Rustroot into Surface-level metal.

[Hesufo]

Inspired by this topic: viewtopic.php?f=48&t=61639
Which references this method of primitive iron acquisition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bog_iron

The main problem: it's super hard to start mining, and a way to get surface level metal would be nice especially for less experienced players. To balance this suggestion with the current metal progression system, I wanted to keep the idea simple and propose the following:

1. You can smelt Rustroot at a stack furnace into Bog Iron Nuggets with a 30% chance. Bog iron, as an early, impure metal, counts as a SOFT metal and so would be on the same level as tin and lead, the level 1 ores.
*Include this in the description of Rustroot so players know they can smelt it.
*30% chance is so, on average, you get enough for 1 bog iron bar every 2 batches of rustroot in the furnace (which is 36 units of rustroot so it seems fair to me).

2. Change "More irrlights when smithing" Blacksmith Credo Reward #2 for "Chance to obtain cast iron nuggets from Rustroot in Smelters". This could be more contentious because of infinite forageable iron, but it could make for a new interesting use for Rustroot in the later stages of the world (and since you only get nuggets, it would still be super work intensive).

[The_Lich_King]

I think 20-25% for a nugget is a bit high but I do like the idea when it is done this way, as a new soft metal... would allow Hermits without access to caves to not be gatekeeped from metal.

We just need to balance it so that the primary goal early game will still be too go cave delving to look for tin and lead.

[Hesufo]

I think 20-25% for a nugget is a bit high but I do like the idea when it is done this way, as a new soft metal... would allow Hermits without access to caves to not be gatekeeped from metal.

Sorry, I just edited the main topic on this and added my reasoning for it.

[The_Lich_King]

I think 20-25% for a nugget is a bit high but I do like the idea when it is done this way, as a new soft metal... would allow Hermits without access to caves to not be gatekeeped from metal.

Sorry, I just edited the main topic on this and added my reasoning for it.

People will spend the first couple days mass foraging rustroot, throw up 6 tar kilns day one and then blow all their leather on stacked furnaces to mass produce these early world, skipping layer 1 mining if its that high, BUT, i guess thats not too imbalanced since the cost of production would set them behind in other places, and like I said, Hermits need an option when People claim all the caves around them.

[Sevenless]

I don't like it because it completely violates the timegated progression that I've quite enjoyed.

[Ganhart]

I think you are trying to solve the the wrong problem

The main problem: it's super hard to start mining

This is just true, starting mining is easy. It just requires some luck. I think the better solution would is to implement the most basic mine support made of wood (50 blocks and maybe throw a rope into the mix) which would provide 5 tile safe radius. This would help people to get started with mining, while at the same time that mine support won't be used once you get any metal.