Custom Crafting

The Custom Crafting System is a choose-your-own-adventure mini-game where you design unique items, guide their creation through narrative choices, and bring something truly special into the world. Success is guaranteed, but your decisions and luck determine your item’s quality, features, and flair!

How It Works

1. Player initiates the mini-game by going to Custom Shop > Start a Crafting Game.
2. Support opens a new thread in the #catalysts-and-games channel.
3. For each round of the crafting attempt, the player will be presented with a narrative challenge related to the item’s creation and 3 choices with clear Risk Levels (Low, Medium, High).
4. Player selects one option, Support completes rolls (explained below), and the outcome is narrated.
5. Steps 3 & 4 are repeated until the player's requested duration has been hit.
6. The final outcome is decided and posted, XP is calculated, and the new item is placed into your character inventory.

Basic Procedure

1. Support rolls a number between 1 - 20 to give you your baseline result.
2. Support adds your Proficiency Bonus to the baseline (see Proficiency for more information).
3. The combined total is used to determine the outcome of the last scenario: Setback, Standard, Enhanced, or Exquisite.
   • The outcome you roll can have effects such as adding bonus items or features, causing temporary illnesses, and also determines the Quality Points collected for this round.
4. At the end of the event, the number of Quality Points from each round are added up, producing a final result.

Quality Points (QP)

Outcome	QP Gained	Possible Special Events
Setback	0 QP	A flaw or complication may arise
Standard	1 QP	A minor feature (equivalent to a Talent under 1k) is added, or a small bonus is received
Enhanced	2 QP	A standard feature (equivalent to a 1-1.5k Talent) is added, or a medium bonus is received
Exceptional	3 QP	A major feature (equivalent to a 3-6k Talent) is added, or a major bonus is received

Special Event Triggers

Special Events can add extra traits, flaws, or hidden features.

Trigger	Condition	Effect
Natural 1	Always	Negative Event (flaw/complication)
Natural 20	Always	Positive Event (bonus trait)
High Risk + Low Roll	Roll ≤ (5 – Bonus)	Negative Event (if not natural 1)
High Risk + High Roll	Roll ≥ (19 – Bonus)	Positive Event (if not natural 20)
Style/Mood/Theme Mismatch	Choice conflicts with Style, Mood, or Theme	50% chance of mixed event

Final Item Quality

After your final step, total your QP:

Total QP	Item Quality	Bonuses
0–3	Standard	Base item as requested
4–7	Enhanced	+1 bonus trait (e.g., +5% resale value, one minor extra function)
8+	Exceptional	+2 bonus traits, possible upgrade slot, +10% resale value

Crafting Types

Activity	Yields
Alchemy	Salves, potions, tonics, and alcoholic beverages
Artificing	Jewelry, talismans, and artifacts
Cooking	Snacks, meals, and desserts
Sewing	Clothing, fabrics, and accessories
Smithing	Weapons, armor, and tools
Woodworking	Totems, tools, and structures

Proficiency

Earning Crafting Points (XP)

• Completion: Duration × 2 XP
• Quality Bonus: Enhanced +2 XP, Exceptional +4 XP
• Special Event Bonus: +1 XP per event

Proficiency Levels

Level	Title	Proficiency Bonus	XP Needed (Total)	Unlocks & Perks
0	Novice	+0	0	Base system
1	Apprentice	+1	25	Reroll one Setback per session
2	Journeyman	+2	50	Unlock Style choices
3	Adept	+3	100	+1 QP on themed crafts
4	Expert	+4	150	Add one minor trait without rolling
5	Master	+5	200	Guaranteed Enhanced on one step
6	Grandmaster	+6	250	Craft two unique items in one session
7	Legendary	+7	325	Items gain fame (+10% resale), high tier/extreme bonuses

Outcome Tables

Tier 1: Beginners (Proficiency Levels 0 - 2)

Risk Level	Setback Range	Standard Range	Enhanced Range	Exceptional Range
Low	1 - 5	6 - 20	–	–
Medium	1 - 3	4 - 15	16 - 20	–
High	1 - 5	6 - 14	15 - 18	19 - 20

Tier 2: Intermediate (Proficiency Levels 3 - 5)

Your skill narrows the Setback range and widens the Exceptional range.

• Setback: Roll of 1 up to (5 - Bonus)
• Exceptional: Roll of (19 - Bonus) up to 20

Risk Level	Setback Range	Standard Range	Enhanced Range	Exceptional Range
Low	1 - (5 - Bonus)	Rest	–	–
Medium	1 - (3 - Bonus/2)	4 - 15	16 - 18	(19 - Bonus) - 20
High	1 - (5 - Bonus)	6 - 14	15 - 18	(19 - Bonus) - 20

Example at Level 3 (Bonus +3):

• Setback range: 1 - 2 (because 5 - 3 = 2)
• Exceptional range: 16 - 20 (because 19 - 3 = 16)

Tier 3: Masters (Proficiency Levels 6 - 7)

You rarely face Setbacks, and Exceptional results are more common.

• Setback: Only if you roll a 1 (before adding bonus)
• Exceptional: Roll of (19 - Bonus) up to 20

Risk Level	Setback	Standard	Enhanced	Exceptional
Low	1 only	2 - 20	–	–
Medium	1 only	2 - 15	16 - 18	(19-Bonus)–20
High	1 only	2 - 14	15 - 18	(19-Bonus)–20

Example at Bonus +7:

• Setback: Only on natural 1
• Exceptional range: 12 - 20 (because 19 - 7 = 12)

Style Choice (Unlocked at Proficiency Level 2+)

At the final step, you may choose a Style:

Style Name	Adds +1 Feature From	Risk Modifier
Spatial	Dimensional	Expand both Setback and Exceptional ranges by +1
Emotive	Emotional	Lower Risk Level by one
Elemental	Environmental	+1 to Standard range
Cerebral	Mental	+1 to Enhanced range
Pactbound	Pacts	Roll twice, take the higher if Enhanced/Exceptional OR the lower if Setback
Bodily	Physical	-1 to Exceptional range, but -2 to Setback range
Ritual	Spiritual	If crafting is thematically aligned → +2 QP
Adaptive	Versatile	After the roll, shift the result one step up or down

Optional Features

Bulk Batches

If you wish to make multiple copies (e.g., to list on the Open Market, or grant group members matching items), mention it in Special Notes. The final yield is 1 + (total QP ÷ 4) copies (round down), all of the same base quality. Extra features may vary slightly per copy.

Material Themes

A Material Theme is a narrative and aesthetic motif that defines the essence of your crafted item. Choosing a theme adds flavor and occasional mechanical benefits to your crafting adventure. Benefits:

• Choosing a theme grants a flat +1 Quality Point (QP) at the end of your crafting adventure, regardless of outcomes.
• Your theme shapes every step of your adventure. The admin will ensure each scene has a connection to your chosen theme. Example:
  • Theme: Draconic
  • Step 1: "To forge a dragon-scale shield, you must first obtain scales. Do you: A) Seek a dragon's lair (High Risk), B) Trade with a scale merchant (Medium Risk), C) Search for shed scales in the mountains (Low Risk)"
  • Step 2: "The scales need to be tempered. Do you: A) Use dragon's breath (High Risk), B) Use volcanic lava (Medium Risk), C) Use enchanted forge (Low Risk)"
• If a Special Event occurs, it will be thematically appropriate to your chosen theme. Example Themes & Possible Special Events:
  • Draconic: Item occasionally emits smoke, grants minor fire resistance, or has scale-like patterning.
  • Moonlit: Glows in darkness, stronger during full moons, or grants dream-related insights.
  • Clockwork: Makes ticking sounds, can be wound for temporary effects, or has hidden compartments.

Theme	Narrative Focus	Example Scene Elements
Draconic	Scales, fire, treasure, ancient power, dominance	Dragon encounters, hoards, fiery environments, ancient ruins
Moonlit	Silver, cycles, dreams, night, reflection	Moon phases, nocturnal creatures, mirrors, silver materials
Abyssal	Shadows, chaos, corruption, whispers, void	Dark rituals, unstable magic, forbidden knowledge, shadow creatures
Verdant	Growth, seasons, life, plants, renewal	Forests, blooming flowers, herbalism, seasonal changes
Clockwork	Gears, precision, steam, logic, mechanics	Workshops, puzzles, mechanical creatures, time-based challenges
Celestial	Stars, divinity, light, order, constellations	Temples, star maps, holy sites, angelic/demonic influences
Spectral	Ghosts, echoes, memory, invisibility, spirit	Haunted locations, spirit negotiations, memory crystals
Volcanic	Fire, earth, passion, eruption, endurance	Volcanoes, forges, explosive materials, endurance tests
Oceanic	Water, tides, depth, mystery, adaptation	Seas, storms, underwater exploration, fluid challenges
Feywild	Whimsy, illusion, charm, nature, trickery	Enchanted forests, pranks, magical bargains, illusions

Crafting Mood

Select your mood when submitting your crafting template. It applies to the entire adventure.

Mood	Mechanical Effect	Best For
Bold	Replaces a Low or Medium option each round with a second High risk option; randomly adds or subtracts +1QP when a High risk option is selected.	Players who want the best chance at Exceptional results and Special Events.
Careful	Once per adventure, reroll any Low or Medium Risk choice after seeing the initial outcome.	Players who want reliability and control, especially with lower proficiency.
Inspired	Start the adventure with +1 Quality Point (QP) already earned.	Players crafting items that need to hit specific quality thresholds, especially in short adventures.
Weathered	Ignore the first Setback encountered (treat as Standard with 1 QP).	Players taking risky paths who want protection from early failures.
Methodical	Once per adventure, lower the Risk Level of any choice by one step (High → Medium, Medium → Low).	Tactical players who want to manage risk while pursuing specific results.
Passionate	On a natural 20, gain +2 QP (instead of +3) but the item gains a powerful secondary trait.	Roleplay-focused players creating signature, character-connected items.

Location Types & Benefits

Home Workshop Benefits

If your character has a dedicated workspace (forge, laboratory, studio, etc.) and is crafting at home, you gain the following advantages.

Workshop Benefits: You will receive all benefits when crafting in a home workshop.

1. Once per adventure, after seeing the outcome you may reroll one Setback.
2. Once per adventure, +1 will be added to one roll.
3. Unlocks special scene options related to your workspace.
4. Some rooms may add additional benefits.

Types of Workshops:

Type	For
Forge/Smithy	For smithing
Laboratory	For alchemy and artificing
Kitchen	For cooking and brewing
Studio	For sewing and artificing
Workshop	For woodworking

Requirements:

• Must be established in your character's housing/profile.
• Can only use one workshop benefit per adventure.
• Workshop must be appropriate to your craft type.

Guild Halls & Settlement Crafting Stations

If your character is a member of a guild and crafting at the Guildhall, or crafting in a settlement's designated crafting station, you gain the following advantages.

Benefits:

Guild Hall	Benefit	Drawback
Assembly of Knowledge (Scholars)	Research Access: Once per attempt, you may replace a Standard outcome with an Enhanced outcome (gaining +2 QP instead of +1). Bonuses may be themed for the guild.	Academic Rigor: Cannot choose High Risk options.
Circle of Vitalis (Healers)	Healing Touch: Once per attempt, you may ignore a Setback and treat it as Standard (gain 1 QP). Bonuses may be themed for the guild.	Non-Violent Ethos: Cannot craft weapons or intentionally harmful items.
Crafter's Coalition (Artisans)	Master's Guidance: Reroll up to two failed rolls (Setbacks) per adventure. Bonuses may be themed for the guild.	Guild Dues: Pay 10% of item's max resell value (minimum 50 coppers) for facility use.
Golden Ledgers (Merchants)	Market Insight: Gain +10% resale value on your final item if it's Enhanced or Exceptional quality. Bonuses may be themed for the guild.	Contractual Obligation: Give one item of any kind to the guild in exchange for facility use.
Helping Hands (Humanitarian Aid)	Community Effort: Your crafting attempt requires one less step (minimum 1 step). Bonuses may be themed for the guild.	Open Doors: Once per adventure, your chosen Risk Level may switch to Low after you declare it, representing an interruption.
Order of the Seekers (Adventurers)	Danger Bonus: High Risk choices grant +1 additional QP on successful outcomes (Standard, Enhanced, or Exceptional). Bonuses may be themed for the guild.	Wear & Tear: Cannot apply the Cerebral or Emotive styles during crafting.
Wild Wardens (Tamers)	Nature's Blessing: If your item has a nature-themed Material Theme (Verdant, Oceanic, Volcanic, etc.), you gain +2 QP from the theme instead of +1. Bonuses may be themed for the guild.	Untamed Essence: Cannot apply the Clockwork material theme or Spatial style.
Wraithbone Atelier (Whispering Atoll)	Votive Carving: Guarantees finished products will have at least 1 Spectral feature, even if Spectral was not selected as a theme.	Ritual Rigor: Cannot choose High Risk options during this crafting attempt to prevent the loss of a donated bone.

Mobile Crafting Station

Mobile Workstation Benefits:

One random benefit will be applied when you use a mobile workstation.

RNG	Benefit	Mechanical Effect
1	Adaptable Setup	You may change the Material Theme of your item after the first step.
2	Scavenger’s Eye	Use found or scavenged materials, reducing the required crafting duration by 1 step (min. 1).
3	On-the-Fly Adjustments	Once per attempt, after a roll, you may shift the outcome one step up (e.g., Standard → Enhanced).
4	Portable Efficiency	If your attempt has 3 or more steps, gain +1 bonus QP on the final step.
5	Traveler’s Insight	When crafting in a location that matches your item’s Material Theme (e.g., forging in a volcano for Volcanic), gain +1 to all rolls; if matches Primary Theme +2.

Mobile Workstation Drawbacks:

One random drawback will be applied when you use a mobile workstation.

RNG	Drawback	Mechanical Effect
1	Unstable Workspace	Once per attempt, a re-roll may automatically occur on any Exceptional result (Natural 20 excluded).
2	Limited Toolset	You cannot apply the Cerebral or Precision-based styles.
3	Improvised Materials	Once per attempt, an Enhanced result may only give +1 QP instead of +2.
4	Exposed to Elements	Inclement weather or hostile environments may trigger an automatic Setback in one step.
5	Cramped Conditions	You cannot craft bulk batches in a mobile workstation. All creations are single items.

Location Themes (for Traveler's Insight)

Location	Primary Theme	Secondary Themes
Aethelreach	Celestial	Draconic, Clockwork
Chromabloom Isle	Verdant	Feywild, Moonlit
Dreadmire Swamp	Abyssal	Verdant, Spectral
The Drowned Tangle	Oceanic	Spectral, Celestial
Frostveil	Oceanic	Celestial, Volcanic
Hollowdeep Caves	Celestial	Verdant, Spectral
Mistmere Beach	Oceanic	Moonlit, Spectral
Nocthollow Forest	Feywild	Verdant, Spectral
Scorched Desert	Volcanic	Celestial, Draconic
Serenity Falls	Celestial	Verdant, Moonlit
Skyrend Mountains	Celestial	Verdant, Draconic
Telos Gestalt	Verdant	Spectral, Abyssal
The Whispering Atoll	Spectral	Moonlit, Celestial
Pyronmouth (General)	Oceanic	Clockwork, Volcanic
Emerald District	Verdant	Celestial, Draconic
Sapphire District	Celestial	Clockwork, Oceanic
Ruby District	Verdant	Oceanic, Draconic
Obsidian/Ash District	Volcanic	Abyssal, Draconic
Copper District	Draconic	Clockwork, Oceanic
Iron District	Oceanic	Clockwork, Draconic
Platinum District/The Hub	Clockwork	Celestial, Volcanic

Helper NPCs, Companions, & Pets

Assistants can provide valuable assistance during crafting.

How Helpers Work:

• Mention your helper in your crafting request.
• The helper provides one random benefit from the benefit list.
• Some NPCs, Companions, and Pets may offer additional benefits beyond the base choices below.

Assistant Benefit List:

RNG	Benefit	Mechanical Effect
1	Steadying Presence	Rerolls the dice for one step. You must accept the second result.
2	Lucky Charm	Adds +3 to the result of one roll.
3	Damage Control	Switches a Setback outcome to a Standard outcome.
4	Inspired Aid	Gain +1 bonus Quality Point (QP) at the end of the adventure.
5	Resourceful Fetch	Flips a Negative Special Event to a Positive Event one; if it was already positive, it provides a slightly stronger effect.
6	Risk Mitigator	Lowers the Risk Level of one choice by one step (High → Medium, Medium → Low).
7	Efficient Partner	Your crafting attempt requires 1 fewer step to complete (minimum of 1 step).
8	Focus Ward	Nullify all negative effects from a Negative Special Event (including from a Natural 1), treating that step as having no Special Event.
9	Synergistic Spark	An Enhanced or Exceptional outcome adds +1 to the QP gained from that step (e.g., Enhanced gives 3 QP instead of 2).
10	Unexpected Insight	Randomly triggers during the attempt, adds +1 Proficiency Bonus for the rest of the attempt.