so, I am sure you are all ware that if you block with a torch, and then do a block/shield bash you will light the enemy on fire with it..


however, just how much fire damage does it actually do? fun as heck to do, but doesn't seem to be very effective..

i don't know the exact numbers, but, using shield charge with torches works just like you can with 2-h or 1-h/unenchanted staff and nothing in off hand.

combo that with the usual ethereal or slow time (quick reflexes to amplify even that) and you have a very good torch attack.

The UESP wiki lists the following formula for blocking damage and specifies 30 as the base armor value for a torch:

Blocked Damage % = { 45 + [0.2 * Shield Base Armor Rating * (1 + Skill * 0.015)] } * (1 + Shield Wall perk) * (1 + Fortify Block Enchantment)

Search the Skyrim Blog Tips & Tricks section for an article by James titled "An Argument for Bash Damage". IIRC he found that the fire damage is 9 pts total (3 pts over 3 seconds).

I wonder if the augmented flames and aspect of terror perks boost the damage.

yep, as well as, some of the block ones, too!

no shield, no problem.

--> steam article and skyrim blog source <--

Good to know, I was aware of the block perk benefits but not the others. I have a character who's proficient with mace and shield that I intend to do the DG quest in robes, swapping the shield for a torch like a Vigilant of Stendarr.