fix Jadine Forgemaiden (free agent favor)

[Angelus_dead]

This is an unimportant issue that should be low on the priority lists, but it'd be nice to see it fixed up. The tier 3 Free Agent favor is a repair service from Jadiene Forgemaiden which has reduced perma chance at the in exchange for a much bigger repair fee. When first introduced this was fairly valuable, as many players with nice weapons would take care to use the better repairs to ensure it doesn't wear out.

But when the Stone of Change was introduced in module 6, the mechanics for item damage were changed so that bound items had no chance of permanent damage while being repaired. That eliminated the majority of the need for expert repair service: rare raid items no longer needed it, and even generic items wouldn't need it if you simply decided to bind it. The only items that'd need it were those few things that are very valuable, but yet you still wanted to keep the flexibility of sending it away later. Then in module 7, the addition of Alchemical Force Damage Rituals gave further incentive to bind weapons and make the service useless.

The problem is in two parts:
1. The expert repair service still charges a lot more for bound items, even though it provides no benefit.
2. Free Agent favor has hardly any attraction to players. (Tier 1&2 are also nearly useless, as they just provide thief tools that you can get on auction better)

Suggestion to fix it:
1. Regardless of the repair mode chosen, bound items will have the normal cost to repair.

2. Give Jadeine Forgemaiden (and possibly other "master crafter" NPCs) some additional dialog options only usable at tier 3 Free Agent favor, for services such as Expert Weapon Tuning.

Expert Weapon Tuning: 500 pp, selected weapon gains a 25% chance (per hit) of +1 damage for 12 hours.
Master Weapon Tuning: 1500 pp, selected weapon gains a 50% chance of +1 damage for 12 hours.
Legendary Weapon Tuning: 3000 pp, selected weapon gains a 75% chance of +1 damage for 12 hours.

Expert Shield Tuning: 300 pp, selected shield gains a 25% chance (per attack) of +1 AC for 12 hours.
Master Shield Tuning: 900 pp, selected shield gains a 50% chance of +1 AC for 12 hours.
Legendary Shield Tuning: 1800 pp, selected shield gains a 75% chance of +1 AC for 12 hours.

[Hordo]

Angelus...nice idea!

/signed

[Laith]

i'm for anything that gives devs more reason to create tech to cast spells on items!

[totmacher]

eh, /signed

but if the past is any indicator, the devs are not interested in fixing this until they're interested in fixing this, if you know what I'm saying

[Lithic]

I like the +1 damage/AC, but maybe they could make it +1 damage or AC or to hit for 30/60/90 minutes, but then prices would have to be around 500/1000/1500 or so.

[Sue_Dark]

I like the initial suggested fixes, but not the additive lists. History shows us that (not necessarily in just ddo) when something new in introduced, people either abuse it or don't use it at all. It gets adjusted and in the end is just dev time spent on an additive that needn't be. First thought that comes to mind is are they stackable? if i want to push out 4k plat (or whatever) could i get +3 ac/atk? how about the individuals.. 25% to add +1. so i just sit there and hit that again and again until I get my +1. yes it wont be feasable for some people, but for some that cash is nothing.

Dont misunderstand, I like that someone thought of fixing this fat chick. I just dont see a need for more inflation on timers that likely wouldnt be used or would be abused.

I'd rather see an NPC that could actually reduce permanent damage already taken. Make it costly, make it hard to achieve, but make it worthwhile. Tier 3/4 (could align various item types with houses and factions to make it more difficult) favor grants the option of spending a flat 2k pp to repair 5 points of perviously accrued perm damage OR 10xPerm Dam amount Plat repairs all.

Very rough idea there, but i think it clear enough to get thru.

[Angelus_dead]

I like the initial suggested fixes, but not the additive lists. History shows us that (not necessarily in just ddo) when something new in introduced, people either abuse it or don't use it at all.

Wrong. That claim is a vapid canard.

First thought that comes to mind is are they stackable?

Take a wild guess.

so i just sit there and hit that again and again until I get my +1

The phrase "per hit" is terminology relating to D&D combat, not dealing with an NPC craftsman.

[Talon_Moonshadow]

How do yo get to use the clothing repair guy in House P?

Near max favor doesn't seem to do it for me.......am I missing something? I'm assuming that right now no one can use his services.

[Aelian]

I think free agent favor needs to be changed to repair permanant damage on items. I have a few weapons and other items that would benefit from this.

[Blagrak]

Is there some PnP bonus (akin to competncy bonus, dodge bonus, inspiration bonus) called 'tuning bonus', or is this some sort of out-of-the-blue bonus that you're proposing? Is there a basis for it that is?

And why 12 hours? And why a percentage chance?

I think there is still a lot of unbound items out there that people want to trade to lowbies or other people that there's still a usefulness to having her work the same as she does now.

I don't mind increasing her usefulness, but Fix #2 seems a bit complicated/meh.

[greystone306]

especially since there doesnt seem to be much use in getting max FA Favor since she will offer the same repair service if you listen to a tale or 2 from her.

[moorewr]

Good ideas, A_D.

I'd have had her fix dragon scale items too, but the vendor Meridia is merely equally nonsensical, I guess.

[EazyWeazy]

Maybe she could fix permanent damage on a bound and attuned item for a steep fee? This would allow you to,

1) repair permanent damaged that occurred prior to the changes in the damage mechanic as well as
2) bind an item that may have lots of permanent damage and then repair it

It would remain fairly consistent with her 'storyline role' and still provide a useful service to the players. Just a thought.

[Tharlak]

Maybe she could fix permanent damage on a bound and attuned item for a steep fee? This would allow you to,

1) repair permanent damaged that occurred prior to the changes in the damage mechanic as well as
2) bind an item that may have lots of permanent damage and then repair it

It would remain fairly consistent with her 'storyline role' and still provide a useful service to the players. Just a thought.

I really like this idea.

[QuantumFX]

They could also try giving Jadine Forgemaiden a purpose when we get a crafting system.
She should also be capable of repairing Dragonscale armor.

[Blazer]

How do yo get to use the clothing repair guy in House P?

Near max favor doesn't seem to do it for me.......am I missing something? I'm assuming that right now no one can use his services.

You mean the jewelry repair guy in the general vendor shop? Yeah, no one can use him to repair anything at the moment. I have max House P favor on my characters and they get nothing from him.