I recently started a new character, and decided I'd try using Medium Armor. However, while my Medium Armor skill is increasing, for some reason, my unarmored skill is going up too...

I've been wearing a full set of Bonemold armor, using the Redoran cuirass and helm. The only reason I can see this happening is possibly because I don't use a shield... it that the reason I'm leveling my unarmored skill too? I use spears so I can't use a shield.

I just want to figure this out because it's kind of bothering me.

The shield slot is 10% of your armor so, yes, if you have no shield, you'll increase unarmored proportionally.

Equip the shield first, then the spear. The shield will stay equipped. That 10% will be covered and any enchantments on the shield will stay in effect. However, you will not be able to block.

Ah, didn't realize that. Thanks, this can be closed.