Here are a few changes that are currently in the new system:
- Every item is now handled individually with its own file and separate code to allow us to customize each item, its forging process, tools used, prefix and suffix descriptions, quality descriptors etc.
- Blacksmiths will no longer automatically know how to forge EVERYTHING from the start, instead they will begin by learning a few techniques from a basic blacksmith NPC then be allowed to discover new methods on their own or learn from other player blacksmiths.
- All forging schematics will now be on a "what you have learned" system. You can learn from NPCs, other players or by discovering them on your own as you work.
- This new learning system will allow us to easily add new items in the future AND will allow us to release super secret special schematics to individual smiths from roleplay situations or other events.
- The new system will have greater rewards for those who have spent a great deal of time increasing their skill. Master blacksmiths can expect to know schematics that others do not and be able to customize things unlike others.
- As your skill increases there will be new adornment methods available. Such as, encrusting items, haft, hilts etc with jewels, adding custom leather wrapping or even etching your your own custom artistry onto the item via a large "pick a word" customization system.
- All of the current artisan benefits have carried over to the new system and their special schematics will be allowed to be shared with others on a very limited and monitored basis. Expect both OOC and IC consequences to artisans who teach others needlessly or carelessly.
With all that fun stuff this is where I would like to ask you the community for some help. There is a TON of text to write for each individual items crafting process and to help me avoid becoming too generic I would like to present you with the opportunity to write it for me, right here, and have it copy pasted into the game for time and all eternity.
Here is an example straight from the code to forge a longsword blade:
Here is an example straight from the code to forge a longsword hilt:Beginning messaging - 'Taking the hot bar from the forge you begin to hammer the %material, slowly moving it into the shape of a %craftitem. Hot sparks ignite, and the clammer of your hammer and anvil fills the surrounding area. Some progress is made but you still have some ways to go.'
Middle messaging - 'You continue to hammer away drawing the %material out longer and longer into the correct shape. You add a little bit of flux as you work to clean the bar from impurities and brush it from time to time to remove any excess scale. You are also careful not to hammer too much down the center to later allow for the grinding of a fuller down the central ridge of the blade.'
Finish messaging - 'Finally done with the hammering and shaping you have moved the hot metal into the proper %craftitem shape. Carefully you plunge the material into a nearby barrel full of water. Listening for any sounds which might indicate a fracture or bending of the material.'
Here is an example straight from the code to forge the final longsword:Beginning messaging - 'Taking the hot metal in your tongs you begin to hammer away at the %material. Slowly shaping and moving it into the the proper %craftitem design with your %tool'
Middle messaging - 'You continue to hammer away at the hot metal. You slowly work on the guard, the grip and the pommel eat following a cruciform design of the classic longsword shape. Carefull not to move the metal too quickly to avoid stress fractures and continuing to add flux as you work your bar starts to look more and more like a longsword hilt.'
Finish messaging - 'With all the pieces properly hammered out you have completed your work! You take each metal part and plunge it into a nearby barrel of water, careful to listen for any *PINGS* or other sounds which may indicate a bend or stress fracture.'
Finish messaging - 'Using a special metal jig to hold the longsword blade and hilt togther you assemble the parts of the hilt onto the blade. Guard, grip and handle all slide onto the end and with a careful technique you screw the end of the pommel on to give it a tight mechanical bond. Sword now in hand you give the newly formed weapon a few swings to test for balance and grind down anything that might hinder the performance. After a final sharpening you now behold your completed longsword!'
As you can see that is a lot of custom text just to make one item. Also you will notice a few special words in there that will change depending the situation.
%tool - This will become the name of the hammer you are using.
%tongs - This will become the name of the tongs you are using.
%material - This will become the name of the material you are forging with, bronze, iron, steel, etc.
%craftitem - This will become the name of the item you are trying to create. Example: longsword hilt.
So pick a weapon and show me what you got! I currently have armors done on my end but if you want to do a shield as well, feel free. Keep in mind that all weapons are in 3 parts like the example above. That is a hilt/haft, a head/blade and the final construction. I know that many of you are looking to be builders or GMs so this may be a good place to show me your stuff. It helps if you do a lot of research and really look into how the items were made before creating your text. If you would like to have your text evaluated for pasting into the game just follow the above format and plop them right here. Happy CLOKing all!