Artist Regional Feat

[X-Codes]

I'm making an application for a campaign where I get this for free. I'm trying to decide what Craft skill I get a +2 bonus on. The feat requires that it be some kind of artistic skill, so utilitarian stuff like Poisonmaking, Alchemy, Weaponsmithing, or Armorsmithing is right out. Calligraphy or Painting are semi-interesting because there are feats and spells and stuff that require them, but don't necessarily require any sort of challenging skill check. I think the most interesting Craft skill would be something like String Intruments, but that'd be kind of a weird skill to have and not terribly practical, but that seems to be kinda the point -- it's a +2 bonus to a non-practical Craft skill.  Is there anything that gives new mechanics for these sorts of craft skills to make them more interesting?

On a slightly related note, what are your opinions on Tattoo Magic?  It actually looks like a pretty versatile feat, but has a pretty steep cost (maybe too expensive for the benefit?).  Is there something similar that is better in practice? I suppose I should just get it, and then if party members want a tattoo then they can come to me and ask for one and provide the necessary gold.  I'm not concerned about spending XP on the basis that small XP expenses will never put me that far behind the party, anyway.

[Nunkuruji]

Sculpting comes up sometimes

[Demelain]

If your GM is the sort to give you lots of non-coin treasure (gems, paintings, statues, etc) gemcutting could be useful.

[X-Codes]

I go and mention Tattoo Magic and conveniently (or not) forget to mention that it's in the pretty obscure Lords of Darkness sourcebook.  Doesn't actually require any skill checks, just ranks in Painting or Calligraphy.

[CaptRory]

Aren't there spells that allow you to sculpt things both directly and indirectly? It seems like it could be a practical choice if you're thinking along those lines.

[brujon]

Hmm... Gemcutting might not be a bad idea, since you do get Appraise synergy with items made with your craft skill if you have more than 5 ranks on it, and Gems are actually something that come up quite often. Many spells require gems worth X amount of GP, and if you work on a rough gem and bring it up to that value, it might save you cash. Plus, Gems are usually worth enough gp that it's actually not a bad idea to convert all your gp into gems (and then work on them), in order to both increase your wealth AND be able to carry more on your person.

Craft (Calligraphy), i don't see it anywhere, but i guess it should influence Forgery checks made to Forge or identify a Forgery.

Craft (Painting) is... Pretty useless if you ask me. I don't see it, honestly.

Craft (Cartography/Mapmaking) is nice. Being able to make your own maps, is an invaluable tool. Depending on the location being explored, the maps could also sell for pretty big bucks. How much would an adventurer pay for a detailed map of a particularly dangerous woods that lead to many a dungeon crawl? It'd have to be discussed with the DM, however, especially since Survival is also tasked with knowing directions and generally making "Mental maps".

Other nice crafts? Let's see... Craft (Tailoring) is a good one. Being able to make appropriate clothing for a variety of situations, from adventuring clothes to noble outfits, plus winter clothes and stuff is pretty good. Also, for a Wizard with access to Craft Magical Arms & Armor, making your own custom robes is pretty badass.

Craft (Watchmaking): Have you seen how much a Water Clock sells for? It's 1000gp. I don't know of a more expensive mundane item. It's tied with Spyglass for most expensive completely mundane item craftable with a Craft skill. Make Clocks, get Rich.

Craft (Woodworking): Build your own nice comfortable little wood cottage, with furniture you made yourself. Decorated with bits and pieces of all sorts of rare and magical woods. Flavorful, interesting... Another one would be Craft (Masonry).

Craft (Glassblowing): For a dedicated Alchemist, this is an invaluable skill. Being able to make your own flasks and set of masterwork tools is very nice. Useful enough to deserve a mention. Also pretty good for Brew Potion users.

What about Craft(Bookbinding)? Make your own spellbooks, with a custom number of pages. Scribe spells in it, sell them, get rich.

Craft (Stonecutting): For a dwarf character.

Enough suggestions?

[phaedrusxy]

Another one would be Craft (Masonry).

So when asked "Are you a Mason?" you can answer "Yes". 

[brujon]

Haha, lol, yes. Still, this thread got me thinking about how Craft skills should have some more impact on the game. Apart from those geared towards Arms & Armor, how many are there that are actually relevant for a game?

[Demelain]

Haha, lol, yes. Still, this thread got me thinking about how Craft skills should have some more impact on the game. Apart from those geared towards Arms & Armor, how many are there that are actually relevant for a game?

More than there are Professions.