So, I just improved my Elven Armor, and was able to take it from 46 to 55 rating. So.. I put on my gloves which allow me to improve weapons and armor 15% better, and still.. only takes the armor to 55. I don't get it.. a little help?

Well, if I read you correct, you did not put the bouns item on "before" you improve the armor. You don't get to improve it more/again after you've already improved it, even if you find an item/potion that gives you a bouns to do so later.

No sorry, I went to the table without the magic gloves equipped and clicked on the armor to see what the improvement would be, it went from 46 to 55 rating. I cancelled it, went and bought the moonstone, then put on the gloves and did it, still only came to 55. So yes, I was wearing the smithing gloves when I improved the armor on the bench.

anyone?

My guess is either the 15 to smithing wasn't enough to take your improvement up to 56. That or skill fortify isn't implementing correctly. Make a note of values, raise smithing by 15 'naturally' (without taking any more perks in Smithing) then check if the value is the same.

Hmm thank you for the ideas, I'll experiment around some, I hadn't thought of that.

Acctually you can improve an item several times. If you happen to have more combined skill at a later attempt you will be able to improve it another time. Even when its allready Legendary you still get more armor/damage by having higher + Smithing modifiers.

Well that's good to know.. hmm still wonder why my gloves didn't work though. You just wear the item enchanted with smithing while you improve the item right? that's it?

Yes thats it. 4 Slots(Chest, Gloves/Bracer + Necklace and Ring) + Potion. You can buy + 50% Potions later on. 130% is max with Alchemy. Random Item drops go as high as 25%. So without enchanting and alchemy you can get +150% Smithing which is plenty enough on master difficulty. You can buy unenchanted blacksmithing clothing in the Solitude apparel shop, then you can look like a smith while crafting^^


You need to reach a higher smithing value to get the next improvement.