Weapon Form Familiar: Spellcasting modifiers?

[Jasonft]

Assume for the moment you want to build a familiar. This familiar takes the form (usually) of a sword that you will use in combat. This sword can cast spells.

Question: Assuming you are, in fact, in the middle of melee combat what are the modifiers applied to the familiar's attempt to spellcast and maintain spells?

Sufficient skill to cast the spells without words or gestures is assumed. Sword will not normally be used to parry (you have high Dodge) but will be slashing and stabbing people almost every round.

Thoughts?

[sir_pudding]

If the sword has Compartmentalized Mind (Controls) your using it doesn't affect its ability to use spells.

[Jasonft]

Noted. Thank you, I forgot about that one.

I was more wondering about being swung around and into things in combat. This would be pretty distracting to a mage normally, but what if the mage (familiar in this case) is built to be used as a weapon?