Tweet
As I have mentioned on Discord, I would like to propose removing the NWN2 passive bonuses to Spellcraft and Tumble.
As implemented by the game, there exists passive bonuses to taking each:
Spellcraft: +1 saves vs spells per 5 ranks.
This serves to increase the resistance of spellcasters to other spellcasters, both PC and NPC alike. Generally, this reduces the effective window of any DC spells by 20% (a +4 bonus over 20 ranks), and is practically equivalent to taking a stacking Spell Defense feat (+1 save DCs vs [School]) for every spell-school, every five ranks (so, 32 free feats over 20 ranks).
Tumble: +1 dodge AC per 10 ranks
This serves to increase the Dodge AC of everyone vs both standard and touch attacks. Generally, this decreases hit-rate by 10% (+2 over 20 ranks), for gaining an AC bonus that stacks with everything and works in heavy armor and with a tower-shield - all while increasing the general value and demand for Uncanny Dodge to prevent losing the same bonus. As AC is king in combat, this extraneous +2 functions to increase combat power-level on par and stacking with MFP.
Neither of these bonuses exist in tabletop, and removal of both would affect both NPCs and PCs:
PCs would likely receive the better end of the bargain, as the removal of passive bonuses would remove these two skills as "Must-haves" and permit investment elsewhere, while increasing hit rates and spell-effectiveness by greater percentage against targets of all varieties.
NPCs would see a potential reduction in defensive bonuses outside their base stats, while also allowing for future content passes to be more consistent in their presented threat and risk.
Detriments to this proposition:
PCs would see a reduction in up to 2 AC, and up to 4 in saves vs spells.
I do not see that reducing the maximum AC cap to be a negative thing, though some content may have a higher risk until it can get a balance pass.
I do not see that the penalty to saves is impossible to overcome via other methods, as save-stacking is currently overly possible (ex. Superior Resistance + Protection from Spells for a +14). Reducing spell-saves globally improves the viability of DC casters, relative to the current to Buff-and-Brawl meta of NWN2.
Opinions and feedback please.
Cheers,
Kit
As implemented by the game, there exists passive bonuses to taking each:
Spellcraft: +1 saves vs spells per 5 ranks.
This serves to increase the resistance of spellcasters to other spellcasters, both PC and NPC alike. Generally, this reduces the effective window of any DC spells by 20% (a +4 bonus over 20 ranks), and is practically equivalent to taking a stacking Spell Defense feat (+1 save DCs vs [School]) for every spell-school, every five ranks (so, 32 free feats over 20 ranks).
Tumble: +1 dodge AC per 10 ranks
This serves to increase the Dodge AC of everyone vs both standard and touch attacks. Generally, this decreases hit-rate by 10% (+2 over 20 ranks), for gaining an AC bonus that stacks with everything and works in heavy armor and with a tower-shield - all while increasing the general value and demand for Uncanny Dodge to prevent losing the same bonus. As AC is king in combat, this extraneous +2 functions to increase combat power-level on par and stacking with MFP.
Neither of these bonuses exist in tabletop, and removal of both would affect both NPCs and PCs:
PCs would likely receive the better end of the bargain, as the removal of passive bonuses would remove these two skills as "Must-haves" and permit investment elsewhere, while increasing hit rates and spell-effectiveness by greater percentage against targets of all varieties.
NPCs would see a potential reduction in defensive bonuses outside their base stats, while also allowing for future content passes to be more consistent in their presented threat and risk.
Detriments to this proposition:
PCs would see a reduction in up to 2 AC, and up to 4 in saves vs spells.
I do not see that reducing the maximum AC cap to be a negative thing, though some content may have a higher risk until it can get a balance pass.
I do not see that the penalty to saves is impossible to overcome via other methods, as save-stacking is currently overly possible (ex. Superior Resistance + Protection from Spells for a +14). Reducing spell-saves globally improves the viability of DC casters, relative to the current to Buff-and-Brawl meta of NWN2.
Opinions and feedback please.
Cheers,
Kit
Comment