[dev1016] Redundant Raw Materials (or: Why Do I Need 12 Slots of Raw Iron?)

[Raikki]

As far as I can tell, there is currently no function being served by having three different forms of raw iron (Limonite, Iron Ore, and Iron Sand). This is a headache for inventory management during mining, and is exacerbated by having four different qualities of each material. This is also an issue with silver and gold, but iron stands out in particular.

I realize the HQ variety is a bigger issue for gathering as a whole, and I do sincerely hope we can get the NQ/+3 change that was implemented for drops already. However, I would also like to see the redundant material issue addressed. These things combined, I feel, would greatly ease inventory problems for gatherers and would be much simpler for everyone than adding another retainer or increasing bag sizes again, both of which put more load on the servers.

If somebody out there actually likes things as they are please feel free to speak up. I'd very much like to know whether or not everyone shares this view.

Thank you.

[Lienn]

They offer different rank recipes and later on might be used in different recipes (like darksteel only using iron ores). Also, for gathering purposes, some are easier to obtain than others, making them actually different materials that just happen to, right now, only craft the same thing because they are only used in one recipe.

[Raikki]

They offer different rank recipes and later on might be used in different recipes (like darksteel only using iron ores). Also, for gathering purposes, some are easier to obtain than others, making them actually different materials that just happen to, right now, only craft the same thing because they are only used in one recipe.

Smelting appears to be the same rank regardless of material from what I've seen. I am aware that the gather rates/difficulty are set differently for each material one right now but I think there are solutions to that other than the current system. I also think strained inventory trumps that concern. Regardless, thanks for weighing in, as that would definitely need to be taken into consideration.

[zaviermhigo]

In real life you can make iron from anything that possesses iron ore within it. By giving us multiple ways to create iron ore it makes it more realistic. Also what Raikki said, some are easier to obtain then others, and some synths are easier/ harder depending on rank but I think they took this out or if the smelting book negates this. I just know people without the book have a harder time on some smelts than others. So it gives you more options.

Also if there were only one make to make a metal/alloy, then people could monopolize that ore and keep the prices inflated. This was one of the smarter things they did economically.

[Raikki]

In real life you can make iron from anything that possesses iron ore within it. By giving us multiple ways to create iron ore it makes it more realistic. Also what Raikki said, some are easier to obtain then others, and some synths are easier/ harder depending on rank but I think they took this out or if the smelting book negates this. I just know people without the book have a harder time on some smelts than others. So it gives you more options.

Also if there were only one make to make a metal/alloy, then people could monopolize that ore and keep the prices inflated. This was one of the smarter things they did economically.

While I'm open to lots of points of view, this makes no sense at all. How would merging iron sand and limonite together with iron ore allow people to "corner the market" on it? There would be just as much of it available as before, and it's an extremely abundant resource in the first place.

I'm currently losing 20 slots of primary inventory just to partial stacks of iron and silver any time I go mining. Should 2 resources really take 20 slots to gather? Should I have to stash nearly all of my gear for other classes on a retainer to be able to gather, making it a chore to switch between gathering and combat? Is the supposed "realism" of being able to derive iron from 3 redundant materials worth that headache?

Sorry to go off on you like that, but that kind of reply is frustrating from someone who hasn't experienced the problem. Wild theory and speculation not grounded in the reality of the game is not going to fix the inventory management problems of gathering.

[Rentahamster]

If it was up to me, I'd consolidate those 3 iron materials into one item (just iron ore). The OP is right, there's no good reason why there have to be 3 separate materials that make iron nuggets. It just adds confusion and inventory bloat.

[Lienn]

Well, i can see yor point since i do mine, log and fish often. However i wouldn't merge them all in one. I like the way they are because they're split into several dificulty for gathering and crafting. Also, with the promisses regarding gathering it is expect for us to be able to focus on a certain material, drastically lowering the ramdon trash we get while aiming a certain item.

There are 2 points i'd certainly do though...i'd merge all HQ versions into one item (Like a "High-quality silver ore" replacing all +1, +2 and +3 silver ores), leaving +1, +2 and +3 only for equipments...and i'd split the inventory in 2 of 80 slots, separating equipments from main inventory.

I can understand all you said...i'm often with around 65~70 slots of equipment, which make things really complicated when i decide gathering...but IMO merging different items is not a good way of fixing it...it would be the same as merging rose-pink and floral-pink moss into one "pink moss"...it just would make no sense at all. ^^:

[Ferth]

The same goes for crafted materials. Woodworkers can make about 10 different handles with one recipe, and each handle is used in one recipe... so for them to be able to sell handles they need to know who is looking to make what and which handles are worth the most... Not to mention that the crafters who need the handles need to worry about how rare their handle is, and whether it's worth it to just try and find a woodcrafter to make them some handles specifically for whatever they are trying to make...

It's a big mess. Especially given how much cross over there is in crafting anyway. You need this glue, and these nails, and that handle, and that blade, and this color of this kind of leather strips.

[tymora]

Just means one person can't sell everything. Not everyone minds the "mess". I for one don't.

The same goes for crafted materials. Woodworkers can make about 10 different handles with one recipe, and each handle is used in one recipe... so for them to be able to sell handles they need to know who is looking to make what and which handles are worth the most... Not to mention that the crafters who need the handles need to worry about how rare their handle is, and whether it's worth it to just try and find a woodcrafter to make them some handles specifically for whatever they are trying to make...

It's a big mess. Especially given how much cross over there is in crafting anyway. You need this glue, and these nails, and that handle, and that blade, and this color of this kind of leather strips.

[Ferth]

Not minding the mess doesn't make it a good system. And a better system would still be best. I don't mind all the cross over, though I think right now it's a bit excessive. My point was more about the ridiculous number of handles woodworkers can make all with the same recipe, and all of them basically boil down to a polished length of wood, but none of them are interchangeable. It's convoluted at best.