Blacksmithing Simulator

Some MMORPGS allow users to learn blacksmithing. Instead of listing the items they can make, give them complete freedom by providing a modeling and physics software. A player designs a sword in three dimensions, choosing materials and methods of joinery from lists. Since the software cannot distinguish between a sword, a shield, and a piece of armor, it directs the creator to a 'usage' screen after designing the object. The user must then direct the muscle-movement of a character wielding the object.

When finished, the software calculates the standard weapon attributes (durability, weight, time to build, and others) using somewhat simplified models. Different muscle movement sets for a particular object have their own attributes: depth of cutting attack (to distinguish a slash from a jab), maximum kinetic energy of weapon, maximum pressure at region of impact, and regions swept out by the weapon or covered by armor. For each muscle movement set the software generates a hotkey for in-game use while using that particular weapon.

Players in the game can wield purchased or picked-up objects, but they must first design muscle-movement sets. For instance, a player might find a large metal chest plate and use it as a shield or a bashing weapon. Or, two players with identical swords may have vastly different techniques for using them.

<subdued rant> Since all of the item attributes depend on the component materials and the construction methods employed, there can be no magical attributes or bonuses to absurd traits like "intelligence". </sr>

Buy the chemistry expansion pack! Now industrious players can design houses, castles, ships, steam engines, siege engines, traps, explosives, and other large or complex objects.