Fort Amol is one of the notable locations in Skyrim, tucked deep in the snowy landscape of Eastmarch. While it might first appear as just another bandit-infested ruin or a random military outpost, this fortress holds a unique appeal for aspiring mages and stealth-focused characters. One of the hidden gems found in or near Fort Amol is the spell tome for Conjure Bound Bow a powerful and versatile conjuration spell that allows the Dragonborn to summon a magical bow at will. This spell is especially valuable for those who favor archery but don’t want to rely on physical weapons or constant arrow supplies. Exploring Fort Amol with the intent to obtain this spell can make a significant difference in a character’s progression, especially early in the game.
Where is Fort Amol Located?
Traveling to Eastmarch
Fort Amol can be found in the province of Eastmarch, a region dominated by snow-covered forests and geothermal activity. It lies west of Windhelm and is situated along the road leading toward Ivarstead. Fort Amol is a relatively accessible location, especially for players who begin their journey near Whiterun or have explored the central and eastern parts of Skyrim.
Getting to Fort Amol is straightforward. If you’ve already discovered Windhelm, fast traveling there and following the road southwest will bring you right to its entrance. The surrounding area is filled with wolves, necromancers, and often other random encounters, so be prepared before making the trip.
Overview of Fort Amol
Occupied by Hostile Forces
In many playthroughs, Fort Amol is occupied by hostile mages rather than bandits or Stormcloaks. These magic-wielders can be surprisingly dangerous, especially for lower-level characters. They use a variety of elemental spells and can easily overpower unprepared players.
Approaching Fort Amol with caution is recommended. Using stealth to pick off enemies or ranged attacks to thin their numbers can be effective. Once cleared, the fort may later be occupied by Imperial or Stormcloak soldiers, depending on the progress of the Civil War questline. However, during the early game, the hostile mages and the treasures they protect are the primary point of interest.
Finding the Conjure Bound Bow Spell Tome
Exact Location Inside Fort Amol
The spell tome for Conjure Bound Bow can be found in a bucket inside one of the small structures within Fort Amol. Specifically, after clearing out the mages at the site, look for a destroyed tent or shack with a bookshelf and a barrel. Near the back corner, you’ll see a bucket filled with clutter and within it, the precious spell tome. It can be easy to miss, as the book does not stand out immediately.
The tome might be covered by debris or positioned in a way that makes it look like regular loot. Players should be thorough in their search and make sure to examine every bucket and shelf. Looting nearby containers may also yield other helpful magical items, such as potions or scrolls.
About Conjure Bound Bow
A Powerful Conjuration Spell
Conjure Bound Bow is a powerful Adept-level Conjuration spell that allows the caster to summon a Daedric-quality bow made of bound energy. The weapon is ethereal, appearing out of thin air, and it comes with 100 bound arrows every time it is summoned. This makes the spell incredibly useful for characters who rely on ranged combat but want to save inventory space or avoid crafting and buying arrows.
The spell costs 175 magicka to cast, which means it is best used by characters with a decent magicka pool or gear that reduces Conjuration costs. Once summoned, the bow remains for 120 seconds or until unequipped. It benefits from all archery perks and is considered one of the strongest early-game weapons available in the game.
Advantages of Using Bound Bow
Why It’s a Favorite Among Players
There are several reasons why the Bound Bow is considered a top-tier spell for certain character builds:
- High Damage Output: The Bound Bow has damage stats comparable to a Daedric Bow, which is among the strongest in the game.
- Free Bound Arrows: Each time you summon the weapon, you receive 100 arrows that do not need to be crafted or looted.
- No Need for Smithing: Players who want powerful ranged damage without leveling up smithing or enchanting can rely on the spell instead.
- Lightweight and Efficient: The spell doesn’t require carrying a bow or arrows, which lightens the load and allows more space for loot.
This spell also synergizes well with stealth-based builds. When used in sneak mode, the Bound Bow can deliver devastating sneak attacks with high damage multipliers. With the right perks from the Sneak and Archery trees, players can eliminate enemies from a distance before they even realize they’re under attack.
Training Conjuration with Bound Bow
Leveling Your Magic Skill Quickly
Using Conjure Bound Bow regularly is an excellent way to level up Conjuration. Every time the spell is cast in combat or even outside of it, players gain experience in the skill. Since it’s an Adept-level spell, the amount of experience gained is significant compared to lower-tier conjuration spells.
To maximize your training:
- Summon the Bound Bow just before every battle.
- Cast it repeatedly during downtime or while traveling.
- Pair it with Soul Trap on targets to train multiple magic skills simultaneously.
As your Conjuration level increases, you can also unlock perks such as Mystic Binding, which further increases the damage of bound weapons, and Oblivion Binding, which banishes summoned enemies upon hit. These perks make the Bound Bow even more powerful and useful throughout the game.
Alternative Ways to Obtain the Spell
Purchasing from Vendors
If you missed the tome at Fort Amol or cleared the fort before realizing its presence, there are still other ways to obtain the spell. Several vendors across Skyrim sell the Conjure Bound Bow spell, though it may require reaching a certain level in Conjuration before it appears in their inventory.
Look for these mages:
- Phinis Gestorat the College of Winterhold
- Farengar Secret-Firein Dragonsreach, Whiterun
- Talvas Fathryonon Solstheim, if you have the Dragonborn DLC
These merchants typically carry a variety of Conjuration tomes, including Bound Sword, Bound Battleaxe, and Bound Bow. Joining the College of Winterhold is one of the most reliable ways to access higher-tier spell tomes and magical items.
Tips Before Visiting Fort Amol
Be Prepared for a Challenge
Even though Fort Amol may seem like a minor location, the enemies found there especially the hostile mages can be deadly. Bring potions of resist magic, stock up on healing items, and consider companions to help you take the fortress down. A follower with strong melee or tanking ability can draw aggro away while you engage from range or cast spells.
Additionally, check nearby locations for treasure and alchemical ingredients. The surrounding area of Eastmarch is rich with rare herbs and resources that can aid you in your journey.
The Conjure Bound Bow spell at Fort Amol is one of Skyrim’s hidden treasures for magical and stealth-oriented builds. Easy to miss but incredibly powerful, this spell allows players to summon a potent weapon with minimal cost and no dependence on physical inventory. For those building hybrid characters or Conjuration specialists, acquiring this spell early can make a dramatic difference in combat efficiency and gameplay enjoyment. If you’re in Eastmarch and want to boost your magical arsenal, Fort Amol should be high on your list of places to explore.