(Earthdawn) crafting questions

[frost890]

I recently got involved with the earth dawn (2ed I think) setting and I have a few questions. I am trying a weapon smith.
I know I can get better weapons with forge blade but how do you increase the armor or defense ratting? I cant seem to find a forge armor skill/talent when I look through the book. I have been looking at the GMs book when we play so I might have missed it.

I also saw something about getting a supporter under some optional rules. is this worth it? what would be a good way about doing it?

[Tengu_temp]

Forge Armor is a talent from a very high circle, and if 2e is similar to 1e in this regard, for character advancement above 8th circle you need to get a separate book.