A. The cost of weapons and armor isn't in the relevant XML files; it's being calculated somewhere in the code, under the hood. Why? Because of the build-a-weapon forging system, which I instantly disliked, is why. Apparently each part in a forged weapon magically increases costs based on <some formula> that's tied to the stats, rather than the parts. It's absolutely insane from a game-design POV; you'll see random-rolled weapons that suck, but cost huge amounts, etc. I want to get rid of it. Can I just stick a value into the XML entries for a flat cost and reference that in code?
B. I want to just flat-out get rid of Forging entirely. Like, lock-stock-and-barrel. No forged stuff, no UI for it, no Tutorial pointing at it, nothing. I don't think I've ever seen a major mechanic in a video game I've reacted to with so much visceral loathing before, lol. Is that even remotely possible?