Alchemy or Engineering???Follow

First off...there really is no correct level to be at for professions as you go. Yes, the skill caps open to 225 at level 20, but that in no way, shape or form means you should be at that level at 20. In fact, if this is your first character, barring help from friends/guild or buying all your mats, its not likely that you will be able to get many of the materials you need to level it that high on your own. So this isn't really a question of being able to "catch up" or being low in a skill for your level.

Secondly, if you aren't taking the time to farms herbs, its likely going to be the same for mining.

You also need to look closely at the combinations. What do you enjoy and what are you using it for. If using it for yourself only, both are fairly equal in value so you need to base it on what you like. Engineering is a lot of farming for various mats. The largest complaint I hear about it (but conversly why others enjoy it) is that it requires a TON of variety in Mats. One engineering recipe may require 6 mats, but to get each of those you need 3 to make each one, whereas something like alchemy you get you vials and on average 2-3 herbs. I would recomend looking at the recipes available for each, and deciding what will supplement you character and playstyle the best, both have pros and cons.

If you are using your profession for money making, I would recomend staying out of engineering. Most items made can only be used by engineers. If your an engineer you can most likely make the item, so why buy it. This leads to a small market and less sells. Herbs always sell well, and Potions can be used by anyone. Additionally, when you max out and are able to obtain some high end recipes you will find transmutes (arcanite, Water-air, etc..) and the flask recipes are good income.

Overall, don't expect yourself to have a certain skill level for you characters level. While its possible to hit 300 skill by 40, its a push and you have to be dedicated to the profession and focusing on it. On top of that, you expendatures for that push can become expensive.

Edited, Jul 24th 2006 at 11:00am EDT by FallonofDragonmaw

Bah, throw out calculations of how many skill level you should obtain for each level. Its useless IMHO. You work on it when you can depending on how much you enjoy it. And often times there are periods in which you are a certain level of skill, but in order to increase you need mats that are beyond your characters reach. Its not as neat and symetrical as dividing 300 by 60.

I know quite a few warriors that use engineering. If its for personal use some of the gismos are definately fun. Alchemy conversly is nice especially for warriors who don't have many innate buffs or healing ability. For solo'ing, you can heal yourself, add stam or agi, etc etc. As for where you put it, its equal to that of engineering bacause what you wear will be you main gear. You crafted stuff you will mainly use for certain situations. This takes bags space equal to that of potions. Either way, invest in bags. 14 slots are nice and aren't too expensive. They allow you to carry more before going to town. Also, get a mule. Herbs and potions and engineering Mats take space, its nice to mail them to a mule. One other bonus is the herb bags, these are nice b/c they are cheap for low levels, and are a bit bigger. You don't have these yet for ore.

I would research the trade though. Decide if your willing to put in the time to mine and farm mats. Engineering not only takes ore, but leather, cloth, gems, etc etc. It is one of the more involved professions you can choose. If you have the time and want to its rewarding.

Edited, Jul 24th 2006 at 12:10pm EDT by FallonofDragonmaw

If you have the personality for it, engineering is a hoot. There are explosives, underwater breathing helms, death rays, chickens and whelps that will fight for you, shrink rays and on and on. If you like toys then engineering is definitely worth looking into. However, engineering will not make you a killing machine. Half hour and hour cool downs are not unusual for most of the items. And the transporter has a four hour cool down. Still, they are great fun and they can even save your butt under the right circumstances. But it’s not a cheap or easy profession. So I only advise it for those who are really into toys or things that go boom.

Just tossing my 2c in here ... If this is your first char on the server, I'd strongly advice against any crafting profession. The costs for learning new recipes do add up quite a bit - much better than either herb/alch or mining/bs would be herb/mining, then asking alchemists/blacksmiths in your guild to make pots and armor/weapon for you (be ready to pay a few silver for the weapons though, the flux needed for all weapons is not cheap) ...

Anyway, the most usual problem with a crafting profession is not being able to keep it up with the gathering one, so most crafters will be happy to make items for you for mats only if you ask on trade chan (maybe a small fee if it's a rare drop pattern they need to farm or buy from the AH). A nice win/win, and any surplus materials can be sold on the AH.

Like others have said, invest in the biggest bags you can find, and use a mule char to hold all your trade skill materials until you have found all you need for a specific item/pot

For a warrior,i think u should get Alchemy becos it will giv u some good buffs when u drink the potions n elixirs. Also, healing potions r readily availible n the mats required 2 make them aren't hard 2 find.

Another good thing about Alchemy is that u can transmute some metals. Its very easy 2 make money by auctioning potions that u make such as Swiftness Potion.It can sell for about 55s buyout for 1 bottle. If u kno how 2 make a Demonslaying Potion,it can sell for about 2g50s bidding,5g buyout...giv or take.It sells for alot cos it is needed in Enchanting.

In my opinion,doing engineering is not very fun at all,since most of the bombs,trinkets n armor u make are only suitable for engineers only so u can't sell them at the AH though i dunno y some ppl even bother?!

btw,all these is based on info on my realm,Senjin