I've played this game up to level 8, but I've decided to start a new game with 2x lone wolf. I would like to get the maximum benefit from crafting and blacksmithing - i.e. be able to craft the best gear possible and all recipes, and upgrade my gear as much as possible. Obviously I can't make gimped companions to fulfill theses roles because of lone wolf.
My questions are:
1) What is the minimum base level of crafting and blacksmithing I need to get to level 5 in each? I understand that pragmatic gives +1 to crafting, and +crafting/+blacksmithing can show up on gloves and belts. I don't plan on taking the Scientist talent because I figure I'm better off trading an unused talent point to the demon for +10 ability points. Does +2 crafting and/or blacksmithing gear exist?
2) Is there any benefit to going beyond 5 in crafting and/or blacksmithing? Recipes call for a maximum of 5 in these skills, but do you benefit in terms of gear upgrades by going beyond level 5?
3) Is blacksmithing really redundant? I've read that crafting can fulfill all your upgrading needs, and blacksmithing is really only needed for repairing (which you apparently only need 1 point for) and making ore (which apparently you only need up to level 4 in, which means you'd only need a base of 2 and use gear to get to 4).
Any thoughts?
