The reason that tinkers, guards, smiths and the rest of the craftsmen are never physically present in the game is because their stats are so powerful, that they could kill lord Neverember by simply looking at his eyes, and they are equipped in tier 15 gear that is of pinkish color. The reason henchmen can't help you craft…
Small correction: the "Dragon" shard (server) is down. It tells you below the character list that due to that, characters on the Dragon shard will NOT be shown.
The five most powerful houses to current date (that were not destroyed... yet) are: 1. Baenre 2. Barrison Del'Armgo 3. HAMSTER Tlabbar 4. Xorlarrin 5. Mizzrym