<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=241802.msg11955491#msg11955491">Quote from: Andi on 04-01-2016, 14:25:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Bouncing subjects here, does that also mean that any sort of 'masterwork' equipment is not to be considered 'mundane?' I mean, take a weaponsmith. With a (generously) 14 in Int, he would need 5 levels as Commoner or Expert to have the requisite skill ranks to turn out masterwork items consistently. Granted, he might (and probably would) take Skill Focus, but still. Anyway. That /does/ help, and actually explains a lot... off to expand that history.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>Your calculation is correct, but neglects possible bonuses. A first level craftsman who attempts creating a masterwork item is likely a specialist in his/her field. That's 4 ranks +3 skill specialization bonus = +7, say with a relevant attribute of 12 for an extra +1. That's a total of 8, and that's enough<em>if</em>you get an assistant to help you for an extra +2 bonus. If you can afford masterwork tools for another +2 bonus our "masterworker" doesn't even need an attribute bonus to attempt creating masterwork items at 1st level.  Maybe not everyone has the masterwork tools, but getting a helper or two when you attempt such a Craft check would be the norm. That's what apprentices and such are for.