Larian Studios Forums Divinity - Original Sin Divinity - Original Sin - General some questions regarding henchmans, skillbooks etc

Hi everyone,
got couple of questions regarding henchmans, crafting/barter/blacksmithing and skillbooks

1) so for crafting, blacksmithing and bartering is it just best to unlock the hall of heroes, hire a henchman and skill him into those abilities and then hire back the Jahan/Madera when going to fight outside town? Can henchmans actually communicate with NPCs (bartering)?

2) while obtaining new skills, is it better to just buy the skillbooks or craft them? (better = cheaper)...like I need to learn fireball skill, should I rather craft it from scroll and blank skill book?

3) lots of people talk about equipment that gives +bartering or +blacksmithing, where can I find it? Or do I need to craft it myself?

thx in advance

1) Henchmen can barter, yes. They don't have reputation though afaik, so assuming you have a positive reputation, attitude and vendor prices may be more favourable for a PC with bartering. Crafting, blacksmithing, all possible if you prefer to leave non-combat skills to henchmen etc. (breaks roelplaying but if that isn't an issue for you, 1 is fine)

2) Probably cheaper. Depends if you buy or make the blank skillbook and scroll I guess.

3) Random afaik. If you really want one of those pieces of loot, you can check vendors for them periodically (saw a vendor selling a +1 crafting belt for example) and don't sell the ones you do find. There's a good thread (which I've avoided because I want to find out for myself) about crafting recipes in the forum

HTH

1) Personal preference. I prefer to have a crafting companion. @Whysper: I don't see how it breaks role playing to hire someone to do something you aren't skilled in.

3) you'll find some randomly eventually

2) it's definitely cheaper to craft your own skillbooks.

thank you all