The third and final installment of the 18th Alganon Developer Roundtable has been posted, and this one focuses on crafting. Data Designer Hue Henry confirms that crafted gear will cover the same range of usefulness as looted gear. "Our philosophy is that crafting should provide an alternative means of acquiring the same level rewards as raiding," he said.

Henry also says that every crafting profession can create items that are useful to all classes. You can read his full answer after the jump. In case you missed them, part one of the roundtable discussed the Studies system, while the second part revealed that player-driven events will help move Alganon's story forward.

Question from Aphorx: "Is crafting actually going to be useful or is the primary source of new gear going to be loot drops like most other MMOs?

Answer: Hue Henry, Data Design: "Yes! Crafted gear is very useful. Crafted gear covers the same range of usefulness as looted gear. There are items that are easy to craft (and to learn the recipes for) that are equivalent to the average loot dropped by creatures, and there is difficult to craft gear (which may require rare materials, large quantities of materials, and/or studies to create) that is equivalent to the highest level raid gear. Our philosophy is that crafting should provide an alternative means of acquiring the same level rewards as raiding.

Since crafting skill and player level are independent, it is possible that the choices you make in game may result in one of the two leveling faster than the other. You may find yourself making items you cannot yet equip, or find yourself too powerful for the gear you make to be of personal value, however, you will never find yourself making gear that is useless. You will want to check the consignment house for players seeking out the gear you craft, or place them on the auction house to be purchased by players of the appropriate level. Players who have the salvaging skill will seek out crafted goods, as they can break these items down into the magical elements needed to create the most powerful items.

Also, every crafting profession is able to create items that are useful to all classes. A blacksmith is valuable to more than just a soldier. Magi, healers, and rangers will often seek out the services of a skilled blacksmith. Our goal is to make all crafting professions valuable to all classes."