Minimum weapons requirements.

I've noticed that I can equip weapons/shields/focuses with minimum stats whether I meet those stats or not. For instance, a +30hp shield on a level 1 character still gives me +30hp. Same goes for EP. I equipped something with a +12ep bonus and it gave me 12ep.

Now, weapons I can't confirm bonuses for sure, but I can confirm I can do more with a max dmg sword than I can with a starter sword... even if I don't have anywhere near the 9 swordsmanship required.

What gives?

If you don't meet the req on a max (15-22) sword, then the weapon acts as if it has base damage, the same as a starter sword (iirc). However, if you find yourself doing more damage, this may be because of the inscription/hilt, which weapon requirement has no effect on.

I'll have to give it another shot using something with no bonuses.

the req only matter for the base damage/armor/energy of the item. all of the bonuses are unaffected by req.