Hey all, I was wondering something based on the wording of a couple things. Blacksmith potions and gear that enhances smithing is discribed as " enhances how much you can improve an item." Does this mean that these potions and gear do not effect an items quality when you create the item, but only effect how much it is enhanced when tempered or w/e?

Also had a couple other fairly off-topic questions.

First, is there any good way to level alchemy quickly? this one seems to be a lot bigger pain then smithing and enchanting.

Also is there any reliable way to find Daedra Hearts?

Thanks for the help all.

Any item you create will always have base stats, no matter what your smithing level is, so, yeah, anything that enchances your smithing skill will only increase the amount that you can improve the item's stats with. For Daedra Hearts, do this http://uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Pieces_of_the_Past, when you've finished it, the shrine will respawn with Dremora allowing you to farm hearts.

The bonuses (as far as I know) only apply once you temper the equipment and not when it's created.

Not sure about alchemy. Though I know some people go to the guardian stone. Choose the thief stone them make potions with a gaints toe and wheat.

For Daedra Hearts, Enthir at the College of Winterhold sells them and restocks every 48 hours but they are expensive. There is one in Kodlak's room in Jorrvaskr. A couple from quests. If you do the Azura shrine one. You can get two or three from that. Then once you are level 20 and get the Mehrunes Dagon quest. If you finish that. Then a few Dremora will spawn outside his shrine when you visit.

Thanks for the replys everyone.

One more thing I was wondering is if there is any cap to the bonus % you can get from gear/potions for enhancing smithing.

Does it cap at 100% or just keep stacking?

Brockaine: see this thread
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1313851-complete-character-design-freedom-damage-resist-caps-and-ridiculous-damage-thread-7/
For the answers you are looking for, as well as techniques to apply what you learn.

-Loth