Crafting Madness Made Simple

What good is a sandbox world without crafting? It would sort of be like removing the sand part of a sandbox, would it not? Maybe that would be more like playing in a pool. Remembering the delighted 8 years old who spent hours in the sand with matchbox cars, Tonka trucks, and G.I. Joes I cannot help but smile at the unrestrained imagination of a young boy. Anywho, resources that are grown in the world of Epimetheus or harvested from the depths of the lands, are used to produce goods throughout the game. This requires a system of 'basic resources' to 'advanced goods' recipe trees that must tie directly into both skill trees and classes. To that end, much of what is being done to expand 'Crafting' will continue to evolve as other trades and classes are fleshed out.

There are 19 trades that specialize in the manufacturing of goods. Apothecary, Toxicologists, Alchemists, Potters, Woodworkers, Artisans, Carpenters, Masons, Architects, Tinsmiths, Brassfounders, Blacksmiths, Weaponsmiths, Armorsmiths, Fendersmiths, Fabricators, Weavers, Dyers, Tanners and Cooks all make goods for in-game consumption or use. While Farmers, Miners, Quarry Masters, and Breeders all produce resources for the makers of goods.

Image A

Many resources have special attributes that lend bonuses to the completed goods. Completed goods can be further influenced by magic and more advanced objects can be manufactured from those results and so on. The benefits gained from certain ingredients is one of the many ways in which Team Epimetheus has created a system that allows the players to experiment and fashion their own objects in-game to either boost their abilities or tout their wherewithal. In addition, many of the resource-based bonuses are based off from real life benefits, just exaggerated for spectacular effect. 

Image B

Let us use the example of a Weaponsmith which is a specialized Smithie trade. In Image A you can see that there are five features that allow a Weaponsmith to create unique swords: pommel, grip, cross-guard, forte, and the debole or tip. When you consider that there are currently 14 types of metal and 7 types of alloys available for crafting, numerous precious and semi-precious stones, enchantments that can be woven into an object one cannot help but feel a little amazed at the ability to personalize your in-game wares. In addition, stamping wares with an avatar's mark lend weight to the overall goal of player communities 

Shield Crafting Reference

There are similar features included in all forms of crafting as the goal to balance our industrial features with the combative nature of the Epimetheus World takes shape. In Image B you can see that there is a break down on the crafting of capes, which again supports a sandbox approach to crafting in-game objects. This approach is used in nearly every in-game object as we provide an outlet for our player's artistic cravings. 

Common Capes

The mechanics in Fortnite and EvE not only allow for player debauchery they promote it. I have personally never seen the allure of being a vet in a game only to prey upon noobs as it always seemed petty to me. It's like a high school student preying on a kid in middle school. But I digress.

Image C

Team Epimetheus wants to provide a platform for all gamers, a realm where competitors can compete without having to skill or XP farm and yet industrial players can build their heart's desire without infantile behavior coming along and ruining all of their hard work. A safe haven for industrial players allows them to do what they do best: make cool stuff! If done right we can make it possible to turn the destructive nature of some into the challenge that ads enjoyment to a Builder.

Carpenters, Masons, and Architects all specialize in building structures. Each of which serves their own independent function. We are still toying with the idea of  a feature where the players can hire mobs which explains the 'TRAIN' column in Image C.

In addition, there are also fortification structures, dungeons, mines, quarries and siege weapons that can be built by players. This is one of the ways that Epimetheus offers ownership to players. By allowing the players the ability to permanently alter the game environment and direct the storyline we hope to see each server unfold as it's own unique game world.

Giving the impact of gaming on the entertainment industry and the current (2018) trends of interactive electronic usage we aim to marry theatrical entertainment with electronic entertainment. Just imagine movies made about a game instead of games made after movies!