I think the game could benefit from the addition of a new crafting system. (I don't like my characters to have to compete for materials, so all work at separate crafts -- and I've too many characters for the number of available crafts!)
--> one idea here would be "Talismanic Magic" -- that is, the creation of all those magic rings and lockets and pendants that we already get to wear in the game. Materials for this could be gold, silver, and brass in various grades, plus gemstones and magical elements that could potentially be tied to the discovery of lore books.
Alternatively, there's always basket-weaving....
"Nothing by which all human passion and hope and folly can be mirrored and then proved ever was just a game."
-- William Faulkner.