*** Final Fantasy ARR Census: What crafting class do you intend to focus on? ***

Welcome to our second FFXIV ARR census poll! You can still (and should!) fill out our initial class poll here. Before we dive in let's take another look at the polls we are covering in the build up to release:

June 30th - Class Poll
July 7th - Crafting Poll
July 14th - Job Poll
July 21st - Gathering Poll
July 28th - Race Poll
Aug 4th - Grand Company Poll

Today we take a break from combat related stuff (we'll return there next week when we ask what job you intend to take to end game first!) and check in with what (if any) crafting profession you intend to focus on first?

So what crafting classes are available? (Descriptions from the official site)

Carpenter - The foremost workers of wood, carpenters possess expert knowledge of the hardness, pliability, weight, and value of all types of timber. Their creed is to bring these natural traits to bear in the form of various wares, from the implements of war to the tools of various trades.
The greatest advancements in the craft have been made in the Twelveswood, home to the highest quality timber in Eorzea. Gridanian carpentry produces everything from the masks used in their religious ceremonies to the enormous waterwheels erected throughout their city.

Blacksmith - It is in the fires and on the anvils of blacksmiths that weapons and tools of metal are crafted. Their work is in demand far and wide, whether it be hammering the blade of a sword at the forge, or whetting the edge of an axe at camp.
Limsa Lominsa has been renowned for its blacksmithing tradition since antiquity, though the advanced metallurgical techniques passed on today bear little resemblance to the simple practices of ancient times. The relatively recent birth of firearms has created an entirely new area of expertise which is being adopted with fervor by many ambitious smiths.

Armorer - Armorers treat and work the malleable metals of Eorzea into all forms of armor. By binding together sheet, stud, and link, they are able to produce garb of plate and chain that has saved the lives of countless adventurers.
Though the armor trade once fell within the realm of blacksmithing, advancements in both metallurgical techniques and material refinement led to its necessary specialization, and it is now recognized as an official profession by all nations.

Goldsmith - Goldsmiths work precious metals and stones into a multitude of accessories that appeal to the Eorzean aesthetic. Their wide-ranging finery, painstakingly fashioned from delicate metals and gemstones, can be see adorning the ears, fingers, and necks of the distinguished everywhere.
Ul'dahn goldsmiths always have a ready supply of raw materials, owing to the vast mineral resources of Thanalan. Due to the high value of these resources, however, most artisans also make it their business to stay abreast of market trends.

Leatherworker - Leatherworkers are craftsmen who refine the hides, pelts, and furs of Eorzea's wildlife into garments to be worn from head to toe. Foremost among their creations are leather protectives, which are more substantial than cloth, but lighter and more pliable than chain or plate.
The Elezen have long been known for their skill in leatherworking, yet for centuries their techniques were heavily guarded. Once they agreed to share their wealth of knowledge, the quality of Gridanian leather goods improved significantly, creating an increased demand for the superior products.

Weaver - Weavers create fiber and fabric from base materials before using them to sew and stitch the vast array of garments worn by all. From fiber to thread, thread to cloth, cloth to dress, the path of these artisans literally weaves its way from basic beginnings to extravagant ends.
Just as the Spinner, Nymeia, spins the fates of all Eorzeans, the warp and weft of a weaver's work, too, have been known to alter the course of destinies both large and small. This holds truest in the city-state of Ul’dah, where appearances are considered akin to reality, and where master weavers wield tremendous influence.

Alchemist - Masters of Science and Nature, the devilish and the divine, alchemists ensure their livelihood through the transmogrification of mundane materials into wondrous waters─from curative concoctions to potent potables.
The Ul'dahn school only recently came to be recognized in scientific circles as a valid branch of alchemical orthodoxy. It is based on fundamental principles originating in the Near East tradition, but draws heavily upon esoteric elements of both Lalafellin herbalism and Miqo'te occultism as well.

Culinarian - Culinarians preside over the world of cuisine, preparing every known consumable in Eorzea. Armed with a cornucopia of ingredients from across the realm, and versed in methods from the far corners of Hydaelyn, these master chefs help adventurers maintain their strength on the battlefield.
Of all the city-states of Eorzea, Limsa Lominsa boasts the richest culinary tradition, a product of its proximity to fertile lands and plentiful seas, and its standing as the realm's foremost trading port.

Which class will you be?

I'll be making a Gladiator, so to start I'll focus on the three crafts there, primarily focusing on Alchemy and Goldsmithing. I plan to move on to Limsa and then level Blacksmithing and Armorer, but will most likely max out Armorer first so I can craft all my own gear and repair it as a Paladin.

I am going to be doing Blacksmithing on my Lancer.

Although I tend to lean towards "Crafting? crafting is for wussies..." I think I can get behind crafting in this game. Since I am not favoring the magic classes / jobs, I am planning on weaving me some extra tight pants. Plus, I heard Manthras need to learn how to knit or we get the stick in the K clan

I voted Armorer

I voted Weaver, although I'll most likely go Culinary as well.

I haven't voted yet I'm really torn between Leatherworker (archer armor), Goldsmith (cash money stuff anyone can use) and Culinary (food nom nom)

I'm leaning towards GS just because no matter what direction I choose (as I'm torn between Archer and CNJ) it will be relevant... Doing food is just high effort (so many matts to gather, buy, etc)

With how difficult it was to find Hi-Potions, much less Hi-Ethers. I'll more than likely focus on Alchemy first, also you can make Arcanist weapons via the trade so that's a plus.

Voted Weaver, although probably should have voted Leatherworker, since that is the first one I'll do--I'll be leveling those two alongside each other, with a bit of Carpentry on the side, plus Botanist, to support my starting class (archer).

In 1.0 I spread myself much too thin, so I am going to try to be disciplined and stick with just three crafts at first. But sooner or later I'll be covering all of them.

As of right now it seems I'm the only carpenter, haha.

Culinarian - I love cooking too much even if it's not real life food. I also cannot stop watching Master Chef!

Since I will be focusing on all the casters, I am going with weaver and then carpenter for the weps I need.

I plan on leveling everything. Everything everything. Should be awesome.

Probably going to level Blacksmith first alongside Alchemy or Culinary... hrmm so tough to be "disciplined" on one choice.

p.s. sorry I wasn't available much this weekend... weekends can be tough sometimes to find time :) Once it launches, the week day evenings are better served for me!

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Originally Posted by Aladire

Since I will be focusing on all the casters, I am going with weaver and then carpenter for the weps I need.

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Fyi, goldsmith makes the thaum weapons.

Probably go Goldsmith at first since it is right in the starter city for GLD, then probably Armorer and Blacksmith, I guess to repair my things. I always find the accessory items harder to get anyways.

My main is whm. What makes the books for scholars?

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Originally Posted by Aladire

My main is whm. What makes the books for scholars?

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I'm not sure which weapon the scholar uses, but alchemist makes the grimoires for arcanists, and presumably summoners.

PS: Your white mage main will need weapons from carpenters.

I know that carpenter is for staves and wands, which are weps for cnj/whm. I want to main as scholar and whm. That is why I was wonder who makes the books for the wep of the scholars.

How does crafting work? If I were to be a Lancer, will crafting interfer or is it a totally different character?

Just asking 'cos I came from a EQ/WoW crafting background. Which drove me nuts! :(. Maybe I'll try and gather stuff for what I need to be crafted, in exchange?

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Originally Posted by Charinida

How does crafting work? If I were to be a Lancer, will crafting interfer or is it a totally different character?

Just asking 'cos I came from a EQ/WoW crafting background. Which drove me nuts! :(. Maybe I'll try and gather stuff for what I need to be crafted, in exchange?

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crafting is diffrent from EQ/WOW but its closer to EQ2 style, each crafter and gatherer is considered their own class. for example you cant gather and level lancer at the same time because you have to switch classes.

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Originally Posted by Charinida

How does crafting work? If I were to be a Lancer, will crafting interfer or is it a totally different character?

Just asking 'cos I came from a EQ/WoW crafting background. Which drove me nuts! :(. Maybe I'll try and gather stuff for what I need to be crafted, in exchange?

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In general, the crafting in this game is much more flexible and fun than in other games. I don't recall the crafting in EQ and WOW well enough to give you a detailed comparison, except that I think in those games you are limited in which/how many crafts you can play. In FFXIV, the crafting and gathering classes work just like the DOW/DOM classes, and are just as unlimited. So once you reach level 10, you can start as many crafting and gathering classes as you like. Of course in reality, you can't play them all at once. But it is ideal to start with the crafts that can make (and therefore repair) the armor and gear for the main class you are leveling. Although the repair cost is negligible at first, it will scale quickly and can drain you dry if you have to pay for it each time. (That's part of the game design.)

For lancer, based on a quick check of xivdb it seems that the weapons are mostly made by carpenters and the armor by armorers. But there are exceptions, and before choosing those classes, you might want to do some more research to make sure. Another consideration is whether the crafting class is available in your starting city. For example, carpenters and lancers both start in Gridania, which allows you to start crafting quickly.

I plan on going Miner/Botanist/Armorer/Alchemist for my Dragoon provided that Greyanna rolls an Archer and picks up Carpentry and Leatherworking. If not, things may change :P There needs to be an option for "all the things".

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Originally Posted by Kiylie

There needs to be an option for "all the things".

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Yes, or at least "primary craft" and "secondary craft." Only the very disciplined among us will be able to limit themselves to one craft. (Of course, those who do will be in high demand to provide our new tools, armor, and weapons as we power level DOM/DOW. The auction house is all very well and good, but "mats only" gear from guildies is what most people relied on in 1.0.)

If I make this poll multiple choice you fools just start pressing ALL THE BUTTONS :allthethings:

The idea here is realistically speaking you will max one job first (seriously, the laws of physics, the internet, al gore and game design make this a fact) and I'm curious what that is SLASH what job you'll be looking to most dump your outputs on guildies (and get inputs from guildies) first

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Originally Posted by RJO

If I make this poll multiple choice you fools just start pressing ALL THE BUTTONS :allthethings:

The idea here is realistically speaking you will max one job first (seriously, the laws of physics, the internet, al gore and game design make this a fact) and I'm curious what that is SLASH what job you'll be looking to most dump your outputs on guildies (and get inputs from guildies) first

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Yeah, I actually knew you would never do that. Just trolling you. But I've already changed my main craft (maybe), and now I can't change it in the poll whenever I like. QQ Sad clown.

Goldsmith/Weaver seem to appeal to me the most =)

Well, I'm playing a Marauder / Arcanist when the game launches due to me liking Limsa Lominsa the most out of the three cities so I'll be focusing primarily on Culinarian but will have Blacksmith, Armorer, and Fishing open to me since they are located in that city as well.

i hate al gore physics.

I messed around a lot with Goldsmith, but I'll probably lean towards Blacksmith. The main reason is due to the fact they make a lot of the other crafter/gatherer tools. I'll probably rock weaver too to keep a hand on gathering/crafting armor sets since keeping those up to date even in small increments makes a world of difference.

sigh, IF i decide to be a crafter, big if on that, it'll be either for weapons or for armor.

I plan on dedicating a lot of my time to crafting. I may fall behind those who don't do it, but I'll be rich when I can repair all of my own gear :P

Huh lack of love for Alchemist... given how useful they can be that's tempting

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Originally Posted by RJO

Huh lack of love for Alchemist... given how useful they can be that's tempting

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My RL friend (who I'll be pitching the guild to a little closer to open beta) has expressed a strong interest in Alchemist. Hopefully he decides to put in an app since he tends to be a pretty dedicated crafter.

i dont even know what to get O_o;

any suggestion for ARC?

is it better to raise crafting as u level or just go shoot to 50 and then do craft after?

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Originally Posted by David Pandakun

i dont even know what to get O_o;

any suggestion for ARC?

is it better to raise crafting as u level or just go shoot to 50 and then do craft after?

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Better in what sense? Making equipment for your job, or making money? Either way, you could probably go to 50 and be fine on both fronts without doing any crafts. It's really up to your personal preference in my opinion.

I will probably fish more than craft to start but I will probably do gold or leather crafting.

*SIGH* yet another branch of FFXIV I haven't even dabbled in yet. Maybe that's what I'll do this week/end is try out a craft. I actually enjoy doing some crafting to supplement the leveling and grinding of classes - so maybe I'll just wait until we see what the guild might need to help out.

Anyone know of any good guides that lay out what all crafting in FFXIV is going to entail, again as I said I haven't even looked into it and I should probably know if I need to face a certain way during a certain moon to craft - DAMN YOU FFXI!

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Originally Posted by David Pandakun

i dont even know what to get O_o;

any suggestion for ARC?

is it better to raise crafting as u level or just go shoot to 50 and then do craft after?

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Leatherworking and carpentry are both good choices for archer; one makes much of the archer armor, and the other makes the weapons. Both are in Gridania, so you can easily pick them up at level 10 (along with botanist, which provides the wood for carpentry). Weaver also makes some of the archer armor, but it is located in Uldah. The advantage of leveling a compatible craft as you go up is that you can make and repair your own stuff, which will save you money. The disadvantage is that it will slow down your leveling, since you are doing more classes. So its up to you which path you would prefer, just shooting up to 50 right away or going slower, saving some money, and having something else to do. This would be helpful if you might burn out on leveling just one class.

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Originally Posted by E'hosmer

*SIGH* yet another branch of FFXIV I haven't even dabbled in yet. Maybe that's what I'll do this week/end is try out a craft. I actually enjoy doing some crafting to supplement the leveling and grinding of classes - so maybe I'll just wait until we see what the guild might need to help out.

Anyone know of any good guides that lay out what all crafting in FFXIV is going to entail, again as I said I haven't even looked into it and I should probably know if I need to face a certain way during a certain moon to craft - DAMN YOU FFXI!

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You don't need to worry about the direction you are facing, the phase of the moon, or all that weird stuff in this game. As for guides, there are some good links in our crafting and reference forums, so I would start there.