Enchanting question

[CaptEHCJ]

I am playing an ArchMage (level 11 right now). I just competed an escort and got the skill "Imbue Item." When I use it, it gives me a list of gems I have but not ALL of them - I can see +1 to all stats, but not +2. Then, once I choose a gem, it gives me a list of No items to enchant. In my inventory, I have emptied out all the junk and only have what I am wearing - though I did take off everything that I was wearing. Is this skill useless at this level and or is there any way to level the skill up?

Also, should I have chosen, instead of "Imbue Item", the tree that would give me access to that skill so that I can level it up as points become available?

Finally, if the second is true (I should unlock the tree), is unlocking it worth the points spent?

Next - on a different subject - what benefit is it spending category points not opening up new categories, but using them to "power up" an existing catetory (and what does that exaclty do anyway??).

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/assistance!

[PureQuestion]

It can only use gems up to the level of the skill, and I believe gems can only go into equipment of up to the same level. (At level one you can only use the worst gems, at max level, you can use any gem.)

[jenx]

You have three options for category points:
1. Unlock a new talent tree. There are two kinds:
1a. Talent trees specific to your class
1b. Talent trees you gain access to due to the game mechanics (escorts, achievements, char level, quests, unlocks, etc).
2. Boost an existing talent tree. For most (but not all talents) this increases their effectiveness, by affecting their damage, duration, range, etc. But some talents are fixed at 5 levels of increment and are not affected by this. You can tell this by adding the talent point to an unlocked talent tree and observing the changes in the descriptions. But make sure you remove the talent point (right click I think) before exiting this screen, otherwise it is permanent.
3. Adding up to two additional inscription spots. To do this, Use an inscription, and if you have a spare point, you'll get the option to create a new slot.

[phantomglider]

Putting a category point in an already unlocked tree increases its mastery level by 0.2. Mastery level is multiplied by points in the talent to get effective talent level, which is used for most but not all calculations based on talent level. For example, Archmages have 1.3 mastery in Spell/Conveyance, and can select a target area with Phase Door at only 4 points (because 1.3*4=5.2), but Necromancers only have 1.2 mastery and have to put the full five points in for that benefit.

Used this way, a category point is worth one talent point in each of the talents you max in that tree. It's generally more valuable to open up a tree or buy an inscription slot, but there are occasions where it's useful.

[jenx]

I find the extra category point to be very useful in these talent trees:

For corruptors, Blood
For Rogues/Shadowblades, stealth and poison and dual-weapons
For anorithils, the Hymns and/or Eclipse (to boost Corona and Darkness Hymn)
For cursed, Cursed Form and/or Gloom

There are probably others, but these are the ones I have utilised.