Newbie issues with crafting

[Lumix]

Ok, as a "newbie" to NVN in general... I am finding crafting to be a very confusing subject. In a lot of places the term "Gem" is used and is very non-specific. Even if I collect gems (such as diamonds, etc that I find on corpses and chests) I still can't craft with them. (Specificly Fletching the new arrows that require gems)

Plus the books on jewel crafting make reference to buying simple common gems... but when you go to the Master Jeweler they are not available to buy. This makes a new player like myself very frustrated in not knowing where to get things. I have searched far and wide on the island and can't seem to find the "gem shop".

I would prefer the books on crafting tell you where to quest to get such items. Asking PC's is rather intimidating as well as OOC sometimes. (not to forget finding people that are crafters when you are a newbie is almost impossible). Which reminds me... is Castille going to have more shops?

*pauses* ... gees, do I always whine this much?

Sorry for nit-picking this, I love this server... I am just feeling like a newbie advocate right now.

Cheers,
Lumix

[Silentus]

I havnt done any fletching so I dont know for sure what component it is looking for, but I can probably speak for Makz in saying that you need to explore more if you want to get this information OR ask some people IC. Makz (and many players as well) is not for using the forums as a means of bypassing exploration. Further, even when you ask most people in character they may tell you no, or perhaps will give you a hint as to the location to go to. Most will not give you outright answers unless your characters are close.

I can tell you this much with certainty: +1, +2, & +3 gems are available for sale by at least one vendor I know of - as to where that vendor is, you will need to ask in game (if you see Vugor, dont be afraid to approach him - hes me!)

Good luck!

[Phoenix]

OK, there is no gem shop you have to mine the gems yourself. There are piles all over the place, just like ore, it's spread out. You cannot use the gems you find, with 2 or 3 exceptions, the first couple of findable gems can be cut, but not the rest. So all the rubies and emeralds you find are worthless to the craft, just sell them. In fact it's pretty much easier to just sell all gems you find.

You used to be able to buy normal gems from the gem crafter in N. Styne (next to the guild hall and bank). And you could cut these using the gem cutter, but the gems were removed for sale a month or so ago.

So the gem cutter will cut findable gems (first two or three in the list), but not the rest. You can tell the difference when you use the gemcutter, there id the option to cut malachite and cut rough malachite. Rough malachite is what you mine, the regular malachite is the findable(used to be buyable).

Check the mine in Styne for the first couple of gems and ores. If you have anyother Qs let us know, or find me IG. Since I have finished Jewlery I have hit all the road bumps, just wait until you try to smelt Mryk. I had a thread about that one, if you want to see.

If you just need specific gems for crafting arrows it's probably easier to find a jewler so you don't have to raise your skill just for the gems, but I guess it depends on what gems you need....

edit: what specifically is the recipie calling for? Cut gems, ideally cut gems, or just a gem? Jewlers 'cut' gems, there are the found gems, and then the +1-3 gems.

[opus]

Ok my issue with crafting is the pick axe.

It is a martial weapon so any mage or rogue class cant use it.

So I asked around and *poof* a set of miners gloves were proved.

One problem thou I have to be level 12 to use them.

So my question is why cant the pick axe be adjusted so that every class can use it?

[Makzimia]

OK, first one, gem collection is by mining, I have now updated the book, which I confess, I thought I already had, so thanks Lumix . In today's update.

Pick axes are a martial weapon, that is built into the actual rules of the bioware engine, to make them useable by all means adding that feat to something, which is what we have done.

Realistically some whimpy mage with 10 STR or maybe less, would not wield a pick axe. The ideals of a crafting system are interaction of various crafts for supplies. How anyone can say they can't find a crafter on is beyond me, looking through my logs, there are on average 12 players every hour at least over a 24 hr period.

Asking players about crafting is not OOC, asking them for the location of something can be handled however the players want, I personally as a player who knew where something really hard to get is, wouldn't tell another player if my PC was not inclined to, however, another one may... I also tend to move certain ores to make them less convienent, so that we don't have constant appearances of items made from it.

Makz.

[opus]

Realistically some whimpy mage with 10 STR or maybe less, would not wield a pick axe.

Here in is the problem with the ats system, the pick axe isnt a weapon it is a tool. Even the weakest person could pick up a hammer and try and put a nail into a piece of wood. Just because they arent strong or have experience in using a hammer doesnt mean they cant do it and be successful.

It shouldnt require you to add a feat to the pick axe. Under restrictions add every base class to it. This should open the item up for anybody to use.

[Makzimia]

Opus, NO not going to happen. It is my opinion, and since we made this version of ATS and left it this way, that not ALL players should be ALL things, you want a miner make a miner, want a jewelcrafter, make one. Sorry, but I am not discussing that aspect further, it has raised it's head before with players who thought they should be able to do it all, and with enough experience and time, you still can.

Makz.

[Silentus]

I'm with Makz on this one - frankly, I owuld love it if every craft required a feat to be able to do it to any great degree. That is kind of how Bioware setup their limited crafting in HotU - using skill points instead of feats. If you wanted to get good, you had to buy it. Obviously that cant happen here as ATS is a separate entity from NWN, but still...