How do you increase, say, the Smithing skill level?

[bahamutprincess]

For one of my abilities, I chose Smithing.. only it maxes out at Level 6 Smithing points. But some items need a higher level to be forged...

So is it that I need another skill that adds to that level, or is there a chance for it to increase if I forge a bunch of items?

[Haldurson]

First, there are other skills that can increase your crafting ability, even beyond their usual maximum -- they aren't in the base game though. For example, Clockwork Knight will do what you are asking with Smithing (as well as Tinkering).

Furthermore there certain items can give you crafting bonuses, though I can't think of any specifics off the top of my head. Any time you krong an item, or craft or find an artifact, there's a chance that it will give you a crafting bonus. Some items from mods have crafting bonuses.

[Sigma]

There are a couple of items that can add to smithing. From the top of my head, Kronghammer is one of them. It's a rare end game item, may be found in shops for you to buy, and as always, can also be found on the floor/zoo reward/etc.
There's also other skills you can take that can give Smithing as a skill level as well. Clockwork knight tree has 2 of them.

Small note: If you ever come across 2 kronghammers, you can dual wield and that will provide you with not 1 but 2 smithing skill levels.

[bahamutprincess]

Ahh, thanks for the info. I haven't found any Kronghammers yet, but I'll definitely keep an eye out for them now. :)

[dergefata]

A bit late, but I just wanted to say that the synergies between Clockwork Knight, Rogue Scientist, Smithing, Tinkering, and Alchemy, make it almost impossible for me to convince myself to play without those five. They just go so well together. If you haven't tried them out, you might want to give it a shot. It'll also cure your woes about how to get those last couple Smithing/Tinkering levels, since they're built into the steamtech classes.