Pete, the original games were very much a choice system.
I completed the original in a matter of hours following the storyline (which was epic).
I also did a run through taking as many quests/dungeons/exploration/house building etc as I could and it took me months. Alot of the original game content you found walking between places. Incidental content almost
In fact, going around stealing enough books to make floating lights in my wizards tower took fooking ages, but it was worth it
By all accounts, you can take up crafts to fix your weapons, or make stuff etc. This sort of thing will involve talking I should imagine. It's also completely optional. You don't have to become a blacksmith. Just speak to the blacksmith to get your items fixed for a cost.
I think the game covers most bases. You should try it out, I think you'll like it.