Is Blacksmithing and crafting affected by character level?

[IlluminaZero]

Character level, not skill level.

I read recommendations on creating a pure crafting/smithing henchman quite a bit, however if blacksmith/crafting is affected by character level then this doesn't seem too keen a strategy.

[Barry]

Yes, most of the time. You can create items that have an item level that are equal to yours, but there are some enhancement recipes that have a potency that is based on the level of the item rather than your level. Regardless, it's still a good strategy because you'll be able to make really good weapons each level. In addition, later on you will be able to enhance your weapons with a special elemental type that most enemies have no resistance to. For more information and a list of all known recipes, check here: http://www.larian.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=526585#Post526585

Note:

HL = Hero Level. The properties of some of the accessories get stronger as you level up.
IL = Item Level. The properties of a boosted item depend on the item level of the original item.

Also, you don't really want a henchmen dedicated to pure crafting because they no longer scale up to the player's level. You have have to manually level them up to about 6 to get their BS and CR to 2 each (you only need 2 base points in each because you can get +1 from Scientist, +1 from bracers and +1 from belt and they are two of the few skills that don't confer a bonus when higher than 5). Instead, I'd recommend dedicating one of the four companions to crafting and temporarily swapping them into your party when you need something crafted. Jahan is the ideal crafting mule because he starts with Scientist already. Of course he's also an excellent mage, so you might want to use one of the other three companions.

Here's an example of some of the best crafted weapons you can make at L15:

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=320838466
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=320838588
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=320838690

[IlluminaZero]

Crap, deleted my old post when trying to edit... Gah...

Originalmente postado por Barry McCockinner:

Also, you don't really want a henchmen dedicated to pure crafting because they no longer scale up to the player's level. You have have to manually level them up to about 6 to get their BS and CR to 2 each (you only need 2 base points in each because you can get +1 from Scientist, +1 from bracers and +1 from belt and they are two of the few skills that don't confer a bonus when higher than 5).

I am not concerned about this actually as I find town quests experience rewards can be pretty lenient. Using buffer henchman against weaker mobs can also help. Would actually find raising them to be pretty fun.

I believe this is the key thing however, from your link: http://www.larian.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=526585#Post526585

"The quality of some items seems to scale with your level and how many skill points you have in crafting / blacksmithing. The crafted items that are not consumable have the same level as your crafter. This does not affect the attribute / skill / resistance bonus of crated items, but only their damage + defence rating as well as their price..."

From this info it seems that henchmen make gimped blacksmiths/craftmen unless you intend to have them in your team 24/7.

Seems like the only worthwhile (non-combat... Cain is pretty ridiculous) henchman type then is a trader (charisma/barter) henchman... And perhaps a pickpocket/sneak henchman. Not certain about the latter.

I appreciate the reply and info. ;)