Shops question

[Syrin]

I have three smithies, and the tier two arcane weapons aren't unlocked because I "don't have enough smithies to maintain it".   How many do I need?  Additionally, if I buy a weapon, then deconstruct the smith, there is a half damage penalty bonus?   If so, weapons and arcane weapons don't seem worth the upkeep costs compared to staves.

[Randomizer]

Most Tier 2 weapons require at least 4 smithies and Tier 3 are at 7 smithies. This doesn't apply to found and purchased outside the forts weapons. However these are usually worse than fort purchased weapons. Go into The Vol to find physical damage and the Ahriel for arcane weapons.

 

Depending upon the game difficulty level you are playing, you want weapons other than two-handed staves so you can use a shield. Also you can get better  armor against physical damage. While you can play without them, on the hardest difficulty levels it may make a difference.