Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Crafting is always going to be an issue in these games unless it's so damn difficult it deters players. If players can get something easily, they will tend to "spam".

I'd say, the system you have is okay, but that you need to GM fiat objects by putting in a base time for each one. So, for example, you can use your formula for swords, but the base time to forge one is always 8 hours + what you rolled? Another way to limit it is by making the materials to make the stuff more scarce instead of abstracting it to silver or gold pieces. So the player wanting alchemists fire must go out and buy the components, and there's not always lots of components available (this is only needed if the players are really abusing the system.)

The problem with my solution of course is that it's a lot of work on your part. But I think it is the only way to represent something this complex in a fair and reasonable way.

Ah, I'm familiar with this issue.

My Ravenloft group had a couple of players with a similar bent. They hoarded an entire barrel of holy water at one point, and one guy wanted his friend who was a smith to silver every single one of his weapons and his helmet, in case he wanted to headbutt something.

On the whole, I think if you keep a handle on it, it's alright to let them produce stuff and use it, because you can always challenge them and you shouldn't be afraid of letting them win. Sounds like you've got it all down fairly pat anyway, to me. I'd love to be playing in your game, sounds awesome!