if it helps, the rational behind this is eightfold
-stimulates intervillage economy
--certain villages, by virtue of their proximity to resource sites will naturally be more rich in one ingredient than others, creating a value differential that is conducive to trade. combined with controlled inflation of supply (see below), this would make it viable to purchase plentiful ingredients from one trader, and sell them at another for PROFIT, a portion of which can be used to repeat the procedure, thus encouraging fluidity of goods.
-encourages use of village traders.
--as it would be a major pain in the
to gather all the ingredients one's self, most players would likely find it more practical to simply purchase them, thus putting money back into the trade huts and controlling inflation of supply.
-adds something new and different to the current combat mechanics.
-gives scientists something useful and unique to contribute to player groups.
--this may encourage native and pirate groups to hire outsider 'chemists' in a manner similar to that in which outsiders and pirates currently employ shamans.
-gives pirates a unique skill.
-reduces pirate whining about lack of a unique skill.
-gives the shipwreck a viable export.
-increases demand for empty gourds and bottles.
--by introducing a mechanism by which they are used and removed from circulation, the proliferation of these formerly 'junk' items, & thus their retail price may finally be brought under control.
