Crafting and you.

[Nebu]

Rerolled a Burglar last night and am really enjoying the game and the environment.  Sure, it's the usual "get quests and run around" theme, but I enjoy the world and feeling a part of the story.  That being said: I'm a crafting idiot and I'm faced with all these NPC's offering crafting quests.

WHAT SHOULD I DO? 

I like crafting and would like to take on a career that's useful.  In WoW I had an alchemist/cook/leatherworker and enjoyed it.  In EQ2 I was a provisioner & jeweler.  I'm not in it for the money, but rather a way to be more self sufficient.  Oh, I also enjoy gathering.  Is there a crafting skill that's semi-interesting and also useful even in the endgame? 

Thanks for the help. Links appreciated.

[Cheddar]

Armorsmith.  You will be able to gather the metal you need, and can make medium armor (burglars can use medium @ level 20).  In addition you can make heavy armor if you desire.

[EWSpider]

Tailors make medium armor.  Metalsmiths make heavy armor.  However, with the armor and weapon crafts it's difficult to make yourself useful items at a level you'd want to use them.  You will almost always need materials from a higher tier that will be difficult for you to obtain.  This is especially true of Tailoring where you'll need to farm mobs higher level than you to get the hides you need.  It's not impossible, but can be a real pain in the ass.  I've found Tailoring to be much more useful for twinking alts and n00bs.  I'd suggest Scholar or Cook for the always useful consummables, but if you like crafting and don't mind investing a LOT of extra time into it to be able to make something useful for yourself as you level up then Tailoring or Weaponsmithing can fit that bill.

[Megrim]

The problem with that being, Armoursmithing is a horrible, soul-crushing grind. Do something fun like Tinkering.

 * edit: instaposted by Spider. What he said, basically the crafting in this game is the only thing i don't like. It kind-of goes up and down in grindyness depending on which professions you take, but it is still a general pain.

[Gorky]

The problem with that being, Armoursmithing is a horrible, soul-crushing grind. Do something fun like Tinkering.

Another advantage of Tinkering is that its one of the few professions which can procure their own raws, namely prospecting. And if you work up farming on a low level alt, you can then provide yourself with all the food you will ever need. Farming is unique in that it can be mastered by even a fresh alt with no need to move from the fields ever.

[Cheddar]

I said Armorsmith, the actual class in game is metalsmith.  From what you described its right up your alley.  You can make your own armor and tools, and provide a modest income from the craft.  Plus, you know, mining the shit out of ore.

[Nebu]

Is crafted armor of any value in the endgame? 

Also, I'm confused.  Metalsmith?  Armorsmith?  Which makes what I'd use?  A tailor?  Gah!

Thanks for taking the time.  I'll try to look things up on google when I get a break at work.

[Cheddar]

Is crafted armor of any value in the endgame? 

Also, I'm confused.  Metalsmith?  Armorsmith?  Which makes what I'd use?  A tailor?  Gah!

Thanks for taking the time.  I'll try to look things up on google when I get a break at work.

With that profession you can use tailoring to make yourself both light and medium armor.  Yes, there is definitely an end game use (you can make top of the line gear for yourself with this profession - save yourself a bundle!).  If you focus on crafting every ten levels you will never have a want to buy armor off the AH.  In addition, new weapons are a simple "/k <insert request>".  Marween and myself both have weapon crafters.  I can make whatever jewelry you want.

In addition you can make money from tools along with keeping yourself hooked up with maxed out tools. 

[EWSpider]

Sorry, I was trying to clarify what Cheddar said and between us we made it more confusing.

In LoTRO you pick a Vocation which then contains three different Professions.  Cheddar was suggesting Armourer I believe which contains Metalsmith, Tailoring, and Prospector.  Tailors are the ones that can make Medium Armor which is what Burglars can use.  The problem there though is if you want to do Tailoring you won't be able to cure your own hides as that's done by a Forester.  If you want to be able to make your own armor I'd go with Explorer.  That will get you both Tailoring and Forester and then as an added bonus you get Prospector.  With Prospector you'd be able to harvest ore and sell it.

Edit for break time linkie:  http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Vocation

[Cheddar]

Sorry, I was trying to clarify what Cheddar said and between us we made it more confusing.

In LoTRO you pick a Vocation which then contains three different Professions.  Cheddar was suggesting Armourer I believe which contains Metalsmith, Tailoring, and Prospector.  Tailors are the ones that can make Medium Armor which is what Burglars can use.  The problem there though is if you want to do Tailoring you won't be able to cure your own hides as that's done by a Forester.  If you want to be able to make your own armor I'd go with Explorer.  That will get you both Tailoring and Forester and then as an added bonus you get Prospector.  With Prospector you'd be able to harvest ore and sell it.

Edit for break time linkie:  http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Vocation

Yeah, either one would work with your needs.  Keep in mind we have several people in kin more than willing to boil hides for you.

[EWSpider]

Just a general note, not for Nebu, but if you don't give a rat's ass about crafting and can't be bothered with it then Explorer is almost always the way to go.  It gives you the ability to harvest all the basic resources which can then be sold on the Auction Hall for gold.  Simply ignore Tailoring and level up Forester and Prospector.

[Mrbloodworth]

Just a general note, not for Nebu, but if you don't give a rat's ass about crafting and can't be bothered with it then Explorer is almost always the way to go.  It gives you the ability to harvest all the basic resources which can then be sold on the Auction Hall for gold.  Simply ignore Tailoring and level up Forester and Prospector.

Good for alts too, when you don't want to craft on the alt, but can passively use the alts ability to support your main craftier!

[Cheddar]

His criteria was specifically for something useful.  Either of the professions mentioned above would suit his needs - personally I would lean more towards the Metalsmith as it offers heavy armor and tool making (heavy armor good for alts, tool making is a decent source of income).

[Nebu]

So... I want to go armorer.  Do I then have to pick tailoring or are the secondaries given? 

I don't mind grindy professions.  I loved Atitd and had a legendary crafter of everything in DAoC.  It's a nice time sink when I get sick of killing 10 dogs. 

Sorry, I'm almost done with the 20 questions.  I just want to be clear before I pick something.


UPDATE: Been reading some crafting guides, so it's making a little more sense.  Any input is still appreciated.

[Reg]

I went Explorer and by the time I was high enough level to get them I had more than enough money to buy myself a pony and a house just from selling wood and metals that I didn't need for tailoring. IMO, that's seriously the way to go if you're a burglar.

[Mrbloodworth]

"Vocations" include 3 "professions". Two professions are generally complementary (as in gathering (ore/smelting/refining), and finished items (armor)), one is always dependent on another person (a gathering OR a finished item).

http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Category:Professions

[Cheddar]

So... I want to go armorer.  Do I then have to pick tailoring or are the secondaries given? 

I don't mind grindy professions.  I loved Atitd and had a legendary crafter of everything in DAoC.  It's a nice time sink when I get sick of killing 10 dogs. 

Sorry, I'm almost done with the 20 questions.  I just want to be clear before I pick something.


UPDATE: Been reading some crafting guides, so it's making a little more sense.  Any input is still appreciated.

Secondaries are given, and you can change professions later if you desire.

[Nebu]

So... what's the advantage of Explorer over Armorer?  Can I be a tailor in both trees?  You guys are confusing the hell out of me. 

[Mrbloodworth]

So... what's the advantage of Explorer over Armorer?  Can I be a tailor in both trees?  You guys are confusing the hell out of me. 

lol, read my post man, ignore everyone else.

Armourer = Metal smith, Prospector and Tailor. Meaning for all your hide needs (used in tailoring) you will have to depend on someone else, as you yourself cant boil them (Forester does this). You will be self sufficient in making armor as you can mine, and refine (Prospector) and them make the final combine (Metal smith).

Explorer = Forester, Prospector and Tailor. Meaning you can gather hides, and refine them (boil them, this is forester), you can also gather wood, and refine that as well (forester again), you can mine things, and refine them (Prospector) but that's the end of that, no finishing profession, but because you have forester, you can supply just about all you need to tailoring.

[Nebu]

lol, read my post man, ignore everyone else.

"lol"  Holy shit... did I get transported to the Vault forums or something? 

Your quote gave facts.  I came here for advice!

I'm still trying to figure things out reading some crafting guides on a variety of fansites. 

[Cheddar]

lol, read my post man, ignore everyone else.

Your quote gave facts.  I came here for advice!

I'm still trying to figure things out reading some crafting guides on a variety of fansites. 

You can tailor with either profession.  Explorer will give you the additional ability to boil your own hides (you will need this to tailor armor).  Metalsmith will give you the ability to make your own tools and heavy armor.

Either is viable in your case, but keep in mind you can always ask the kin to boil hides or make tools.

[Mrbloodworth]

lol, read my post man, ignore everyone else.

"lol"  Holy shit... did I get transported to the Vault forums or something? 

Eh?

[Nebu]

You can tailor with either profession.  Explorer will give you the additional ability to boil your own hides (you will need this to tailor armor).  Metalsmith will give you the ability to make your own tools and heavy armor.

Either is viable in your case, but keep in mind you can always ask the kin to boil hides or make tools.

Thanks a ton!  That really clarified things for me.  

[Nebu]

Eh?

I appreciate your help and efforts.  I was just surprised that a man as intelligent as you are would start a post with "lol". 

[EWSpider]

Eh?

I appreciate your help and efforts.  I was just surprised that a man as intelligent as you are would start a post with "lol". 

What does using widely accepted Internet shorthand have to do with one's intelligence?  (just curious)

[Mrbloodworth]

Eh?

I appreciate your help and efforts.  I was just surprised that a man as intelligent as you are would start a post with "lol". 

What does using widely accepted Internet shorthand have to do with one's intelligence?  (just curious)

We all have our moments? 

[Nebu]

What does using widely accepted Internet shorthand have to do with one's intelligence?  (just curious)

Let's say you're a college student and I'm your professor.  You make the effort to come to me with a question (i.e. admitting your ignorance) and my first response is to laugh at you (i.e. LOL) followed by an answer. 

You don't think this breaks down the communication process?  God... maybe I am getting old.   

[Mrbloodworth]

Oh, my "Lol" was directed at all of us chomping at the bit to help you, and doing nothing but causing confusion.    Not that you needed to ask a question, or ask for more clarification.

Perhaps what i really fail at, is internet shorthand.

lol!

[Nebu]

No worries.  You and Ched got me on the right path.  I also found a nice guide that helped me to understand the difference between "Professions" and "Vocations".  That was the part I was struggling to understand.  I think I have it now and appreciate the time you and Ched too to help me out. 

[EWSpider]

Ah, I thought you were calling him out simply for using the shorthand "lol".

[ghost]

I have been playing this game for a while and have yet to do any crafting.  The system seems a little unfriendly and I'm not much of a gatherer/crafter anyway, unless it will provide some immediate benefit to my toon (like Priest/Tailoring in WOW).  Tonight I'm going to make a concerted effort to pick up a vocation and go with it. 

[Mrbloodworth]

I have been playing this game for a while and have yet to do any crafting.  The system seems a little unfriendly and I'm not much of a gatherer/crafter anyway, unless it will provide some immediate benefit to my toon (like Priest/Tailoring in WOW).  Tonight I'm going to make a concerted effort to pick up a vocation and go with it. 

Honestly, IMHO, in this game, the crafting is more worthwhile (at almost all levels) than any other.

[Cheddar]

IF you want the more involved route then metalsmith is for you.  IF you want to be more self sufficient then go explorer.  Errr, I know advice time is over but figured I would chime in one last time.


lol.

[UnwashedMasses]

You can be fairly self-sufficient as a scholar (historian vocation), and use the potions you make besides.  Not so great for selling though, as the only people who can use the mats are other scholars.

Scholar scrolls can add to group buffs, too.  Dyes I find to be useless.

[Soln]

To chime in:

Starting new with nothing I took Scholar as my main (Historian vocation) with an alt doing nothing but Cooking (and Farming when needed for mats).  Scholar gives me all the heals/power potions I've ever needed, along with some attack/defense buff scrolls.  It's debatable if the scrolls help much, but the potions were always nice.  Scholar though is a tough grind.  On the other hand, 2 gold got my alt almost to SM Cook and that food has been invaluable.

So, for leveling help I took Scholar for heals and Cooking for buffs.  Both really have helped. But yeah Armorsmithing is prolly a good investments -- I see several highbies on /inspect who all the time have high-level crafted gear.