GameBanshee Forums

the guide(s) is not clear about the process of distilling a monster remain into faint essence. such as what monster remain for faint power essence, fire essence etc. ?

I made the following spread sheet for myself when I played. Perhaps it is of use:
http://www.svelmoe.dk/files/craft.xsl

What you need is the items listed in the document, and the Neverwinter Nights 2 @ GameBanshee feat on the character doing the crafting (or rather casting the spell needed)

So, put all the items into a magical workbench, have the person cast the correct spell on the workbench and presto - upgraded item.

weapon upgrade

Do I/ Qara need weapon craft skill levels or just caster levels?

Craft Weapon/armor/trap only used when creating the Base weapon. Caster level + Craft Magical Arms & Armor/wand/rod/wonderous item does the enchanting.