their torch and try it.

The damage from the torch wouldn't be worth not blocking with your 1-handed sword....though it is fun igniting enemies.

I use up my magicka on fireballs, then take it off so I can block with my fire sword.