At 04:58 AM 12/3/03 -0600, Ty Beard wrote:
When one considers that a TFT armorer makes $100 per week, it seems that TFT armorers must work fast indeed. Assuming that the armorer wants to double his money (to cover the cost of iron, equipment, fuel, etc.), this means that he can turn out a full suit of plate armor in 2.5 weeks!
Interesting analysis - I'd like to see more along these lines for general interest. It'd be wonderful to see material on guidelines for how to make a RPG economic system make sense.
I think the thinking on armorers may be slightly off here, or at least the given explanation doesn't seem right here. Things that come to mind:
* I expect TFT weapons and armor are generally cheaper than in medieval Europe. The whole atmosphere of TFT suggests that private arsenal ownership isn't particularly difficult or uncommon. TFT offers much more opportunities for adventurers that real medieval Europe, I'm sure. It seems like a much more "modern" economy and society in many ways, such as personal liberty and opportunity.
* Plate in TFT isn't nearly as useful as real-world plate either, unless you have enough DX to overcome the penalties. The number of high-DX warriors wanting a NEW set of plate is probably going to be very small compared to the number of bozos needing new shields and other weapons.
* The comparison to "Milanese" plate would I think definitely be for Fine Plate, which of course costs much more.
* Armorers probably do other things besides make plate armor all the time.* Armorers may also do a lot of repair, maintenance, and other tasks besides making new equipment, which they get paid for. They can probably oversee the work of underpaid underlings to get most of this done.
* Those who aren't free-lance may have contracts with the local guard or military.
* Armorers may have underpaid apprentices and assistants which allow several items to be under construction at the same time.
* Armorers' underlings can also do other non-construction tasks under the guidance of the armorer, which the armorer gets most of the sales money for.
* Armorer income would probably vary a lot depending on local demand and circumstances, and the type of shop they have, who they work with or for, etc.
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