Monthly Mechanics Mashup - 2021-06-14 - Damage by the (Musical) Numbers! (log)
Lumnea 14, 5121
by Leafiara Autumnwind of the Order of Lorekeepers and the TownCrier
Note
I'm calling this log a Director's Cut edition where I include a bunch of "deleted scenes" that I was cutting out of the presentation as we went along, in the interest of finishing on time. Those are presented in all italics, with the exception of the section at the very bottom of the page (under "Other Deleted Material"); that one wouldn't be easy to slot back in to where it would have gone.
Log
Gathering and Preamble
[Silverwood Manor, Quiet Garden]
A pair of stained glass doors open directly into the garden, where a well-manicured carpet of verdant grass is surrounded by a circle of stately haon trees. The strong trunks and layered green leaves create a quiet area of insulated serenity. Moonlight glints on the waters of a perfectly round pond at the center of the area, the surface dotted with glowing white votives. Daisies sprout at the base of an elaborate polished marble statue. You also see the icy blue Cosmicrain disk, the Mauss disk, the Asben disk, the ivy-trimmed Siierra disk dotted with clusters of Imaera's Lace, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, a small fire burning within a ring of stones, a flat oak log, a wide wooden log and an eternal flame.
Also here: Lorekeeper Darcena, Pukk, Amyill, Envoy Vaikhen, Fahlo who is sitting, Cosmicrain, Mauss who is sitting, Great Lord Siggurd, Lord Asben, Mentor Darkkstormmer who is sitting, Mentor Siierra who is sitting, Lorekeeper Leafiara
Leafiara inquires, "Out of curiosity, how many were here for last month's event?"
Siggurd raises his hand.
Leafiara says, "Which was about how to calculate AS and DS, for the record."
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena asks, "So how many?" [she had stepped out]
Leafiara asks, "Looks like... 12?"
Darcena says, "No, were here last month."
Darcena just nudged Leafiara.
Leafiara says, "Oh."
Leafiara says, "So far one."
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena exclaims, "Oh boy!"
Leafiara amusedly says, "Maybe everyone else is sleeping."
Darcena exclaims, "This'll be great!"
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara inquires, "No one else was here last time?"
Leafiara furrows her brow.
Leafiara says, "It's okay if so, just wondering."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena exclaims, "It's not okay at all!"
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Darcena.
Darcena exclaims, "Now we have to run last month's and this month's back-to-back!"
Pukk exclaims, "I blame Darcena!"
Siggurd says, "I've answered so many questions this week that all mentioned coming here tonight to get more detail..."
Leafiara cackles!
Darcena snickers.
Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "And yet no one shows, always the way."
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena exclaims, "I hope you are ready for four hours of math!"
Leafiara lets out a cheer!
Leafiara lets out a cheer!
Leafiara lets out a cheer!
Leafiara lets out a cheer!
Darcena applauds.
Darcena applauds.
Darcena holds her sides and lets out a rumbling belly laugh.
Leafiara cackles deep in her throat, her voice rising in chilling laughter.
Siggurd says, "I've got spreadsheets open already."
Darcena says, "We're just waiting to see if anyone else is going to head in."
Darcena begins chuckling at Siggurd!
Leafiara despondently says, "Arianiss isn't even here for me to blame."
Darcena says, "I'll introduce myself first."
Darcena says, "Hi. I'm Darcena."
Darcena waves.
Darcena waves.
Darcena says, "Introductions done."
Darcena says, "Moving on."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.
Darcena exclaims, "Siggurd should introduce me!"
Pukk says, "She's had her shots."
Darcena gives Elphieya a friendly hug.
Leafiara hoots at Silverthorne.
Leafiara hoots at Alifair.
Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Elphieya teases, "It was this or get eaten by a ro'ater."
Leafiara hoots at Elphieya.
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Elphieya.
[Silverwood Manor, Quiet Garden]
A pair of stained glass doors open directly into the garden, where a well-manicured carpet of verdant grass is surrounded by a circle of stately haon trees. The strong trunks and layered green leaves create a quiet area of insulated serenity. Moonlight glints on the waters of a perfectly round pond at the center of the area, the surface dotted with glowing white votives. Daisies sprout at the base of an elaborate polished marble statue. You also see the Amyill disk, the icy blue Cosmicrain disk, the Mauss disk, the Asben disk, the ivy-trimmed Siierra disk dotted with clusters of Imaera's Lace, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, a small fire burning within a ring of stones, a flat oak log, a wide wooden log and an eternal flame.
Also here: Mentor Silverthorne, Mentor Alifair, Elphieya, Lorekeeper Darcena, Pukk, Amyill who is sitting, Envoy Vaikhen, Fahlo who is sitting, Cosmicrain, Mauss who is sitting, Great Lord Siggurd, Lord Asben, Mentor Darkkstormmer who is sitting, Mentor Siierra who is sitting, Lorekeeper Leafiara
Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Elphieya says, "I had to think about it for a bit."
Alifair exclaims, "Hello everyone!"
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena says, "Okay! I think we're ready to actually get started."
Leafiara amiably exclaims, "Welcome one and all!"
Leafiara smooches Elphieya on the cheek.
Darcena says, "Now, let me find my notes..."
Darcena lightly pats some low-slung moss green leather pants.
Darcena says, "Nope, not there."
Darcena lightly pats a back-laced tightly fitted bodice with diaphanous black lace trumpet sleeves.
Speaking suspiciously to Darcena, Leafiara asks, "We have notes?"
Darcena says, "Nope, not there."
Darcena rummages through a wide-cuffed black leather coat with a notched collar and flared hem but it's clear she hasn't a clue if what she is looking for is there.
Darcena glances at Leafiara and begins to wail!
Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Darcena!"
Darcena exclaims, "Oh no! I forgot my notes!"
Leafiara confusedly says, "I thought we were just winging it."
Leafiara snickers.
Mauss joins Darcena's group.
Amyill joins Darcena's group.
Leafiara joins Darcena's group.
Darcena says, "I guess we'll just have to ---"
Leafiara hoots at Whirlin.
Darcena exclaims, "Wait!"
Darcena exclaims, "Pukk!"
Leafiara starts chortling.
Darcena gives Whirlin a quick little smooch.
Vaikhen says, "I've fallen for that one too many times."
Speaking to Whirlin, Darcena says, "Hello you dirty Arachne follower." [She's a Huntress follower, I believe.]
Darcena says, "Alright, alright, alright."
Leafiara says, "Oh, good, now Whirlin can jump in and correct anything we happen to get wrong."
Darcena recites, "Welcome to Silverwood Manor and our second Monthly Mechanics Mashup. This is an out-of-character (OOC) event. Leafiara and I are joining forces to deep dive into GemStone mechanics in what we hope will provide opportunities to broaden understanding of the base combat fundamentals with a guided comprehensive journey through many different mechanical systems over time."
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara turns to Darcena and cheers!
Darcena begins to flirt with Whirlin.
Darcena says, "We will be attempting to relay information in a way that is easy to understand in bite-sized chunks interrupted and paired with engaging games and conversation. This event will be held every second Monday of the month at 9 pm eastern."
Darcena smooches Elphieya on the cheek.
Darcena says, "Last month we discussed the first three values of the second line of the combat resolution text block for melee attacks: AS, DS (EBP), and AvD."
Darcena hugs Nazarr.
Leafiara hoots at Nazarr.
Nazarr says, "Yardie and Cordelia are outside."
Darcena says, "Oh good."
Leafiara exclaims, "Stragglers!"
Leafiara grins.
Darcena asks, "Outside where?"
Whirlin exclaims, "Wonderful, I missed the easy parts!"
Darcena says, "There, Ali is on it."
Darcena exclaims, "Okay!"
Speaking to Whirlin, Leafiara says, "You'd think, but many people didn't realize you can |raise melee AS by training ranged weapons..."
Darcena says, "Tonight Leafiara will be singing about damage factors, raw damage, crit divisors, and damage types. Yes, I said singing."
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara grins.
Darcena says, "She's the fun one."
Darcena says, "I'm the stick in the mud."
Darcena says, "And welcome to our comedy show."
Leafiara corrects, "I'm the crazy one."
Leafiara nods sagely.
Alifair says, "Here we are."
[Silverwood Manor, Quiet Garden]
A pair of stained glass doors open directly into the garden, where a well-manicured carpet of verdant grass is surrounded by a circle of stately haon trees. The strong trunks and layered green leaves create a quiet area of insulated serenity. Moonlight glints on the waters of a perfectly round pond at the center of the area, the surface dotted with glowing white votives. Daisies sprout at the base of an elaborate polished marble statue. You also see the Yardie disk, the Amyill disk, the icy blue Cosmicrain disk, the Mauss disk, the Asben disk, the ivy-trimmed Siierra disk dotted with clusters of Imaera's Lace, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, a small fire burning within a ring of stones, a flat oak log, a wide wooden log and an eternal flame.
Also here: High Lord Nazarr, Yardie, Cordelia, Mentor Alifair, Lorekeeper Darcena, Grand Lord Whirlin who is sitting, Mentor Elphieya who is sitting, Pukk, Amyill who is sitting, Envoy Vaikhen, Fahlo who is sitting, Cosmicrain, Mauss who is sitting, Great Lord Siggurd who is sitting, Lord Asben who is sitting, Mentor Darkkstormmer who is sitting, Mentor Siierra who is sitting, Lorekeeper Leafiara
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena exclaims, "Hey Yardie!"
Whirlin says, "You can, but you shouldn't! There's cheaper options for the same benefits."
Leafiara hoots at Yardie.
Darcena says, "I was just telling everyone that Leafi is going to sing her way through damage factors, raw damage, crit divisors, and damage types."
Darcena smiles at Yardie.
Darcena hugs Cordelia.
Speaking amusedly to Whirlin, Leafiara says, "This might be a little too low level for you, I'm not gonna lie. Which is interesting to say, since I expect tons of people getting lost."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena says, "And without any further stick-muddiness on my part..."
Leafiara says, "But let me let Darcena finish."
Leafiara chuckles.
Mauss quietly mutters, "Good luck rhymin' anything."
Darcena says, "Oh wait."
Darcena says, "I do have one more thing to say."
Darcena says, "Throughout this presentation if you have questions about the content, please whisper them to me."
Whirlin says, "No worries, I'll do what I'll do and chime in when I can help."
Leafiara agrees with Darcena.
Darcena says, "I get to listen to them and keep track of them and then present them when the best time is appropriate."
Darcena says, "And I might even do a little dance."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena seriously says, "But probably not."
Darcena says, "We will have some questions and some conversation throughout as well."
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.
Darcena says, "AND, if something is super not clear, tell me and I'll make Leafi sing it again with different words."
Darcena's face lights up with joy.
Leafiara says, "Between each section, of which there are four."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Darcena.
Darcena squeals, "No waltzes!"
Leafiara gazes up into the heavens.
Darcena says, "Okay. Right. So. Leafiara. Take it away lady."
Leafiara amusedly says, "Not quite yet, some stuff at first."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara exclaims, "To set the tone!"
Speaking quietly to Darcena, Elphieya whispers aloud, "Can we just do that from time to time to see how she does trying different words?"
Leafiara calmly begins, "So, as was mentioned, last month's talk sounded so benign on the surface, being about "just" how to calculate AS and DS, so I had decided to include extremely difficult trivia questions to get across the point that even a "simple" topic like that has depth and complexity."
Leafiara grins.
Darcena grins at Elphieya.
Leafiara seriously says, "Tonight's topic, on the other hand, is extremely complex. Without question, one of the absolute most complex that we'll ever touch upon in the Monthly Mechanics Mashup."
Mauss joins Darcena's group.
Darcena says, "Ah! Don't join me."
Darcena grins.
Leafiara reassuringly reassures, "So the reason for doing this in rhyme is--well, I don't know, mostly because I'm crazy, but also because I'm taking the opposite approach by trying to simplify this one and keep it catchy so it makes sense."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "But I expect lots of questions, so get those to Darcena as mentioned."
Leafiara grins.
Darcena says, "We'll give ample time for feedback at the end."
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.
Darcena says, "Also. So please take note of what you do like and what you don't."
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie asks, "You're rhyming....again?"
Darcena says, "You won't hurt our feelings."
Leafiara nods enthusiastically at Yardie!
Leafiara points at Darcena.
Leafiara exclaims, "What Darcena said!"
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena says, "Sorry for interrupting."
Darcena grins at Leafiara.
Speaking to Darcena, Leafiara exclaims, "No worries!"
Introduction
Leafiara says, "Let's take it away with damage by the numbers..."
Leafiara exclaims, "The musical numbers!"
Leafiara sings brightly:
"When last month we met, we sought to derive
The AS numbers you get, and your DS likewise,
Yet that's but a step, and surely the least,
In learning to best and conquer all beasts!"
Leafiara winks.
Leafiara sings:
"A small point I'll note, on our previous night,
That then we touched solely on melee attacks,
But the principles we share now will surely shed light
Upon all AS-based strikes with nothing held back!"
Leafiara draws her eonake warblade from her imflass scabbard and holds it before her, careful of the dangers that may await.
Leafiara raises her eonake warblade in triumph!
Leafiara sings merrily: "Swords, bows, and hammers, or magical bolts No matter the type, the math shows the results, So join us tonight, for these mysteries unraveled, And learn of the numbers beneath each road traveled."
Leafiara takes ahold of her red silk skirt and turns gracefully, causing the bells on it to chime in time to her movement.
(Leafiara sweeps her arm in an arc as she twirls around, her eonake warblade extended to draw eyes to the ground, and after she's indicated all of the garden, she stows her sword away and curtsies for pardon.)
Leafiara keeps her steely focus as she stows her eonake warblade in her imflass scabbard.
Leafiara places one foot behind the other and drops into a respectful curtsy, a swirl of glimmering cherry red hues surrounding her body.
Leafiara sings playfully:
"Not whether you hit, but how hard when you do--
This is the matter we ponder tonight,
And true, through your clashes, foes in turn will hit you,
But they'll be the ones splattered if you heed our advice."
Leafiara smiles cheekily and wags her finger in a no-no-no gesture.
Leafiara sings clearly:
"I'll start with examples to get us on track,
And by the end of the night we aim that you'll see
Not merely the surface of obvious facts,
But all underlying what truth comes to be."
Leafiara sings: "Behold! An arrow flies through the eye of a fanatic!"
Raising her wyrwood long bow slightly, Leafiara spins adroitly on one heel and turns around in a defensive stance, green eyes alert. Red-haloed white light crackles over the surface of her wyrwood long bow in a wildly chaotic pattern.
(Leafiara mimics loosing an imaginary arrow, her expression fierce and grip tight on her wyrwood long bow!)
Leafiara recites: "Leafiara fires a fireleaf arrow at a deathsworn fanatic! AS: +540 vs DS: +433 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +6 = +138 ... and hits for 30 points of damage! Attack punctures the eye and connects with something really vital!"
Darcena gasps.
Darcena exclaims, "Look at that brutal attack!"
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.
Leafiara sings powerfully: "And another arrow soars, with an endroll more dramatic!"
Leafiara's eyes suddenly flash with a fiery red glow.
(Leafiara whirls around and lets another "arrow" fly, with a grin on her lips and determination in her eyes!)
Leafiara recites: "Leafiara fires a fireleaf arrow at a patchwork flesh monstrosity! AS: +526 vs DS: +246 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +98 = +403 ... and hits for 78 points of damage! Upward slash gouges the flesh monstrosity's cheek! Right eye lost! Pity."
Nazarr says, "Must be nice to have an AS like that." [Heh, I had to use Spirit Strike.]
Whirlin mutters thanksnaijin.
Leafiara sings:
"The fanatic lies dead, shot right in its brain!
But the monstrosity walks--oh, it has not been slain!
From less damage and lower endroll the former one died,
And we'll revisit this later, a riddle demystified."
Darcena snickers at Whirlin.
Leafiara nods firmly.
Leafiara exclaims, "And that actually concludes section one of four!"
Leafiara says, "So let me point out the key..."
Leafiara says, "A 138 endroll was enough to kill the fanatic, and a 403 wasn't enough to kill the monstrosity."
Leafiara says, "Explaining why this is the case, well..."
Leafiara says, "That's what we're here for all night."
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara whispers aloud, "It's a lot."
Darcena says, "So the second line of what she recited was what we spent all our time on last month."
Leafiara nods at Darcena.
Darcena says, "And now she's going to explain what happens with that endroll."
Leafiara asks, "I know we haven't delved into math or anything especially complex yet, but were there any questions?"
Darcena whispers aloud, "And I'm glad it was her turn, truly."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Darcena.
Darcena says, "No questions from the crowd yet."
Darcena says, "I think they're still stunned."
Nazarr says, "More a general feeling of incomprehension."
Darcena says, "And trying to figure out what in the world we're doing here."
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "I....had one but I figure you'll explain, so in the meantime, I will sit quietly and refrain."
Leafiara nods at Yardie.
Darcena hugs Meril.
Darcena grins at Mahree.
Leafiara says, "Actually, let me touch on that point for a second."
Leafiara nods at Nazarr.
Speaking quietly to Yardie, Vaikhen says, "Nice rhyme."
Speaking to Yardie, Darcena says, "That made me giggle."
Darcena grins at Yardie.
Speaking to Vaikhen, Yardie says, "Thank you."
Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Elphieya admits, "I'm just listening to the song. So far you've shown us but not really explained how the damage was decided. Just how the endroll came to be by looking at AS vs DS etc."
Leafiara says, "So the main takeaway is what Darcena said..."
Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Elphieya teases, "So...I will wait for your second part or Darcena to jump in."
Speaking to Elphieya, Leafiara says, "Getting there."
Darcena points at Elphieya.
Darcena begins chuckling at Elphieya!
Leafiara says, "But *so far* the takeaway is that we see things hit and we might not know why."
Darcena hugs Jervil.
Leafiara says, "Basically, people run off and type KILL RAT and things happen."
Darcena says, "And lots of us just go..."
(Darcena does a fist pump.)
Leafiara says, "But how it all works, that's what we're exploring."
Darcena exclaims, "YES!"
Nazarr says, "And you can't guarantee what an endroll is going to be or no one would ever get low rolls."
Leafiara grins at Darcena.
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "I figure the matter doesn't deal with the hit, but rather it deals with the damage from the crit."
Leafiara says, "So last month's event was about how to get high AS so your stuff hits."
Leafiara exclaims, "And now on to section 2!"
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie exclaims, "Gah! You guys are killing me with this rhyming!"
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Yardie.
Darcena snickers at Yardie.
Speaking amusedly to Yardie, Leafiara says, "More to come, and here we go."
Darcena turns an inquisitive ear toward Leafiara.
Section 1: Damage Factors
Leafiara sings:
"Your training's borne fruit, your attack has now landed,
But what happens next is the answer awaited.
It's not wholly determined, but nor wholly random,
As three factors converge and are now calculated!"
(Leafiara paces back and forth, eyes roaming the crowd, and counts off points on her fingers as she sings them aloud.)
Nazarr says, "Math."
Leafiara sings: "Damage factor is one, raw damage another. Crit divisor's the third, more removed and detached, But the former two twine, so there we shall start, On our journey of memorization and math."
Leafiara grins slowly at Nazarr.
Whirlin asks, "I count... at least 7 factors...?" [Without looking anything up, I'm guessing he's thinking of some combination of weighting, padding, redux, crit rank, and damage type. I was folding all of those under the banner of crit divisor since they're interrelated.]
Darcena exclaims, "No heckling yet!"
Leafiara snickers.
(Leafiara hangs a blackboard from one of the stately haon trees, then smiles and procures a piece of white chalk, and in large and bold lettering writes down "Damage Factor" before she breaks into verse that's half-song and half-talk.)
Darcena shakes her head at Whirlin and clucks her tongue.
Leafiara sings:
"Damage factor, shortened to merely DF,
Represents power in decimal form--
It's the relative strength of the weapon or bolt,
And the greater the better in matters of war!"
Jervil groans.
Jervil stares at Shinann.
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Jervil.
(Leafiara quickly sketches a falchion and axe before she briskly continues her informational task.)
Leafiara sings:
"I'll tell you, the handaxe, with its finely honed blade,
Has 0.300 DF on soft leather, 0.210 on plate.
I'll sing of the falchion and, oh, how it strikes,
0.175 on plate, 0.325 on soft leather types."
Leafiara sings:
"Therefore the handaxe bests the falchion on plate,
But the falchion stands victor 'gainst soft leather-- it's great--
And rare is the case that a weapon surpasses
One of similar speed against all armor classes."
(Leafiara scribbles furiously, her chalk flying fast as arrows and diagrams fill up the board, depicting an array of blades at last on a graph ranging from dagger to two-handed sword.)
Leafiara whispers aloud, "Meaning, the faster the weaker, usually."
Leafiara sings:
"Damage factor is largely a property fixed
To the weapon or spell the adventurer uses,
And is not like AS with myriad ways to improve,
But I'll tell of the few for the wise one who chooses."
Leafiara winks and flashes a sly grin.
Leafiara crudely sketches a smith at his job, hammering metal in relentless attack, and outside the building a customer mob with insatiable demand and silvers in sacks.
Leafiara sings: "A player-made weapon will increase the DF By 2%, 4%, even by 6, With an elegant, superior, or perfect forging Respectively added into the mix. A perfect handaxe against soft leather? 0.318 DF, slaying ever more quick."
Leafiara nods at Whirlin. [Super in-joke-y, but a week or two earlier there had been a debate on the Merchant channel about whether people valued player-forged weapons more for the AvD or the DF. I'll revisit this later in this log when it comes up during Q&A.]
Leafiara sings wistfully: "The paladin group spell, Arm of the Arkati, Will power up weapons melee or thrown, So not only you, but also your allies Hit quite a bit harder than you would on your own! A 10% bonus to DF is the base, But more Summoning lore grants strength better honed."
(Leafiara draws a set of flames that come in three and marks them above with "W," "S," and "C + E." She starts to lower her hand, but then seems to think better. She shakes her head and fills in the rest of the letters: "Wizard" and "Sorcerer," and "Cleric + Empath," and when she's through she pulls her chalk away from the math.)
Leafiara sings crisply:
"And speaking of such, a word now on bolting,
Where each has a lore with which to make gains,
Like Fire for Minor Fire, Demonology for Balefire,
And Summoning for Fire in the Spiritual domain.
The first 50 strengthen .001 per rank,
Per two ranks 'til 100, and per four ranks past then."
[The above are the two parts of the dialogue that I skipped on accident by typo. I decided against going back for a redo because it felt a bit extraneous and because it didn't cover the exception bolt spells with different DF gain rates, but in hindsight, I should have done it anyway since a later example relies on adding in boosts from Summoning lore.]
Leafiara sings:
"Often it happens that people study but once
While selecting the weapon or bolt of their choice."
Leafiara sings: "Likely you've heard Minor Steam's the best bolt, And a review of the wiki will back up that voice."
Leafiara sings: "A sweet spot of power and mana it holds, A tale of efficiency numerically told."
Leafiara sings: "Weapon bases, likewise, gain their fame and their hype "Through their blend of DF, RT, and damage type."
(Leafiara draws three large circles conjoined, marked "Power" and "Speed" and "Damage Type" too, then marks a star where the trio converges and notes above it: "The good stuff, it's true!")
Leafiara nods firmly.
Darcena drawls, "Ya'll didn't know there would be Venn diagrams."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara sings:
"Should you choose to investigate, and I recommend so,
For the best move is deciding a course of your own,
Then look carefully, closely, comprehensively picky,
At the tables you'll find to peruse on our wiki:"
Leafiara recites: "https://gswiki.play.net/Damage_factor https://gswiki.play.net/Bolt_spell"
Meril blinks.
Leafiara sings:
"That concludes damage factors, which comprised section one,
But the night's young and the learning has only begun.
DFs are important.
Greater is stronger.
We know.
But how and why are the questions to which next we will go!"
Alifair says, "It's hard to rhyme with Arkati."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Alifair.
Leafiara sings airily:
"Raw damage is on the docket, but we'll break for a few,
With some trivia in our pocket for your followthrough,
Then take damage factor questions still left in your minds--
But remember, how they work is for the next section's time."
Mauss says, "But she hasn't done at all shoddy."
Leafiara dusts off her hands.
Darcena begins chuckling at Mauss!
Leafiara says, "Alright, let's jump out and tl;dr all of that..."
Leafiara grins.
Darcena says, "Before we get to the planned trivia, I'd like to ask a question Leaf."
Leafiara nods at Darcena.
Darcena says, "Practically speaking, what do -you all- think damage factor is? Leafi explained to us how it is a set number that compares a specific weapon/bolt to a specific armor situation."
Darcena asks, "But why do we have it?"
Darcena asks, "Lorewise, thematically, what is it trying to represent?"
Leafiara says, "That's a very good point to raise."
Leafiara grins.
Amyill says, "DF is the percentage multiplier to the roll."
Darcena asks, "Why do we have DF?"
Siggurd says, "It's how well a weapon type should act against the armor it's up against."
Darcena points at Siggurd.
Darcena asks, "But why?"
Nazarr asks, "The GMs are sadists?"
Leafiara points at Siggurd.
Darcena laughs at Nazarr!
Leafiara grins at Nazarr.
Darcena says, "Outside of our sadistic GMs and outside of our love of over-complicating mechanics..."
Amyill asks, "To add further differences to weapons..?"
Speaking quietly to Darcena, Elphieya asks, "DF is basically the effectiveness of a weapon or bolt against different armor?"
Darcena asks, "Why would we want this representation of effectiveness of weapon and armor and if we were really standing here, how would it play out?"
Siggurd says, "Cause a rapier stabbing a steel plate should perform as awful as it sounds in your head."
Darcena nods at Elphieya.
Darcena points at Siggurd.
Darcena exclaims, "YES!"
Leafiara says, "These are the mechanical matters, yes, but Darcena's getting at--"
Leafiara points at Siggurd.
Leafiara turns to Siggurd and cheers!
Mauss says, "Is about a dagger bouncin' off plate armor like a toothpick, but a big ol' sledgehammer doin' decent."
Darcena applauds Siggurd.
Nazarr says, "I don't know. I don't get the math. The math doesn't make any sense to me."
Leafiara turns to Mauss and cheers!
Speaking to Siggurd, Yardie asks, "I figure the lighter the fighter, the more woe comes with a heavier blow?"
Speaking to Mauss, Darcena exclaims, "Yes!"
Darcena says, "So, here is what I want you to take away Nazarr."
Nazarr says, "I think I should leave."
Darcena says, "The reason we have DF is because it's simulating how effective a weapon is going to be against plate for realism."
Leafiara says, "Or any other armor type."
Darcena says, "Or against leather."
Darcena says, "Or against anything."
Darcena nods at Leafiara.
Leafiara nods.
Nazarr says, "I don't care about realism. I'm not playing this game for realism."
Speaking to Yardie, Siggurd says, "That I think is replicated by constitution bonus with teeny races."
Elphieya quietly says, "That makes sense. But practically speaking, most of the time we can't change weapons to fight specific types of things or necessarily know what armor they are wearing."
Elphieya quietly says, "Or, I suppose we could..."
Speaking to Elphieya, Darcena says, "So we talked a little bit about how to determine what armor something is wearing last month."
Darcena says, "Based on the AvD."
Speaking sheepishly to Darcena, Elphieya says, "I missed last month."
Speaking to Elphieya, Leafiara says, "People could, but right, they usually don't. Like I said, people tend to look at the weapon damage factor tables once to decide their favorite, then rarely look at it again."
Leafiara grins.
Whirlin says, "I know a few higher rogues that use weapons based on the targets."
Darcena says, "I know. Sorry."
Darcena whines at Elphieya!
Leafiara nods at Whirlin.
Darcena says, "And changing weapons isn't something that happens that often."
Nazarr says, "It's too expensive."
Darcena says, "But DF is one of the reasons people will say 'Oh this weapon base is the best weapon in the game'."
Leafiara nods at Nazarr.
Leafiara points at Darcena.
Elphieya quietly says, "I do change my spells based on what will or won't hit something, but I think that is more about resistance than DF."
Speaking to Whirlin, Asben says, "I have a couple for different situations."
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena says, "Okay, I'm done interrupting you now."
Leafiara says, "The combination of speed and DF is the primary driver of weapon choices. Damage type is important too."
Leafiara grins at Darcena.
Vaikhen mutters maul.
Darcena says, "We have a trivia section coming up with some questions about the nitty gritty of DF."
Whirlin says, "I typically swap my quiver/arrows based on targets as well."
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "I honestly try to crit, but will hit fast to incapacitate."
Darcena says, "And if you have questions about what it IS - whisper them to me please."
Siggurd says, "But, if DF is so important, why is falchions and handaxe recommended, and broadsword widely accepted as something you should usually avoid when falchion vs plate is .175 and broadsword is .200."
Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "It's weird, isn't it."
Leafiara grins at Siggurd.
Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "I'm with you, I love broadswords and think they're overlooked."
Leafiara says, "But remember, people can choose their targets..."
Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara asks, "I know there's sometimes common wisdom going around that the only DF that matters is against plate, but what if someone avoids all enemies in plate?"
Amyill says, "Or can ambush a spot that is not covered."
Darcena says, "We also know that we have people here who are on differing levels of understanding the mechanics. If you're on the end of "fist pump, killed a rat," we just want you to take away a few things that will help you build your understanding for the next time someone is talking about these concepts."
Leafiara says, "Jumping to a couple trivia questions for fun and then we'll move to questions too."
Leafiara agrees with Darcena.
Leafiara says, "This is why Darcena's so important here."
Leafiara says, "She can tie everything together."
Leafiara grins.
(Darcena does a little dance.)
Speaking quietly to Darcena, Elphieya enthuses, "In that case, so far so good!"
Leafiara amusedly says, "Okay, trivia fun."
Darcena gasps, "No one saw that, right?"
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Darcena.
Nazarr says, "Didn't see a thing."
Leafiara recites: "When casting against a target in chain armor, the *Minor* Fire spell has 0.323 DF, the *Major* Fire spell has 0.256 DF, the *Minor* Acid spell has 0.350 DF, and the *Major* Acid spell has 0.370 DF. Which fire spell of the two hits the hardest, and which acid spell of the two hits the hardest?"
Leafiara recites:
"A) Minor Fire and Minor Acid
B) Minor Fire and Major Acid
C) Major Fire and Minor Acid
D) Major Fire and Major Acid"
Nazarr asks, "B?"
Leafiara turns to Nazarr and cheers!
Vaikhen exclaims, "B!"
Mahree softly says, "B."
Leafiara says, "That is correct! It's B."
Darcena applauds Nazarr warmly.
Nazarr says, "That doesn't make sense."
Leafiara says, "Since, after all, the higher the stronger."
Leafiara grins.
Nazarr says, "Major should be stronger."
Leafiara says, "Now, the Minor/Major distinction is interesting..."
Leafiara nods at Nazarr.
Leafiara says, "Which is why it's the trivia question."
Leafiara says, "When it comes to bolt spells..."
Nazarr asks, "So why is it so screwed up?"
Leafiara says, "Minor and Major doesn't necessarily refer to the power of the bolt against a single target. [In this case] it's actually about whether it can do splash damage."
Leafiara grins.
Amyill exclaims, "Oh!"
Leafiara says, "Minor Fire actually is universally stronger than Major Fire against single targets, which is... unintuitive."
Leafiara says, "Very unintuitive."
Darcena says, "I want to point out really quick, too, that these numbers were specifically against chain armor."
Darcena grins at Elphieya.
Leafiara says, "Minor Acid and Major Acid are more of an even split. Minor Acid is stronger against leather, scale, and plate, while Major Acid is stronger against robes and chain."
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara says, "Oh, I should probably mention, I'm saying 'robes,' but unarmored is the same as robes for DF."
Whirlin says, "Major Acid has an asterisk also. It wasn't generally available outside of crystal wands until 'relatively' recently. So it's always been an outlier, unobtainable special spell when it was originally designed and balanced."
Leafiara nods in agreement at Whirlin.
Leafiara says, "Yeah, Major Acid these days is learned by wizards with 30 Water lore."
Leafiara says, "As the EVOKE of Minor Acid."
Whirlin gags.
Leafiara exclaims, "But that's a bit tangential, but... yes, good to know!"
Darcena tries to pinch Whirlin, but he leans away just in time.
Darcena says, "No gagging! Some of us are sympathy gaggers."
Leafiara exclaims, "Trivia question 2 before *your* questions!"
Leafiara recites: "When hitting a target in scale armor, a lance has 0.550 DF and a broadsword has 0.250 DF. How much stronger is the lance's DF than the broadsword's, percentage-wise?"
Leafiara recites:
"A) 30% stronger
B) 120% stronger
C) 200% stronger
D) 220% stronger
E) 300% stronger"
Mauss says, "D, of course."
Leafiara says, "Close."
Leafiara grins.
Yardie asks, "B?"
Amyill says, "C."
Siggurd says, "D."
Darcena exclaims, "Z!"
Nazarr asks, "A?"
Asben asks, "E?"
Leafiara musingly says, "I like how we got every answer."
Mauss says, "Oh, relativistically, B."
Leafiara nods in agreement at Mauss.
Leafiara says, "Mauss knows what's up."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena grins at Mauss.
Nazarr says, "It's not like I know what to do with the numbers."
Leafiara says, "It's 120% stronger, or in other words 220% 'as strong'."
Mauss asserts, "I'm smart!! ...sometimes."
Yardie asks, "Was it B?"
Leafiara says, "It was B."
Speaking to Nazarr, Darcena whispers aloud, "It's okay. I ignore Leafi when she starts doing too much math outside of a spreadsheet."
Leafiara nods at Yardie.
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Darcena.
Yardie says, "That's what I said."
Leafiara nods rhythmically at Yardie.
Speaking to Yardie, Leafiara exclaims, "You did get it!"
Leafiara exclaims, "And now we take any questions you might have on damage factors!"
Leafiara says, "Though I will say... it's sort of just all in the tables."
Darcena says, "We've answered the questions we've received so far."
Whirlin says, "Tangent: Marginal versus absolute changes come up a LOT when discussing relative power between things. Always pay careful attention to wording and read with a critical eye. A lot of selection is incredibly situational, and challenge anything you read." [Translation: Strictly speaking, if someone says something is "three times stronger," that technically means it's "four times as strong." However, people don't necessarily have perfect grammar, so someone saying "three times stronger" might intend to be saying "three times as strong." So look at the numbers! And also ask in what context.]
Leafiara says, "There's not much to calculate, they just are what they are."
Leafiara agrees with Whirlin.
Darcena asks, "Who here does not know where to find out what a DF is for a specific situation?"
Nazarr raises his hand.
Amyill asks, "On the wiki it has a DF ... is that the average DF?"
Siggurd raises his hand.
Speaking to Amyill, Leafiara ask, "Average of what?"
Amyill says, "What is that vague DF they give."
Leafiara furrows her brow.
Amyill says, "There is DF for each armor but then there is DF of the weapon."
Leafiara says, "The wiki lists DFs by weapon/bolt against armor type."
Leafiara says, "Each armor type has its own DF vs. each weapon or bolt."
Darcena says, "Weapons are on this page: https://gswiki.play.net/Damage_factor."
Darcena says, "You have to expand out the huge table."
Siggurd says, "I have one."
Speaking to Darcena, Leafiara says, "Oh, good point, the expanding is important."
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.
Leafiara points at Siggurd.
Whirlin asks, "So what if I have partial coverage with some studded leathers and they hit my arm? What damage factor should I use?"
Speaking to Whirlin, Leafiara says, "That's next month." [It's also a bad example because studded leather covers arms anyway, so the real question would have been what if they hit his head, neck, or eyes... heh, sorry Whirlin. ;)]
Leafiara chuckles.
Whirlin cackles!
Amyill says, "Nevermind I'm thinking of something else."
Speaking to Whirlin, Darcena says, "Seriously. It is."
Leafiara agrees with Darcena.
Darcena nods at Amyill.
Darcena says, "I think most of the bolt DFs are on the specific bolt page."
Siggurd says, "If I'm wearing full leather, and plate leg greaves, and a attack hits my legs....Is the DF against leather, for fulls, cloth since fulls don't cover legs, or...something else cause I'm wearing greaves."
Leafiara says, "Armor and armor accessories are way too much to cover tonight."
Speaking to Whirlin, Mauss says, "DF for your Armor group. Crit divisor for 1 AG under."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena says, "I don't remember if they are combined anywhere."
Leafiara says, "Okay, fine, since the question came up twice."
Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "It's the DF against leather since you added greaves." [And now I get to turn my earlier poking fun at Whirlin around on myself, as the "since you added greaves" bit is just as superfluous as what he was talking about. DF only cares about the armor group--cloth, leather, scale, chain, or plate--without regard to coverage.]
Leafiara grins at Siggurd.
Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Elphieya begs, "No no. Please, stick to one topic."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena exclaims, "When you're done with that, I have another question!"
Leafiara grins at Elphieya.
Darcena raises her hand.
Darcena raises her hand.
Leafiara points at Darcena.
Darcena says, "So, practically speaking, we talked about what DF is representing."
Leafiara nods at Darcena.
Darcena says, "The mathematical to the thematic."
Darcena exclaims, "But Leafiara! Leafiara!"
Darcena asks, "Why do I, average adventurer, CARE about the DF?"
Whirlin says, "Only armor group of worn armor matters for DF. Coverage and critical divisors are subsequent."
Suddenly, there is a puff of smoke and a blinding flash of light as Noiya arrives to answer Asben's assist.
Darcena gasps.
Leafiara says, "You know, the amazing part about all this is I basically ran like none of this by Darcena before we started, and she's still so good at this."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Noiya, Darcena exclaims, "Quick! Get ready to calculate some math!"
Whirlin says, "I have my spreadsheet open."
Speaking to Darcena, Noiya says, "That sounds complicated."
Whirlin says, "For any simulations."
Speaking to Darcena, Leafiara says, "Average adventurer cares about the DF because they want to hit harder and get hit softer."
Leafiara grins.
Speaking dubiously to Darcena, Leafiara asks, "Did that answer your question, though?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Nazarr says, "I thought that was what training was for."
Darcena says, "So for the average adventurer who hates math and mechanics and is here tonight."
Speaking to Nazarr, Leafiara says, "Well, that too, but no amount of training compensates for the difference between getting hit in plate and getting hit in robes, for example." [Well... assuming comparable endroll, comparable number and selection of outside spells, comparable padding, etc.]
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara says, "Though that'll come up more in the last section of the night."
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "Which is why we rogues are usually.....squishy."
Darcena says, "What we want you to walk away with about DF is that it exists, that it has a thematic purpose, and that if you aren't getting damage worth a dang, you might need to check your DF and see if you're wet-spaghetti-noodling someone in plate."
Speaking to Yardie, Leafiara says, "The ones in brig and under, I agree."
Leafiara grins at Yardie.
Leafiara turns to Darcena and cheers!
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena exclaims, "I'm done now!"
Speaking quietly to Darcena, Elphieya says, "That makes sense."
Sorrenn says, "But robes are so light and breatheable."
Leafiara says, "And conversely, if you're getting wrecked by enemies with a dagger, maybe you might want heavier armor."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena grins at Jervil.
Speaking to Darcena, Nazarr says, "You're very good at translating this stuff."
Darcena hugs Nazarr.
Leafiara agrees with Nazarr.
Speaking amusedly to Darcena, Leafiara asks, "Why did I write this one instead of you, again?"
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "Rogues in heavy gear."
Yardie shudders.
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena exclaims, "Because! Boo! Hiss! I don't sing!"
Leafiara confesses, "I'm dead serious, I went absolutely mad trying to present this in serious, formal tone."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena exclaims, "I think we're ready for the next section!"
Leafiara grins at Darcena.
Speaking impishly to Darcena, Elphieya teases, "But apparently you DO dance."
Whirlin asks, "Want me to wing the rest?"
Darcena begins chuckling at Elphieya!
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Whirlin.
Darcena tries to pinch Whirlin, but he leans away just in time.
Speaking to Whirlin, Leafiara says, "Let's not and say we did."
Leafiara exclaims, "Alright, on to section... 3!"
Whirlin says, "Perfect, I'm great at not doing things."
Leafiara says, "As soon as I can remember where that starts, just a second."
Leafiara stares off into space.
Mauss muses, "Leafi yer organized agenda died... a quiet death."
Whirlin says, "After DF, you have endroll and base damage."
Leafiara grins at Mauss.
Darcena exclaims, "We're on track!"
Darcena nods at Mauss.
Whirlin says, "Base damage will be used a lot, so a good breakpoint calc to mention."
Section 2: Raw Damage
Leafiara sings: "On to raw damage, tonight's simplest section, With little to explain but a formula worth mention!"
Leafiara sings:
"(Endroll - 100) * DF, that's the math,
But what does it mean? Let's walk the path!"
Sorrenn says, "Even better than I imagined."
Leafiara petitions the spirits as flickers of pale flame surround her hands...
(Leafiara makes the motions of gathering a fireball in hand before hurling it with abandon and a boisterous command!)
Leafiara recites:
"Leafiara fires a dazzling bolt of searing silver flames at a deathsworn fanatic!
AS: +527 vs DS: +467 with AvD: +70 + d100 roll: +12 = +142
... and hits for 38 points of damage!
Flames incinerate right leg to the bone. Not a pleasant sight.
The deathsworn fanatic is knocked to the ground!
The deathsworn fanatic is stunned!"
Darcena begins chuckling at Sorrenn!
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena asks, "Gross! Do you smell that cooking?"
Darcena covers her nose tightly.
Leafiara starts chortling.
Amyill says, "Now it's getting good."
Leafiara sings:
"The endroll here is 142, abiding its name and holding true--
It's the number you find at the end of the line!"
Leafiara sings earnestly: "This enemy wears robes and I've cast Fire Spirit, Which means I've a base of 0.400 DF. 21 Summoning lore adds to its power, Resulting in a final 0.421, no less!"
Leafiara sings:
"The raw damage, therefore, is 0.421 * 42,
And the rounded result turns out as 18!"
(Leafiara suddenly pauses with a look of perturbation, as if the words she just sang were outside expectation!)
Leafiara ponders.
Leafiara seems rather puzzled.
Leafiara sings:
"Yet in the example I burned for 38 damage,
So what then does this discrepancy mean?"
Sorrenn exclaims, "What does it mean!"
Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Elphieya guesses, "That they had taken a bath in oil before you hit them?"
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Elphieya.
Nazarr asks, "You lucked out?"
Darcena cackles at Elphieya!
Leafiara raises an eyebrow.
Leafiara sings:
"Perhaps it was a fluke, perhaps just a quirk?
An enemy with padding or that ilk at work?"
Leafiara paces back and forth, muttering something about math.
Vaikhen hesitantly asks, "Is it ... is it bonus damage from a critical?"
Speaking amusedly to Vaikhen, Leafiara whispers aloud, "Cheating and jumping ahead."
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena says, "I love your bravery. Love it."
Darcena nods at Vaikhen.
Darcena smooches Vaikhen on the cheek.
Leafiara sings:
"Maybe one more example to confirm now for sure
And ascertain whether the formula's pure!"
Leafiara recites:
"Leafiara fires a dazzling bolt of searing silver flames at The Krolvin Captain!
AS: +554 vs DS: -111 with AvD: +41 + d100 roll: +88 = +794
... and hits for 217 points of damage!
Back bursts into a spectacular display of flames. Bet it hurts too."
Leafiara sings:
"Our krolvin captain enemy wears double chain,
So 0.256 DF, 0.277 with a boost from my lore,
Times 694 from the endroll, then round..."
Leafiara sings slowly: "The raw damage is 192..."
Leafiara throws her hands in the air in frustration!
Leafiara sings: "So what now are we missing, what more?!"
Sorrenn exclaims, "Why was his defense so low!"
Leafiara amusedly says, "And I'm going to interrupt a lot of what I had planned because Vaikhen kind of already answered it..."
Leafiara chuckles.
[But I'm not skipping anything in the director's cut version, so...]
Darcena whispers aloud, "Remember, the formula was (Endroll - 100) * DF. So (794-100) * 0.277."
Vaikhen sheepishly says, "Sorry ..."
Speaking quietly to Sorrenn, Elphieya says, "Because she tied him up first and stripped him naked." [Actual answer to the krolvin captain's low DS: it was a pure caster that had been stanced down, dispelled, debuffed, had a severed weapon arm and therefore no runestaff, and probably also had at least one out of a severed leg and a rank 3 head wound.]
Leafiara sings:'
"Where's the consistency, where's the solution?
Shall we denounce the formula as merely delusion?"
Leafiara paces back and forth.
Leafiara stares into space, appearing to ponder multiple possibilities and potential nuances.
Leafiara sings:'
"To still one more example we hopefully turn
For answers and clarity we desperately yearn."
Leafiara recites: "Leafiara fires a dazzling bolt of searing silver flames at a shambling lurk! AS: +501 vs DS: +344 with AvD: +57 + d100 roll: +45 = +259 ... and hits for 106 points of damage! Permanently debilitating burns across stomach. The shambling lurk is stunned!"
Leafiara sings:'
"Double leathers now, 0.354 DF with lore counted,;
Times 159 yields 56, at least after it's rounded"
Leafiara sings:
"And we're more off than ever, by 50 no less!
Not 20, not 25--"
Leafiara sings: "But these numerical differences are so clean, not a mess..."
(Leafiara suddenly ceases looking confused, raised eyebrows replaced with ones now amused, then taps a knowing finger 'gainst the side of her head, her pursed lips now lifted in smile instead.)
Leafiara sings teasingly:
"I do know the answer, it's no true mystery:
The extra damage stems from the critical tables.
I'll further explain those in the next section,
But suffice it to say the numbers are stable!"
Speaking to Elphieya, Sorrenn says, "That only raises more questions."
Leafiara sings: "Likely you've noticed flare numbers are usually round, And in those comparisons the answers are found! If a fire flare incinerated a leg to the bone, It would deal 20 damage all on its own."
Whirlin says, "Like, is she free on Friday night."
Leafiara offhandedly says, "In other words, consider how you see fire flares and they're usually numbers like 5, 10, 15..."
Leafiara sings:
"So that was the difference between 18 and 38,
The discrepancy in the first example we had.
And likewise a fire flare that made a back burst
Would deal 25, which paired with 192 raw to add!"
Leafiara sings:
"Raw damage is raw, the minimum you'll do barring padding,
And extra damage flows from the degree of crit ranks,
So in the next and final section we'll more deeply uncover
Why, though robes offer more DS, full plate is better for tanks!"
Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Elphieya asks, "So the line that says it goes to the bone would indicate an automatic extra 20 points?"
Leafiara points at Elphieya.
Speaking to Elphieya, Leafiara says, "Exactly."
Leafiara says, "But now the question is why it's that message."
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara exclaims, "Which is the next section!"
Leafiara says, "So here's the main takeaway, at least to me..."
Leafiara says, "As Darcena no doubt finds something way better to mention..."
Leafiara snickers at Darcena.
Leafiara says, "Raw damage is a useful calculation to determine a baseline of damage you do."
Sorrenn asks, "Wizards are the best?"
Darcena snickers at Leafiara.
Leafiara says, "Then afterward you get bonus damage from the critical."
Darcena says, "It's really just kind of a gateway calculation."
Darcena snickers.
Leafiara says, "So if you had a fire flare that would normally do 25 damage, and then you get the same messaging on a fireball spell, that's adding 25 damage, as Elphie said."
Leafiara says, "On top of the raw."
Darcena says, "So basically, you are going to get this raw damage and hold it in your mind while you look up crit tables."
Leafiara ponders.
Siggurd asks, "Does the flare have a DF?"
Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "Nope."
Leafiara says, "It's just a comparison of messages."
Darcena asks, "We have a question. Do you want it now or do you want trivia first?"
Speaking quietly to Darcena, Elphieya asks, "And I'm guessing crit tables also come in handy when you guys do your talk on aiming? Since some areas might be easier to damage with certain spells or attacks?" [We appear to have missed the question, but the answer is yes.]
Whirlin asks, "Did you explain critical table differences and uses?"
Darcena says, "Next section."
Darcena nods at Whirlin.
Leafiara says, "This applies for others too... if you shot a Major Shock and got the same message as you would from a lightning flare, then exactly that much of the damage for Major Shock comes from the crit."
Leafiara says, "And yes, what Darcena said, crit tables are the next and last."
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara says, "Along with crit divisor."
Leafiara exclaims, "Let's take that question!"
Darcena asks, "So when we're talking about 'raw damage' - is that always calculated prior to any padding coming into play? Or does padding reduce the raw damage?"
Darcena says, "For once, it was not MY question."
Leafiara says, "Hoo boy, that's a complicated one."
Leafiara chuckles.
Vaikhen blushes a nice shade of light pink.
Leafiara says, "Okay, first of all let's assume we're talking damage padding..."
Amyill asks, "As an ambusher, I need to hit something, other games have a 'hit' stat... do we have something that functions like that?"
Elphieya quietly says, "And now we know whose question it was."
Whirlin says, "AS."
Pukk asks, "What's the difference between paddings?"
Speaking wryly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Maybe next month or another month."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Amyill, Darcena says, "Hmm. I would think that basically the entire second line of combat resolution is basically the hit stat." [I'd agree with this assessment, but since Amyill was asking about ambushing, I'd also say there are other concerns.]
Speaking to Pukk, Mauss says, "One makes target lose blood, one makes target lose legs easier..."
Leafiara says, "Damage padding affects the final damage, basically."
Leafiara says, "If you have 4 CER damage padding and would have taken 18 damage, instead you take 14."
Speaking to Darcena, Amyill asks, "So am I correct in trying to pick AvD weapon for more hit rather than DF?"
Leafiara says, "Beyond 6 CER there's randomization in how much the damage padding helps."
Sorrenn says, "There is a redux calculation in there somewhere.."
Sorrenn says, "Twice.."
Leafiara says, "All that said, more to the heart of the question..."
Speaking to Amyill, Darcena says, "That's a really good question. I'm going to hold on to that one a second."
Leafiara says, "Damage padding won't reduce crits."
Leafiara says, "But crit padding will reduce crits, and since crits can add bonus damage, crit padding actually can reduce damage too."
At the edge of your hearing, you hear an angry voice whisper from nearby, "Never even saw the last hit coming! Blasted back-shooters..."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Darcena snickers.
Whirlin says, "If you had 100000 Damage padding, you can lose your head completely... while taking 1 damage."
Leafiara says, "Often better than even damage padding would."
Leafiara grins at Whirlin.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Also technically correct." [If it were hypothetically possible to go beyond 50 damage padding, of course.]
Leafiara chuckles.
Whirlin says, "If you had 100000 Critical padding, you could be hit for 10000 damage, and only have a scratch."
Sorrenn says, "Damage padding is also randomized past 5."
Leafiara says, "No, past 6."
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara says, "6 is still 'somewhat' padded."
Sorrenn says, "Well yes technically 5 + roll."
Speaking to Leafiara, Vaikhen asks, "Just so I learn the nomenclature ... in your example above, would you say 18 was the 'raw damage', or the resulting 14 was the 'raw damage'?"
Darcena says, "I lost track of the original question and whether or not you answered it or got sidetracked."
Darcena falls over.
Darcena thrashes around on the ground.
Speaking suddenly to Darcena, Leafiara says, "Oh, right, we should make sure to cover that."
Leafiara stares off into space.
Darcena stands up.
Speaking to Darcena, Sorrenn asks, "Is your question what was my question?"
Whirlin says, "Technical aside: Confirmed last weeks ago to be a straight line randomization post somewhat."
Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "18 was the raw damage."
Sorrenn says, "What a conundrum."
Darcena snickers at Sorrenn.
Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "This is useful for the next section."
Leafiara says, "Since we're about to do math with the raw damage."
Leafiara grins evilly.
Darcena says, "Okay, I want to rein everyone in a little bit."
Darcena says, "Let's make sure this first question was answered. The one I posed from an audience member."
Darcena says, "And then we have a second question."
Leafiara nods at Darcena.
Leafiara encouragingly says, "Yep, let's make sure we cover it all."
Darcena asks, "So when we're talking about 'raw damage' - is that always calculated prior to any padding coming into play? Or does padding reduce the raw damage?"
Darcena says, "This was the original question."
Leafiara says, "Okay."
Leafiara says, "Raw damage is calculated independently of padding, yes."
Leafiara says, "It passes through to the final result, which *is* affected by padding."
Darcena asks, "Answered?"
Vaikhen cheerfully exclaims, "That makes perfect sense. Thank you!"
Darcena gives Vaikhen a friendly hug.
Leafiara says, "So if you have raw damage 18, damage padding 4... you still have raw damage 18, but you take 14 (plus whatever from the crit)."
Leafiara turns to Vaikhen and cheers!
Darcena says, "Next question: "So am i correct in trying to pick AvD weapon for more hit rather than DF?"."
Darcena says, "This was in context of having a "hit" stat like other games."
Leafiara says, "Well... that depends on the typical margin of your endroll, what armor class you're against, and a rather large number of other factors."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Amyill, Darcena asks, "Do you want to expand your question?"
Leafiara says, "As phrased, it's sort of impossible to answer."
Leafiara furrows her brow.
Darcena says, "We might have to hold that question since we're not getting clarification yet."
Speaking curiously to Amyill, Vaikhen asks, "Are you essentially asking if it's better to have a higher AvD to better 'guarantee' a hit, or have a higher DF so you hit harder when you do hit?"
Darcena points at Vaikhen.
Leafiara says, "Like, just as an example, if you're against robes then extra DF's probably not going to do much for you because they're already in paper DF. But extra AvD is also unlikely to help especially much unless you're having trouble hitting."
Darcena says, "I believe that was the context of the question, yes."
Leafiara agrees with Vaikhen.
Leafiara says, "AvD and AS are essentially interchangeable in this example, by the way."
Sorrenn exclaims, "My armor is insulted!"
Leafiara grins at Sorrenn.
Whirlin says, "If you are not guaranteed to hit, the AvD helps more, however this is not a normal condition post 20/30. This is also indicative of play style opportunities for openers, or stancing down opponents, which are topics that the mentors can help support you on separately."
Leafiara points at Whirlin.
[So, like I said earlier, at the time there had been a debate on the Merchant channel within the past couple of weeks about whether player-forged weapons were more valued for bonus AvD or bonus DF. If I remember correctly, the case had been made that AvD helps on every hit while DF doesn't, necessarily, since even a 6% bonus can get lost in rounding.
However, I'd make the case that the same logic applies to AvD, as a 3 AvD bonus can also get lost in rounding. In either situation, the AvD or DF bonus matters mostly on the marginal middle ground, where your attack isn't so powerful (either by high AS or high DF) that it would have killed even without the bonuses, but your attack also isn't so weak (either by low DS or low DF) that the bonuses aren't enough to even move the needle from "light tap" to "light tap and 1 round stun."]
Darcena says, "I'm going to move on to our next question because it's an important one."
Leafiara nods at Darcena.
Leafiara tilts her head toward Darcena, examining her intently as the tip of one ear twitches briefly.
Darcena says, "That we sort of covered last month but also needs answered again before we move on."
Darcena says, "For everyone."
Darcena asks, "How do you know what armor class you're up against?"
Pukk says, "I throw a gnome at it and look."
Darcena snickers at Pukk.
Leafiara says, "Usually a matter of LOOKing at the enemy and then hoping the armor description is immediately understandable."
Whirlin says, "Little bobby we call him."
Pukk says, "When in doubt, throw a gnome."
Darcena says, "So you really can LOOK at the creatures."
Darcena says, "You can also look it up via the AvD."
Leafiara says, "Our example last month was a ghostly pooka, where it's not immediately obvious that it wears... I think it was double leathers."
Darcena says, "Sometimes what you see in the LOOK doesn't actually show you the armor class."
Leafiara agrees with Darcena.
Darcena says, "Yeah, the pooka had saddlebags."
Sorrenn says, "Keep in mind player forged weapons have higher AvD than the tables on the wiki."
Darcena says, "I had fun imagining that as armor for a bit."
Leafiara nods at Sorrenn.
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Sorrenn, Darcena says, "Thank you for reminding us."
Darcena says, "That's often where you can get confused when you are looking at the tables."
Siggurd says, "I have a maul that inspects as a war mattock...there are lies everywhere."
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.
Darcena says, "If you forget your weapon was player forged."
Leafiara says, "Elegant forged have +1 AvD, superior +2, and perfect +3."
Leafiara says, "So yeah, keep track of that for sure."
Vaikhen asks, "Interesting - so a higher AvD and a higher DF (as mentioned earlier)?"
Darcena says, "So for the person who asked the question... It's a combination of LOOKing, reading on the wiki, or calculating based off numbers that are there."
Sorrenn says, "Solution is to be a wizard again..."
Leafiara nods in agreement at Darcena.
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena says, "I think we're ready for the next section."
Speaking to Sorrenn, Yardie asks, "I don't know. ARE they that powerful?"
Leafiara says, "Wait, trivia."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena exclaims, "OH!"
Darcena exclaims, "Trivia!"
Speaking to Sorrenn, Yardie says, "I like my crits."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "This one's hopefully simple, if you remember the formula."
Leafiara grins.
Darcena exclaims, "I do! I do!"
Leafiara recites: "A level 1 character got their desired broadsword!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...they get it blessed and swing it against a lesser shade beneath the Landing, connecting with a 150 endroll. The shade wears plate armor, so the broadsword has 0.200 DF. How much was the raw damage?"
Darcena exclaims, "I remember the formula!"
Sorrenn asks, "Is he a wizard?"
Vaikhen asks, "10?"
Leafiara points at Vaikhen.
Leafiara turns to Vaikhen and cheers!
Leafiara exclaims, "It is 10!"
Vaikhen's face lights up with joy.
Speaking to Sorrenn, Leafiara says, "I actually did run a wizard over on the test server to do this and get a realistic number, yeah."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena whispers aloud, "The formula was (Endroll - 100) * DF."
Leafiara says, "So it was (150 - 100) * 0.2 = 10."
Leafiara agrees with Darcena.
Section 3: Crit Divisors and Crit Tables
Leafiara says, "Okay, this last section now, this..."
Leafiara says, "Is really going to be something, so brace for it."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena exclaims, "Deep breaths everyone!"
Darcena exclaims, "And hold them!"
Darcena exclaims, "Don't pass out!"
Darcena exclaims, "Don't miss anything!"
Darcena takes a moment to observe Leafiara.
Darcena takes a deep breath.
Leafiara sings: "Crit divisors are boons from the armor you wear, Reducing the wounds and the damage you'll bear. 5, 6, and 7 for robes, leather, and scale Then 9, then 11 for chain and plate mail."
(Nazarr rubs his temples again.)
Leafiara grins.
Darcena rubs Nazarr.
Leafiara sings:
"If your armor coverage is not the full body,
Then the divisor's one group less against uncovered parts,
But that subject is worth a night of its own--
Specifically next month, so I'm not gonna start."
Leafiara glances upward and whistles quietly, an innocent look on her face.
Speaking suspiciously to Whirlin, Leafiara says, "Despite some people trying."
Darcena scowls at Whirlin.
Whirlin attempts to hum a merry little tune.
Sorrenn says, "Armor group and armor sub group."
Darcena mutters something about arachne.
Leafiara nods at Sorrenn.
Leafiara sings cheerfully:
"As for what the divisors are dividing against,
That's the raw damage into which we just dived,
So 45 raw on a bard in chain, hence,
Gets divided by 9 and therefore yields a 5!"
(Leafiara's singing voice picks up the pace, now speeding into a musical race!)
Leafiara sings:
"And the 5 we derive is called a base rank,
But these divide by two for randomization.
As low as 3 this one can be, with 5 as the ceiling,
And an average of 4 as typical estimation!"
Nazarr closes his eyes for a moment.
Leafiara says, "Note the rounding there..."
Leafiara says, "The range is 3 to 5."
Speaking to Nazarr, Darcena says, "Me too."
Leafiara says, "So it's 5/2 = 2.5 as the floor, but it rounds up to 3. 5, which was the base rank, was the ceiling."
Darcena says, "Meeee tooooo."
Leafiara grins at Darcena.
Leafiara says, "And now the question is what the 5 even means..."
Darcena quickly says, "An important question."
Darcena nods at Leafiara.
Nazarr says, "I was just about to ask that, yes."
Leafiara says, "Or the 3 or the 4."
Leafiara sings: "This 3, 4, or 5 is the critical rank, So the critical tables the game now consults, For extra damage, wounds, and status effects Like stun or amputation in the final result!"
Darcena whispers aloud, "And they're beautiful tables. So beautiful."
Darcena drools.
Leafiara muses, "By some measures."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena whispers aloud, "So complete with information."
(Leafiara's voice slows an almost imperceptible tad as she continues with a smile haphazardly mad.)
Leafiara sings playfully:
"Now, this 3, 4, and 5 should not be confused
With the level and severity of incurring wounds.
A rank 3 wound to the arm leaves a severed disaster!
...a rank 3 slash crit leaves a rank 1 wound scratcher."
Whirlin says, "And the longer you look, the less consistent they are..."
Leafiara says, "So let me pause on that distinction..."
Leafiara flashes a quick grin.
Darcena snickers at Whirlin.
Leafiara says, "You're all probably familiar with rank 1, 2, and 3 wounds."
Leafiara says, "Especially you empaths."
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara says, "Or Wrayth users."
At the edge of your hearing, you hear an angry voice whisper from nearby, "Anyone that mouthed off to me got pounded into kumys right quick."
Leafiara says, "Crit ranks come in ranges of 1 to 9."
Leafiara gazes up into the heavens.
Leafiara raises her fist defiantly.
Darcena snickers.
Elphieya quietly asks, "Okay, who was mouthing off?"
Leafiara says, "Sometimes a crit rank 4 can leave a rank 3 wound. Other times it might leave a rank 2 wound."
Darcena says, "I want to know who got the halfling Imbued Shroud."
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie asks, "And that does depend on the end roll, no?"
Darcena says, "Because I'm dying laughing."
Leafiara says, "It really depends on the individual damage type."
Speaking to Yardie, Leafiara says, "The combination of raw damage, damage factor, and crit divisor."
Leafiara grins at Yardie.
Pukk asks, "I thought there was going to be more song and dance during the question and answer part?"
Leafiara says, "Generally, crits start leaving rank 3 wounds around crit rank 6 or so." [Well, consistently, anyway. A lot of them can do it at crit rank 5.]
Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara whispers aloud, "That's Darcena's job."
(Darcena dances a jig and finishes with a shimmy.)
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara sings clearly:
"And this base rank 5 was but a single example
They can sink low as 0 or ascend high as 9!
They all divide by two and round for their split,
So a base rank 9 lands between a rank 5 and 9 crit."
Leafiara says, "Interjecting again..."
Leafiara says, "This is absolutely crucial, so listen close."
Leafiara grins.
Darcena exclaims, "No breathing!"
Leafiara says, "This means that if your combination of raw damage, damage factor, and crit divisor is enough to get you a rank 9 crit, then the minimum you'll do from the crit tables is a 5."
Leafiara says, "A crit rank 5 with things like, say, crush to the head is lethal."
Siggurd asks, "If that bard with the 45 base damage/9 had 4 cer damage padding, was it 41/9 or is damage padding being ignored in this?"
Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "For our purposes here, that's being ignored."
Siggurd says, "Thank you."
Leafiara grins.
Darcena smiles at Siggurd.
Leafiara says, "In any case, this is how things like maces and mauls to the head are treated as golden numbers." [Er, "gold standards" is more what I meant. The golden number would be 5 since that's when they become fatal.]
Mongonator says, "Hey everyone, we got someone new here, name is Houe."
Leafiara says, "Since it's possible to get your AS high enough for a guaranteed kill shot."
Mongonator says, "Mae sure if ye see him round town to say hi."
Leafiara turns to Houe and cheers!
Houe says, "It's pronounced He-way."
Houe says, "Spelled Houe."
Speaking to Houe, Mongonator says, "My apologies."
Speaking happily to Houe, Elphieya greets, "Hello and welcome!"
Darcena exclaims, "Hi! We're in the middle of something a little complicated, but welcome!"
Leafiara exclaims, "Nice to meetcha!"
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara nods emphatically at Houe!
Darcena says, "I don't want us to lose our train of thought here."
Leafiara nods.
Darcena says, "Because Leafiara's next bit is important to the questions I know some of you have."
Leafiara says, "Right, continuing on since we're near the end."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena says, "So let's sum real quick."
Darcena says, "Before you go on Leaf."
Leafiara asks, "Yeah?"
Darcena says, "Just from Crit Divisor to now, in one line."
Leafiara rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Leafiara says, "5, 6, 7, 9, 11 for robes, leather, scale, chain, plate."
Leafiara nods sagely.
Leafiara says, "Just remember those."
Leafiara says, "They're relative to each other."
Leafiara says, "Though that's kind of what I'm about to get into."
Darcena nods.
Leafiara sings:
"For more on crit tables, I must now point out
There's no way to know them except memorization--
But knowing a few benchmarks is sufficient, no doubt,
So pursue them on the wiki if you wish information:"
Leafiara recites: "https://gswiki.play.net/Category:Damage_Types"
Leafiara sings: "I'll take a step back, since I know I've moved fast..."
(Leafiara dances a few steps backwards, red silk sandals slapping the floor, then playfully flashes a smile and wink as she continues to press on with more!)
Leafiara sings:
"And express some more practical terms you can grasp.
Since plate's divisor is 11 while leather's a 6,
183% the raw damage to plate takes the same crits!"
Leafiara sings:
"But it's actually even better, just how much plate matters...
Recall, raw damage calculates from damage factors!
Plate usually takes the lowest DF, so from two-layered tax,
Lighter armor eats hits harder--that's the "why" of the fact!"
Mongonator says, "Guess I'll be switching to plate eh."
Darcena winks at Mongonator.
Nazarr says, "Getting 183% damage in plate doesn't sound good..."
Siggurd says, "Until PSM3, then we'll need another talk."
Leafiara emphasizes, "In other words, you're benefiting both on the crit divisor level and the damage factor level by being in plate."
Speaking to Siggurd, Darcena says, "Already lined up."
Leafiara say, "Clarifying that line..." [for Nazarr]
Whirlin says, "You have to take 183% of the damage to receive the same critical tier outcome."
Leafiara says, "If you took 10 raw damage in leather, and 18 raw damage in plate, the outcome would be the same."
Leafiara points at Whirlin.
Whirlin points at Leafiara.
Leafiara says, "At least in terms of wound level received." [The plate would take 8 more final damage, however... again barring padding.]
Leafiara says, "Now for the Yardie example since he mentioned squishy rogues..."
Whirlin says, "Goes back to reading marginal versus absolute values and directionality... super technical and nuanced, and super easy to miss. Glad you said something."
Leafiara grins at Whirlin.
Darcena says, "Don't forget to send me questions you have in a whisper."
Leafiara sings:
"Another illustration: two rogues against falchions,
One wearing full plate and the other in doubles.
The former could take 340% the punishment,
And get exactly the same wound and face the same trouble."
Leafiara says, "Though I'm not showing all that math because you've already seen enough."
Leafiara snickers.
[But this is the Director's Cut, so here's the math! 11/6 for the respective plate and soft leather crit divisors is 1.83, so plate can take 183% the punishment on that alone. Since we're against falchions, we're also comparing a 0.325 DF to a 0.175 DF, so on that point plate has a 0.325/0.175 advantage, or 185.714% (roughly). So multiply that by the 183% and you end up with roughly 340%.
That's sort of a simplified portrayal for the sake of the talk, though. The more comprehensive way to express it would be that the enemy needs to work 185.714% as hard to get the same raw damage against plate as it would against leather, but also needs 183% as much raw damage to get the same base rank (for crits) against plate as it would against leather. And that's not accounting for differences in AvD either, where the falchion has 13 more against leather...]
Leafiara sings:
"This isn't to say light armor doesn't have perks,
For it gives better DS, and that too can work,
But the lightly clad hero should avoid hits at all--
the heavily armored one tanks them while still standing tall."
Leafiara says, "And since most of you weren't at last month's event, let me emphasize that better DS part."
Mongonator says, "That rhymed."
Speaking quietly to Mongonator, Elphieya whispers aloud, "She's been doing that all night."
Leafiara says, "Heavier armor is penalizing your evade DS, so you're actually losing some amount of DS compared to wearing robes (or anything else that's lighter than plate)."
Leafiara says, "But if you DO get hit in the lighter armor, that's where it gets ugly."
Leafiara says, "Since you no longer have crit divisor and damage factor advantages on your side."
Elphieya quietly says, "Noted. Don't get hit if you're wearing pajamas."
Leafiara agrees with Elphieya.
Sorrenn says, "Robes also breathe better."
Sorrenn says, "If that has not already been brought up."
Darcena snickers at Elphieya.
Leafiara says, "If you can be invincible in robes, I say go for it." [This isn't a joke or anything coy. If you can achieve DS invulnerability or close to it, I'd say robes are a great choice for several reasons beyond the scope of this talk. If Leafi were a pure caster, she wouldn't be in double leathers (the typical fare for pure clerics) either--she'd wear her battle dress full time! (Currently only worn during Duskruin Arena.]
Leafiara grins.
Darcena says, "So when Leafiara and I first discussed this all three years ago..."
Leafiara says, "And let's close up this section now..."
Darcena says, "Oh. Yeah, go ahead."
Leafiara says, "Oh, go on."
Darcena says, "And the-"
Leafiara starts chortling.
Darcena says, "Oh."
Darcena asks, "Yes?"
Darcena asks, "No?"
Leafiara amusedly says, "See, you can tell we didn't coordinate entirely."
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena grins at Leafiara.
Leafiara says, "Go, go."
Leafiara grins at Darcena.
Darcena says, "Okay, so I asked her practically speaking what this was about."
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.
Darcena says, "And if you think about it in terms of how much agility you would have in lighter armor ---"
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie asks, "Robes also add to things like dodge and evasion if you have Light Armor Mastery, no?"
Leafiara nods at Yardie.
Darcena says, "How that means you would have a higher defense - you're evading and moving away when you're in robes."
Speaking to Yardie, Leafiara says, "Yep! Though that's getting replaced with Light Armor Proficiency soon."
Leafiara nods at Darcena.
Darcena says, "But if you're in full plate, you're a pretty inflexible target."
Darcena says, "But you can handle the hits a lot more."
Darcena says, "So all of the math lines up with this practical way of viewing combat."
Speaking quietly to Darcena, Elphieya says, "Hide behind Dhairn. Got it."
Leafiara says, "Light Armor Proficiency will actually be even better thematically at illustrating the point Darcena's making now."
Darcena says, "Well. Mostly."
Leafiara says, "As they're going to give a sizable 20% boost to evade DS for warriors and rogues in light armor."
Leafiara grins.
Asben says, "I can't imagine wearing squishy armor.." [Worth noting that Yardie's a rogue and didn't like the idea of heavy armor while Asben's a rogue and doesn't like the idea of squishy armor. Opinions vary!]
Leafiara says, "So the dream of being largely untouchable, but squishy if you do get hit, will be a lot more achievable."
Mongonator says, "Warriors in light armor...comical." [And worth noting here that my warrior's absolutely going for light armor, heh. Again, opinions vary!]
Darcena smiles.
Houe says, "I'm not wearing any armor."
Leafiara says, "But I'll save more on that for when PSM3 is done."
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena says, "I'm done now. Was just bringing in the vision."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara nods enthusiastically at Darcena!
Speaking to Houe, Mongonator says, "Dont get hit."
Leafiara exclaims, "Alright! Let's close out this section, assuming my aliases are set up right!"
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara sings:
"Another illustration: two rogues against falchions,
One wearing full plate and the other in doubles.
The former could take 340% the punishment,
And get exactly the same wound and face the same trouble."
Leafiara says, "...that was the wrong one."
Leafiara stares off into space.
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena says, "It's always good to hear it twice."
Darcena whistles tunelessly to herself.
Leafiara says, "I knew if anything would be messed up, it would be near the end where I practiced less."
Siggurd asks, "I had a question on that stanza?"
Mongonator says, "Are you factoring in redux or assuming they don't have redux at all, Leafi? Cuz rogues can get some nice redux." [I missed this question, but the answer is we're ignoring it at the moment.]
Leafiara removes a scorched storm surita asaya swirled with vibrant turquoise streaks from in her cherry red cloak.
Darcena says, "Whisper it to me."
Darcena says, "If you have a question, please whisper it to me."
Darcena says, "We have a line."
Whirlin says, "Redux is a whole separate discussion."
Speaking to Mongonator, Asben says, "I have great redux as a rogue."
Elphieya quietly says, "That was a lot and I think I'm officially tapped out."
Whirlin says, "I could spend a few hours on it." [Accurate.]
Leafiara says, "We're almost done."
Leafiara nods at Elphieya.
(Leafiara twirls her storm surita asaya in a spin, circling rapidly and unrelentingly, striding back and forth as she calmly begins a quieter verse, singing almost lamentingly.)
Leafiara sings:
"I'll end it full circle--to the beginning we go,
To the fanatic and monstrosity shot with a bow,
To break down the truth behind what the numbers show
By applying the details we've all come to know."
Leafiara sings:
"...and actually a couple more, which by now is no shock,
Since GemStone math will keep your mind reeling 'round the clock."
Leafiara sings:
"I thank you for being a wonderful audience
As our musical numbers come to a close,
For these last revelations are so complicated
That how one could sing them, Tilamaire only knows."
Leafiara snickers.
(Leafiara flings her storm surita asaya high in a colorful blur of spin, twists, and flips! Soon she reaches a hand toward the dizzying pattern and stills it at once, then into a curtsy she dips.)
Leafiara places one foot behind the other and drops into a respectful curtsy, a swirl of glimmering cherry red hues surrounding her body.
Leafiara flashes a quick grin.
Leafiara says, "So let's take those questions." [I said, completely forgetting for a couple minutes that the whole point was to go back to the beginning examples and review them...]
Leafiara says, "No more singing or rhyming, I promise."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara gives Elphieya a friendly hug.
Leafiara says, "Blame Ari, he did it."
Leafiara snickers.
Whirlin asks, "No more rhymes now, you mean it?"
Leafiara grins at Whirlin.
Darcena asks, "Once we've done all the math to arrive at our, say crit in the range of 3-5 ... is it truly random? Whether we get a 3, 4, or 5th level crit?"
Pukk says, "I heard you were going to give us all custom spell preps from Rumor Woods."
Darcena pinches Whirlin!
Speaking to Darcena, Leafiara says, "Yep, evenly split."
Leafiara says, "And if you had a crit rank 9, it would randomly be between 5 to 9, so a 20% chance for each outcome."
Leafiara says, "Though this assumes no crit padding, but... we're already running a bit long."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena nods.
Leafiara says, "I had a spiel on that, but we'll save it for armor next month."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena asks, "Does the rogue in leather have a better chance at aiming his attacks for wearing lighter armor vs the rogue in plate?"
At the edge of your hearing, you hear an angry voice whisper from nearby, "My trainer taught me never to try thinking and fighting at the same time."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Whirlin says, "Also channeling bolts reduces the critical randomization... but, we could go into *s all night."
Houe says, "I honestly haven't a clue of what we're talking about, other than armor."
Speaking to Darcena, Leafiara says, "Hmm, not that I know of..."
Leafiara agrees with Whirlin.
Leafiara grins at Houe.
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "People need to work on their rhymes."
Darcena grins at Houe.
Whirlin says, "There's no impact on armor for aiming calculations."
Full Circle
Leafiara says, "Oh, right, I didn't even get back to the examples, did I? With the original arrows shot against the monstrosity and fanatic."
Darcena says, "Those were all the questions we've had so far."
Darcena says, "If you still have a question, please feel free to whisper it to me now."
Leafiara says, "That was how we started it all, so let's touch on it."
Leafiara recites:
"Leafiara fires a fireleaf arrow at a deathsworn fanatic!
AS: +540 vs DS: +433 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +6 = +138
... and hits for 30 points of damage!
Attack punctures the eye and connects with something really vital!"
Leafiara recites:
"Leafiara fires a fireleaf arrow at a patchwork flesh monstrosity!
AS: +526 vs DS: +246 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +98 = +403
... and hits for 78 points of damage!
Upward slash gouges the flesh monstrosity's cheek!
Right eye lost!
Pity."
Sorrenn says, "I must take my leave, have a great evening and thanks for putting this together Leafiara and Darcena."
Leafiara asks, "Remember that, how long ago it was by now?"
Darcena gives Sorrenn a friendly hug.
Leafiara turns toward Sorrenn and renders a sharp hand salute.
Leafiara gives Sorrenn a friendly hug.
Darcena whispers aloud, "We are almost done. We will explain this and then conclude."
Houe says, "I just came here looking to meet folks."
Yardie says, "First has lighter armor. Second has heavier."
Leafiara says, "Basically, most of what you see can be explained by the monstrosity being in plate while the fanatic is in robes."
Leafiara points at Yardie.
Speaking to Yardie, Leafiara exclaims, "Exactly!"
Speaking to Houe, Darcena says, "You stumbled into a deep dive of the game's mechanics."
Darcena smiles at Houe.
Houe says, "Aaah."
Leafiara says, "Now, notably..."
Leafiara says, "Both of them took a rank 4 crit to the eye."
Leafiara says, "Only the fanatic's was lethal, because it was hit by puncture."
Speaking to Darcena, Houe asks, "Math, huh?"
Leafiara says, "The monstrosity was hit by slash, where you need a rank 5 crit to be lethal." [When hitting the eye.]
Leafiara says, "And this is why people prefer crush over slash, or puncture over slash, or other preferences--it's all in the crit tables."
[Note: I had a ton of spoken material that was going to fully walk through the math on these arrow shots, but made the call to cut them since we were running long. I've included them at the bottom of this page for perusal, though.]
Leafiara amiably declares, "So, in conclusion, as long as you understand the math, absolutely everything in the game is OP and needs to be nerfed. Thank you for being here tonight!"
Yardie asks, "Because the armor bumps up the critical streak?"
Leafiara chuckles.
Houe says, "I prefer to throw punches and kicks."
Speaking to Yardie, Leafiara says, "Because different damage types are fatal at different level of crit rank."
Houe says, "Those don't need math to figure out."
Darcena says, "Okay! I have one last thing and then I'm going to launch into our conclusion."
Darcena says, "Which is very short."
Darcena says, "One of the things that wasn't explicitly mentioned was that we have a lot of different critical tables."
Speaking to Yardie, Leafiara says, "If you want a fatal crit at only rank 4, puncture to the eye will do it, for example."
Leafiara agrees with Darcena.
Pukk exclaims, "So, Leafiara is OP and needs to be nerfed!"
Leafiara says, "Oh, we have one last trivia question for fun too."
Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara says, "I already did that with 240."
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena says, "That's when you hear people talking about things like 'acid, cold, crush, disintegration, disruption, fire, grapple, impact, plasma, puncture, slash, unbalance,' etc."
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "Which is the advantage of a dagger wielder."
Darcena says, "I didn't just list them all."
Leafiara agrees with Darcena.
Leafiara agrees with Yardie.
Speaking to Yardie, Leafiara says, "Them and archers, yep."
Leafiara grins at Yardie.
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "But a person with a bludgeoner would benefit from a head crush."
Darcena says, "Each one of those has its own table with a ton of information on it."
Meril says, "I am not sure that fireleaf arrows are quite legal in that example, but it makes sense that Leafi fires fireleaf."
Speaking to Darcena, Leafiara says, "That's a perfect segue into the trivia question."
Leafiara removes a bundle of fireleaf arrows from in her cherry red cloak.
Leafiara shows Meril her fireleaf arrows.
Leafiara put a bundle of fireleaf arrows in her cherry red cloak.
Speaking to Leafiara, Mongonator asks, "I once saw an implosion kill someone with an acantha leaf to the eye, hows that work into the crit tables?" [I missed this question, but Whirlin basically gets it. It's its own whole thing.]
Darcena says, "And it is what determines those fancy schmancy words in the combat block."
Meril raises her fist defiantly.
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Mongonator, Whirlin says, "Yes."
Leafiara says, "Come to think of it."
Leafiara grabs a bundle of fireleaf arrows from inside her leaf-patterned tote.
Houe says, "Role play and fighting...that's all I need to know. All this math stuff makes my eyes water."
[Leafi starts pulling out some spare arrows and putting them on the ground for people to have.]
Leafiara exclaims, "Souvenirs!"
Leafiara chuckles.
Mongonator asks, "Yer not gonna implode right?"
Siierra softly says, "Or Whirlin killing people in the pawnshop when he's in the arena."
Darcena says, "Okay, Leafi."
Concluding
Leafiara says, "Let me cover the trivia for fun before Darcena concludes."
Leafiara grins.
Darcena says, "Trivia time."
Leafiara recites:
"Crit tables each cover a damage type. How many damage types are listed below?
A) Earth
B) Fire
C) Wind
D) Water
E) Heart"
(Meril carefully shovels the illegal alters into a dark corner.)
Leafiara grins slowly.
Darcena snickers at Meril.
Speaking to Darcena, Yardie says, "I keep thinking Traiva time is what you're saying."
Pukk says, "4."
Darcena gazes in amusement at Yardie.
Leafiara grins at Pukk.
Mongonator asks, "Heart?"
Mongonator says, "Never heard of that one."
Asben asks, "Captain Planet?"
Whirlin says, "Well, 5 are listed, but I'm fairly certain only Retser's kittens can attack with 5."
Pukk says, "With Heart you can be Captain Planet."
Speaking to Mongonator, Leafiara asks, "Okay, then what's your answer of how many damage types are listed?"
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara chortles at Whirlin.
Leafiara say, "Damage types that actually exist."
Leafiara snickers.
Mongonator says, "Oh, more then them 4."
Leafiara says, "Out of the five I listed."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Okay, apparently this became a stumper when it was supposed to be the fun and easy one."
Whirlin says, "3."
Siggurd says, "3, water is crush."
Pukk says, "Watch just because Leafiara did this. A GM is going to make a mental type of crit called Heart."
Pukk says, "Just watch."
(Houe holds up a fist.)
Pukk glances up.
Leafiara grins at Pukk.
Houe says, "This causes damage."
Whirlin asks, "Wait, earth is impact, isn't it?"
Leafiara says, "Pretty much any answer between 0 and 4 could be argued as correct." [I actually underestimated as people found a way to legitimately argue up to 6!]
Fahlo asks, "Isn't it only 1?"
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara exclaims, "So you're all right!"
Darcena nods at Whirlin.
Leafiara says, "What we think of as earth flares are impact [criticals]." [I was clearly worn out by this point, so editing in some things in brackets for clarity.]
Leafiara says, "Fire flares are [also known as] heat [criticals], because they [the criticals] can also be [found on] magma flares."
Houe says, "I guess I should get back to hunting. Training isn't going to come on its own."
Leafiara says, "Wind flares... sort of exist, sort of not. There's vacuum [criticals], and actual air flares which are unbalance [criticals]." [And then there's the air version of Cone of Elements, which does impact damage.]
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie asks, "Heat does crit though, no?"
Leafiara says, "And water is crush as was mentioned." [Well... water flares are crush, anyway. Minor Water does impact damage, but we already had impact damage counted in the crit type total by listing earth. When writing the trivia question, I had in mind that the most technically correct answer would be 4, where they would be impact, fire, vacuum, and unbalance, but knew I would have accepted 5 if someone argued for acid because of holy water flares (which Nazarr brings up below). Non-holy water flares being crush were a great catch from Siggurd that I actually hadn't considered.]
Speaking somberly to Yardie, Leafiara says, "Sometimes the hardest of all." [...I actually misread him as saying "heart," heh.]
Speaking briskly to Darcena, Leafiara exclaims, "Take it away, Darcena!"
Leafiara lets out a cheer!
Speaking to Leafiara, Yardie says, "Earthen Fury."
Leafiara grins at Yardie.
Whirlin says, "Technical tangent: Unbalance immunity is going to be removed in PSM3."
Darcena says, "Here we've come to the end of our baffling journey where hopefully you've found one or two things to take away."
Leafiara grins at Whirlin.
Nazarr says, "Also with water you get holy water flares."
Leafiara nods at Nazarr.
Leafiara says, "Yep, those water flares are on the acid crit table."
Leafiara grins.
Darcena yells, "I have something to say."
Leafiara tilts her head toward Darcena, examining her intently as the tip of one ear twitches briefly.
Darcena snickers.
Shinann says, "Take away... another math reference..."
Darcena says, "Thank you for coming to our second Monthly Mechanics Mashup."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Shinann.
Darcena says, "We have some events coming up here at the Order of the Lorekeepers. On June 17th, we have Post-Cap Conversations at 9 pm. On June 23rd, we have Beasts, Monsters, and Legends at 9:30 pm, which will be covering death dirges. Then, going into July we have our next open house on July 8 at 9:30 pm."
Mauss offers Shinann a frosted glass of creamy iced coffee.
Shinann accepts Mauss's creamy iced coffee.
Pukk sings:
"Now it's time for so long
But Darcena will sing one more song
Thanks for doing your part
You sure are smart"
Shinann says, "Thank you."
Speaking to himself, Yardie says, "These terrible rhymes."
Feedback and Beyond
Darcena says, "As always, we want to hear your feedback on what worked tonight and what didn't. If you have feedback to give to us, please stick around and let us know. You will not hurt our feelings. Hearing your feedback will make these better and better so we can reach more people."
Darcena says, "Thank you."
Leafiara reassures, "And don't worry, I am never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever doing this musical thing again. No matter whether you liked it, hated it, or anything between... I just literally couldn't stomach writing today's talk in a straightforward way without going crazy."
Darcena bows.
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "Since then I started to feel like just throwing wiki links at everyone."
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara turns to Darcena and cheers!
Whirlin says, "Also... there's more mechanics that go into what was covered here tonight, which they alluded to, and will look to cover in additional meetings... this wasn't a be-all-end-all, but a really good introduction."
Leafiara says, "And this was the hardest topic we'll ever touch on."
Leafiara grins.
Whirlin says, "Because... there's more."
Vaikhen sincerely exclaims, "This was extremely informative. Thank you both very much!"
Leafiara nods rhythmically at Whirlin.
Fahlo says, "Thanks for putting all this on- it was really informative."
Speaking seriously to Whirlin, Leafiara says, "Oh, we know."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara turns toward Fahlo and renders a sharp hand salute.
Leafiara turns to Vaikhen and cheers!
Pukk says, "Next month the event will be done in Haiku." [Funny thing is I was actually thinking about it.]
Speaking to Whirlin, Darcena says, "They build on each other, yes."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Pukk.
Leafiara says, "Next month will be armor and armor accessories."
Leafiara says, "And why claidhmores hit so hard with low endrolls."
Siierra softly says, "Really fun presentation tonight ladies. I actually was able to stay focused instead of droning out when I hear math."
Darcena gives Siierra a friendly hug.
Speaking to Pukk, Mauss exclaims, "Speak no evil!!"
Leafiara says, "The claidhmore part I already had written, but."
Leafiara says, "No time."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara gives Siierra a friendly hug.
Darkkstormmer says, "Nice job thanks for the info."
Speaking to Mauss, Pukk says, "I didn't say Yardie's name."
Leafiara turns to Darkkstormmer and cheers!
Darcena asks, "Could we have a mentor willing to escort people out?"
Darcena asks, "So that Leafiara and I can stay here to hear feedback?"
Siierra softly says, "I can."
Darcena says, "Thank you Siierra."
Leafiara turns to Siierra and cheers!
Darkkstormmer says, "If you need a lift out join up."
Darcena says, "If you'd like to leave, please join Siierra."
Siierra softly says, "Join if you need help finding your way out."
Darcena says, "And Darkkstormmer."
Darcena grins.
Siierra softly says, "If not I'll stay and listen to feedback."
Mauss asks, "Anyone want a live-fire demonstration?"
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Mauss.
Darcena gazes in amusement at Mauss.
Speaking to Mauss, Darcena teases, "I'll give you a live-fire demonstration."
Darcena wiggles her fingers at Mauss.
Leafiara amusedly whispers aloud, "And get your souvenir fireleaf arrows before Meril destroys them all."
Leafiara snickers.
Speaking to Darcena, Mauss says, "Let's do it."
Darcena gazes in amusement at Mauss.
Mauss says, "I ain' scared."
Whirlin says, "Great, now I have my own bundle of fireleaf arrows."
Maevie softly exclaims, "Thank you!"
Leafiara turns toward Maevie and renders a sharp hand salute.
Darcena says, "Thank you everyone for attending."
Yardie says, "Evening everyone, it's been fun."
Darcena says, "If you're still here, you're getting roped into feedback."
Leafiara exclaims, "Indeed, thank you all for being here!"
Leafiara lets out a cheer!
Darcena asks, "What went well? What didn't?"
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Darcena.
Darcena smiles at Mauss.
Leafiara says, "And for the record, I did read the room and there were like probably 20 verses or ACTs I cut out because we were going long."
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena tries to pinch Leafiara, but she grabs her hand just in time and pinches her instead!
Leafiara flails her arms about.
Darcena lets out a yelp!
Vaikhen exclaims, "Twenty?!"
Darcena nods at Vaikhen.
Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.
Darcena says, "All her hard work..."
Leafiara says, "Darcena knows, she was following the document probably."
Jervil exclaims, "Gotta run!"
Darcena shakes her head.
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "And saw where I jumped."
Darcena waves to Jervil.
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena nods at Leafiara.
Darcena says, "I was watching."
Darcena grins at Leafiara.
Leafiara grins at Darcena.
Darcena asks, "Anyone left have feedback for us?"
Darcena asks, "Or questions?"
Fahlo says, "I thought it was good - the stanza approach sort of book ended things nicely and then there was follow up summary and examples."
Leafiara's concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.
Leafiara turns to Fahlo and cheers!
Darcena's face lights up with joy for Fahlo.
Speaking to Fahlo, Darcena says, "Thank you."
Siggurd says, "I like the direct combat example, and then working through it."
Speaking to Siggurd, Darcena asks, "You were here last time, yes?"
Leafiara nods rhythmically at Siggurd.
Meril says, "Examples are always helpful."
Siggurd nods at Darcena.
Vaikhen says, "The concrete examples were excellent."
Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.
Darcena says, "We flipped the format a little based off feedback last time."
Speaking to Siggurd, Darcena asks, "Did it flow better?"
Leafiara amusedly repeats, "A little."
Leafiara snickers.
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena says, "Well, I'm not talking about you singing."
Speaking to Darcena, Leafiara says, "Don't worry, I know what you mean."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena pinches Leafiara!
Leafiara flails her arms about.
Darcena exclaims, "HA!"
Darcena crows, "Gotcha!"
Leafiara says, "She's talking about trivia after instead of before a section."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara grins at Darcena.
Darcena nods at Leafiara.
Siggurd says, "It went quicker than I probably would have liked...but it was just alot of information to try and get through."
Fahlo says, "Also, I know you said you wouldn't rhyme presentations in the future, however, I will say some element of presentation like rhyming would be useful in getting folks to see the material as much more approachable."
Speaking to Fahlo, Leafiara says, "That I agree with."
Leafiara says, "I like the fun presentation instead of dry lecture."
Leafiara says, "Because for raw information, people could just go to the wiki."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena says, "I like it too, which is why Leafiara is doing all of them in the future."
Leafiara gazes up into the heavens.
Leafiara chuckles.
Vaikhen says, "I'll be the stick in the mud and say I actually preferred the dry material."
Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.
Darcena grins at Vaikhen.
Speaking to Vaikhen, Darcena exclaims, "Shh! You'll make me have to do work again!"
Speaking playfully to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Have I got a wiki for you to spend 300 hours in..."
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara says, "And then, even after doing that, find out on the day of your event that there's something about ranged weapons you didn't know."
Fahlo says, "And also too, people hear math and they back away, or they see tons of tables and it starts looking like hieroglyphs."
Leafiara says, "If people had done the math, they would have noticed something was up with my fanatic shot."
Leafiara says, "The base rank was 3, but the actual crit rank was 4."
Leafiara says, "Because ranged gets phantom crit weighting." [All of this is explained in the deleted material at the bottom.]
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "Which I didn't know until like 8 hours ago."
Leafiara snickers.
Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena says, "So that's why your numbers weren't crunching."
Leafiara says, "As I panicked to explain my own talk."
Leafiara snickers.
Speaking to Darcena, Leafiara says, "Oh, no, that was an entirely different time."
Leafiara says, "That one was me not accounting for the Summoning lore on my Fire Spirit."
Darcena starts chuckling at Leafiara!
Siggurd says, "Everytime I see "phantom" on the wiki I curse a little."
Leafiara says, "Let me tell you, this talk was HARD."
Leafiara starts chortling.
Speaking to Leafiara, Mauss says, "What would be your opinion on a live-fire demo? In all seriousness."
Leafiara says, "Desperately figuring out why my numbers didn't work."
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena says, "I hope that you all came away with something new, though."
Speaking to Mauss, Darcena says, "Our opinion is it isn't necessary."
Leafiara turns to Darcena and cheers!
Vaikhen says, "I have never understood crit divisors and random critical ranges - that sort of thing - until tonight. It really was super helpful."
Darcena says, "And supporting it would likely get us in trouble."
Darcena smiles at Mauss.
Speaking to Mauss, Leafiara says, "I mean, it could be fun I guess, but..."
Leafiara turns to Vaikhen and cheers!
Speaking to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Excellent! Now you understand crit randomization then."
Darcena's face lights up with joy for Vaikhen.
Leafiara grins.
Mauss says, "We'd 'afta do it on the hob boulder."
Mauss says, "Or similar."
Leafiara says, "Trouble with live fire is we'd have to calculate it all on the fly."
Vaikhen says, "I refuse to say I understand anything until after next month's talk on armor."
Leafiara says, "I bet Whirlin could do it, but I don't have his spreadsheet."
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara grins at Vaikhen.
Meril says, "Now to understand warding spell critical randomization."
Speaking amusedly to Vaikhen, Leafiara says, "Well, okay, assume full coverage body armor."
Darcena grins at Meril.
Leafiara grins at Meril.
Speaking to Meril, Darcena asks, "Are you leading that one for us?"
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.
Speaking to Meril, Leafiara says, "It randomly goes up or down by one, I think I remember reading Naijin saying."
Darcena exclaims, "No?!"
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena whines at Meril!
Darcena says, "Thank you everyone for attending."
Leafiara says, "But even I'm not touching that one. Not even gonna preteeeeeeeeeeend to understand CS."
Leafiara snickers.
Darcena says, "Load up your pockets with the cart food and whatnot."
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.
Leafiara excitedly agrees, "Food!"
>l on car
On the carved mahogany cart:
Food/Drink [77]: a bottle of sylvan marigold wine, a bottle of rich purple shiraz, a frosted glass of moon wine, a slender glass of chocolate milk, a mug of Silverwood punch, a juniper and lemon concoction, a mug of sweet thunder milk, a glass of cold mineral water, a bottle of dwarven stout, a glass of V'tull's Revenge, some Silverwood pale pink pilsner, a mug of sweet ginger beer, a giantkin-sized barrel of lager, a glass of assassin's poison, a glass of fruit-mixed rum, a jar of Basingstoke's Moonshine, some Elanthian well-aged whiskey, a glass of Seafarer's vodka, a chicken and cashew salad, a fennel and apple salad with cider vinaigrette, an amaranth and pinyon nut salad, some honey-drizzled cheese truffles, a chunk of poppyseed-crusted goat cheese, an amaretto brie-topped cracker, a crumble of aged white cheese, a tiny chilled dill pickle, a bulbous orange carrot topped with a rosette of leaves, some pickled turnips, a cob of bright yellow corn, a dish of tomato herb couscous, a red pepper hummus-stuffed mushroom, a nutmeg-laced buttery acorn squash, some fire-roasted root vegetables, a breaded Riverwood crab cake, some smoked pumpkin soup, a hunk of bacon-wrapped steak, a wild rice and mushroom casserole, a hard-boiled alligator egg pickled in vinegar, a slice of stuffed pork tenderloin, some spicy chicken wings, a large soft twisted bread, a slice of erithian tea bread, a slice of apple and cherry pie, a honey and fig-filled pastry, a thin stick of chocolate-covered shortbread, a sugar-dusted gingerbread cookie, a tiny treasure chest cookie, a large chocolate ice cream cone, a gooey peanut butter brownie, some pomegranate-infused vanilla ice cream, a chocolate raspberry tart, a warm banana fritter sprinked with sugar and cinnamon, a mug of hot berry rum, a hot yuletide toddy, a mug of hot cranberry-apple cider, a snifter of warm elven brandy, a shot of warmed halfling whiskey, a glass of tepid Faendryl brandy, some cobbler's coffee, a cup of cream-topped coffee, some fragrant white peony tea, a cup of honeyed herb tea, a cup of iceblossom tea, a cup of warm sylvan tea, a mug of bitter evergreen tea, some acantha leaf candy, a blueberry lollipop, a cherry and apple candy ribbon, a gnome-sized blueberry, a plump golden pear, a cluster of plump red grapes, some ripe honeydew wedges, a white sapote fruit, some potato crisps, some hot roasted spicy nuts, some roasted pine nuts, some salty popcorn
Leafiara indicates the carved mahogany cart as a possible option.
Darcena says, "I draw the line at more than two hours, though. The. Line."
Darcena says, "I'm going to firmly escort you all outta here."
Leafiara says, "Well, let me correct myself. Won't pretend to understand warding endrolls."
Siggurd asks, "Any mention of a Reim workshop?"
Leafiara says, "CS itself, easy peasy."
Leafiara snickers.
Speaking to Siggurd, Darcena says, "We haven't set that up yet."
Speaking to Siggurd, Darcena asks, "Did you want it Confluence-style or BML-style?"
Leafiara says, "Not it for Reim, I've only rarely done it."
Darcena says, "I can't remember."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd asks, "Possibly for a non capped player?"
Darcena asks, "Did you go to the Confluence one Arianiss did?"
Siggurd says, "Sadly no."
Siggurd says, "Much regrets."
Darcena says, "Ah, okay. My reference makes no sense to you then."
Vaikhen says, "The Confluence talk was great, too. I learned to never go to the Confluence."
Darcena asks, "Do you want me to do it story-style like I do for Beasts, Monsters, and Legends?"
Speaking to Darcena, Siggurd says, "Correct."
Darcena asks, "Or do you want it to be factual workshop style?"
Darcena asks, "In other words, too, do you want it IC or OOC?"
Darcena begins chuckling at Siggurd!
Siggurd says, "Factual mostly OOC."
Leafiara nods understandingly at Siggurd.
Darcena says, "K. I will pass it on."
Darcena nods at Siggurd.
Siggurd says, "So I know what I'm doing there."
Fahlo asks, "I should probably know this, but is there a repository of all these talks?"
Siggurd says, "Then I can learn the history behind it."
Speaking to Fahlo, Leafiara says, "Not yet."
Leafiara says, "This one I'll absolutely toss on the wiki."
Leafiara says, "About halfway through writing it, I realized I had to."
Speaking to Fahlo, Darcena says, "No. Although I'm going back and doing all the BML ones on Darcena's wiki page."
Darcena says, "Slowly."
Leafiara says, "So people can follow a bunch of cross-links and such."
Leafiara gawks at Darcena.
Darcena nods at Leafiara.
Speaking to Darcena, Fahlo says, "Oh awesome - I really wanted to see the confluence talk but I missed it."
Leafiara says, "That one's up to Ari."
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena says, "That one was Ari and he was looking at putting his notes on the wiki."
Darcena says, "I'm not sure where he got with it."
Darcena says, "But we don't have a central repository currently."
Darcena says, "It might be something we could set up."
Darcena says, "A category or something."
Darcena ponders.
Darcena says, "I'll think on it."
Darcena nods.
Siggurd says, "Last I heard he was working on it to post."
Leafiara says, "I don't think I've put any of my Silverwood events on the wiki yet, but some time for sure."
Darcena nods at Siggurd.
Leafiara says, "At very least this one."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "Maybe a cobbling one next time I do that."
Leafiara says, "Which will be before Ebon Gate."
Fahlo says, "Hmm it would be cool, though I understand not wanting to put something up so raw, if it were at the very least the log of the presentation."
Darcena says, "Okay! I need to go."
Darcena grins.
Leafiara turns toward Darcena and renders a sharp hand salute.
Darcena gives Vaikhen a friendly hug.
Darcena hugs Siggurd.
Darcena hugs Leafiara, who wraps her in a warm embrace.
Vaikhen exclaims, "Thanks again! See you all soon!"
Darcena hugs Meril.
Leafiara says, "We have plenty of mentors still here to escort out, stay and talk as long as ya want."
Siggurd says, "Thank you both for this evening's fun."
Leafiara gives Darcena a friendly hug.
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Meril, Darcena says, "I get to hug you when we're OOC. That's how that works."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Darcena gives Siierra a friendly hug.
Meril says, "Mm-hmm."
Speaking dubiously to Meril, Darcena asks, "Right?"
Speaking to Darcena, Siggurd says, "Ride your moose into the long past sunset."
Darcena looks at Siggurd and squeals.
Darcena waves.
Leafiara chuckles.
Darcena grins.
Leafiara gives Darcena a warm buss on the lips.
Jouster Darcena just strode through a pair of stained glass doors.
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Let's Just Keep Going Anyway: Crit Weighting and Crit Padding
Leafiara asks, "Alrighty! Do we have any last questions, thoughts, anything?"
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara says, "Next month is armor and armor accessories and crit padding."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd says, "An example of damage padding, and crit padding."
Mauss asks, "Did anyone wanna re-try one of the crit weighting etc, questions from earlier?"
Siggurd says, "Damage padding I think was well covered."
Speaking to Mauss, Leafiara asks, "Did we miss one?"
Leafiara ponders.
Mauss asks, "Or did they all leave?"
Leafiara says, "Ah, what the heck, sneak peek since I already have unused material written from tonight."
Leafiara says, "Sec to paste it in."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd says, "Sure, I'm game for a crit padding question."
Leafiara elaborates, "'Earlier I brought up what's called the 'base rank,' which is the truncated result of (raw damage/crit divisor)... but that's if you're using an unweighted weapon."
Siggurd says, "Since I'll probably be unsure on it and learn from it."
Mauss mutters, "I didna mean to open da worm can."
Leafiara states, "But if you have crit weighting on your side, then the actual base rank is [(raw damage + crit weighting - crit padding)/crit divisor]!"
Leafiara offhandedly mentions, "And this is why claidhmores can hit so hard even on low endrolls. They have 40 innate crit weighting, so on any hit that would have been at least a crit rank 1, they're effectively bumping the base rank by 8 against robes (40/5), 6 against leather (40/6), 5 against scale (40/7), 4 against chain (40/9), and 3 against plate (40/11)."
Leafiara gives Siierra a friendly hug.
Leafiara grins.
Darkkstormmer says, "Have a good night."
Siggurd says, "Oh, the 40 is applied that early."
Leafiara nods rhythmically at Siggurd.
Siggurd exclaims, "I'm glad I stayed!"
Leafiara flashes a quick grin.
Mauss says, "Yep."
Leafiara says, "Yeah, this is just one of many reasons why crit padding is so much more admired than damage padding."
Leafiara says, "The exception is with full plate."
Leafiara says, "Because crit divisor of 11 plus super low DFs is a heck of a thing."
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara says, "So your crit ranks will already be very low."
Mauss says, "Plus redux, usually."
Leafiara says, "And if you're unlikely to reduce crit rank, then you might as well reduce damage."
Leafiara agrees with Mauss.
Siggurd asks, "As a leather wearer, and with WPS prices penalizing cross padding. Is there any point where you transition from more crit, to starting with some damage padding?"
Leafiara says, "Whirlin probably has that in some uber complicated spreadsheet that's beyond even me."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd says, "Usually beyond everyone but him."
Leafiara says, "But I think it wouldn't be for quite a while."
Leafiara grins at Siggurd.
Leafiara says, "My gut instinct, and I haven't done the math, so it's just intuition..."
Leafiara says, "I would go to 15 CER crit padding before starting on damage padding."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "And even then stop at 6 CER damage padding at most."
Mauss says, "A lotta people start transitioning at 6 crit CER, with the heavier stuff."
Speaking to Mauss, Leafiara says, "Yeah, I could see that on the heavier stuff, but we're talking about leathers with Sig."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd asks, "I know folks mention damage padding on plate, but would they still do crit first?"
Leafiara says, "I mean, I'm sure [some] do, but it depends."
Leafiara looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.
Leafiara says, "That's more individual to the person, I'd think."
Leafiara says, "Knowing how many outside spells they usually get, or if they even do, and if they're using shields or not."
Leafiara says, "Those things would wildly swing the equations."
Leafiara says, "Full outside spell warrior with a shield is more or less invulnerable." [In this context of a warrior in full plate taking physical damage.]
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd says, "Most places at high level only allow your own spells."
[Well... sort of. The Rift, for sure, only allows your own spells. Many of the current dev GMs at the time of this writing have expressed that future hunting grounds are likely to include the spell sever mechanic that allows exactly two outside spells.
The Elemental Confluence strips outside spells upon entering, but they can be put back on once inside. Spellburst mechanics are the most common, found in the Sanctum of Scales, Old Ta'Faendryl, and the Ruined Temple; those penalize wearing too many outside spells, but it's possible to mitigate the penalty with enough training. Semis and pures are unlikely to have any trouble spellburst. Squares, in my experience, need about 200 combined ranks of Harness Power, Magic Item Use, or Arcane Symbols to wear a full suite of outside spells.]
Mauss says, "Thing about crit padding is, everything above 6 CER is sorta randomly applied."
Leafiara nods at Siggurd.
Speaking to Mauss, Leafiara exclaims, "Yep!"
Siggurd asks, "Same with damage padding no?"
Leafiara says, "So if you have 8 CER, the applied result will be random from 6 to 8."
Mauss says, "I'd have to check Wiki but I believe so."
Leafiara says, "12 CER, applied result is random from 6 to 12."
Leafiara says, "And yes, same for damage padding."
Leafiara says, "You'll always get at least 6 if you have 6."
Leafiara says, "Incidentally, in the formula I just mentioned..."
Leafiara exclaims, "'=state If you have crit weighting on your side, then the actual base rank is [{raw damage + crit weighting - crit padding)/crit divisor]!"
Leafiara says, "That one."
Leafiara says, "The end result is still divided by 2."
Leafiara says, "Well, also after being capped at 9."
Leafiara says, "So even if you have 1000 raw damage and 50 crit weighting, the max base rank is still 9."
Leafiara says, "But.."
Leafiara says, "The aspect of being divided by 2 isn't until after that initial calculation."
Siggurd says, "I'm lost."
Leafiara says, "Does that make sense? Not sure I'm getting across my point."
Leafiara ponders.
Meril says, "Someone would have to run lots of simulations to be sure. My guess is that critical padding is still better for quite a while for professions without a stun-breaker, since shortening an extra round of stun will save you more often than some more health from repeated hits."
Siggurd says, "I know max crit rank is 9."
Leafiara says, "My point being, even though max base rank is 9, and that number gets divided by 2..."
Leafiara says, "6 CER is still 6 CER, not 3."
Siggurd says, "That was a downside to what I saw with PSM3 and plate. You get 25% of your HP...it doesn't say it breaks a stun."
Leafiara ssay, "I bet it doesn't."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd says, "You just... might live a little longer."
Leafiara grins at Siggurd.
Siggurd says, "It's exciting to see other armors given a chance though."
Leafiara nods rhythmically.
Mauss says, "A little might be just enough to red-rage out of it."
Siggurd says, "Anyway, I'm sure I'd keep talking."
Mauss says, "And by red-rage, yep, I mean warrior berserk. Or some other stun-breaker."
Leafiara grins at Mauss.
Siggurd says, "Still working on getting up to that point."
Siggurd says, "Oh."
Fahlo asks, "Oh.. does any of this factor in to stuns and stun duration? Is there something like a 'stun crit table'?"
Siggurd says, "Weird side question."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "Stuns are on the crit tables."
Leafiara says, "It depends on the crit rank."
Fahlo says, "So stuns have ranks."
Mauss says, "What she said."
Leafiara says, "So pulling one up for an example, just a sec."
Siggurd says, "Maybe a question for someone with alot of alts."
Fahlo asks, "Like wounds?"
Leafiara says, "Let's say you're slashing to the head."
Leafiara says, "https://gswiki.play.net/Slash_critical_table."
Leafiara says, "Rank 2 crit is a 1 round stun, shown as "S1" in the Status effects column."
Leafiara says, "Rank 3 is a 3 round stun, shown as "S3"."
Leafiara says, "So yeah, stun duration depends on the crit rank."
Fahlo asks, "What is the upper bound to stun ranks?"
Siggurd says, "Have anyone ever had an alt that always lags a little behind others in all actions."
Leafiara says, "Depends on the crit type."
Speaking to Siggurd, Mauss asks, "Wanna see another table?"
Leafiara says, "Highest on this slash crit page is 12 round stun."
Leafiara says, "From amputated legs."
Leafiara grins.
Mauss says, "Getting kicked: https://gswiki.play.net/Kick_critical_table_(UCS)"
Mauss says, "Or, kicking, since not too many critters are into that."
Leafiara says, "Without even looking, I'd bet that amputated legs are usually the most amount of stun, since rank 9 crits to non-limb body parts are fatal."
Fahlo asks, "What is the highest value of number in S(number) that you've noticed in all the crit tables?"
Leafiara says, "12."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "I pretty much only look at these tables when deciding what flares to add, though."
Leafiara grins.
Meril says, "The grapple table is vicious. Goes up to 20 rounds."
Leafiara turns to Meril and cheers!
Leafiara says, "See, now that's something I didn't know, and I know exactly why."
Leafiara says, "Because almost nothing on the grapple table is directly fatal."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "So I tend to ignore it."
Leafiara says, "But if you need knockdowns, it's great."
Meril nods.
Fahlo says, "Neat- thanks."
Leafiara grins.
Mauss says, "I tend to just kick stuff... easy fatalities if you have excellent position."
Leafiara says, "Beautiful thing about the grapple table, it gets knockdowns even on like rank 2 crits."
Leafiara says, "Heh."
Leafiara says, "Knockdowns are marked as "K" in Status Effects."
Fahlo says, "I went with grapple flares for that reason because of the bonus it adds to Condemn rolls."
Fahlo says, "Target being prone."
Leafiara says, "And then there's fun stuff like slashes to the back that damages both back and nerves."
Leafiara grins at Fahlo.
Siggurd says, "Ok, I believe I've kept you all long enough."
Leafiara says, "Come to think of it, we didn't even touch on how missing limbs or injured heads affect DS."
Leafiara says, "From last month."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara turns toward Siggurd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Siggurd says, "Thank you again."
Fahlo says, "I should get going too."
Siggurd says, "And a suggestion would be to add the crit information into the talk."
Meril says, "Until next time."
Siggurd says, "It was good."
Leafiara grins at Siggurd.
Leafiara says, "Yeah, I think I probably tried to cram too much in."
Leafiara asks, "But it's so tied together, you know?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Fahlo says, "Great work!"
Siggurd says, "The talk was just gonna be a long one no matter what."
Leafiara says, "Damage factor begets raw damage, which is divided by crit divisor..."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "Can't really separate them out."
Fahlo picks up a fiery orange fireleaf arrow.
Fahlo raises his fireleaf arrow in triumph!
Fahlo lets out a cheer!
Leafiara says, "Take two arrows and bundle them."
Leafiara says, "Then you have an infinite bundle you can keep taking from."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara exclaims, "Which is why I'm giving them out!"
Siggurd asks, "Is fireleaf rare?"
Leafiara says, "It is."
Leafiara says, "Someone won a raffle for these years ago and gave me a bundle."
Siggurd asks, "You made it from a fireleaf quarterstaff?"
Siggurd says, "Ahhh."
Mauss says, "So thass how we wind up with piles of a hunnerd arrows outside the garte."
Leafiara says, "Donation from an ally."
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara says, "Based on what Meril said, they might even be illegal now, I dunno."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara grins.
Leafiara says, "Alrighty! I'd better find some dinner."
Interlocking her fingers, Leafiara slowly extends her arms up over her head in a long, satisfying stretch.
Siggurd says, "Bah, I wanted to ask Whirlin what he meant with raising AS from Martial Mastery with archery is better to do something else."
Leafiara says, "The not on a cart in game kind."
Mauss exclaims, "True!"
Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "Oh, that I can cover."
Leafiara says, "Ranged is usually more expensive to train than one handed weapons or brawling."
Mauss says, "Dump the points into m-strike instead."
Siggurd asks, "For a warrior, wouldn't a cheap second weapon skill be the cheapest?"
Siggurd says, "Ahhh."
Siggurd says, "I thought archery was on the same level."
Leafiara says, "Although..."
Leafiara says, "Yeah, looking at warriors, it is for them."
Leafiara says, "Let me look at rogues."
Mauss asks, "Are we talking about Martial Mastery?"
Siggurd says, "And if you get archery...you can at least do something when a creature is flying."
Leafiara says, "Hmm, rogues are actually best off training Thrown to boost Martial Mastery."
Leafiara chuckles.
Mauss says, "If we're talking about MM, 25 spells kills it completely."
Leafiara says, "Okay, so if I had to take a stab in the dark at what Whirlin was talking about, I'd say..."
Siggurd says, "5 makes is suspect already."
Mauss says, "Five are free."
Siggurd says, "Wish it had been 7."
Leafiara says, "He probably doesn't like going ranged as the second weapon skill because it needs Perception and Ambush, so switching to it as an actual option is less viable." [Since it's the only weapon type that needs those, whereas others just need their own skill and Combat Maneuvers.]
Siggurd says, "At least you could pop the gy gate then."
Siggurd says, "Now that makes much more sense."
Leafiara say, "Brawling you can just pick up any time."
Leafiara grins at Siggurd.
Leafiara says, "And get right into it."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara hoots at Amyill.
Mauss says, "True."
Leafiara says, "Or edged/blunt, super easy to make the switch."
Siggurd says, "I'll bother you later about Ambushing."
Leafiara grins at Siggurd.
Siggurd says, "And when I will actually not whiff."
Leafiara amusedly says, "Not it on that one."
Leafiara snickers.
Siggurd says, "Enjoy your dinner."
Amyill says, "I'd like to hear that topic."
Leafiara says, "Oh, just hit rates."
Leafiara says, "That we might cover, that's not so bad."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd says, "My lowbie warrior just doesn't hit anything."
Leafiara says, "Actually, wait, give me a second."
Siggurd says, "So I just attack and hope it hits the head."
Mauss says, "Speaking as a brawler, I'd rather take any training points to single or double additional weapons, and dump them into MOC and clobber things." [I tend to agree.]
Leafiara says, "Naijin just shared those numbers like three weeks ago."
Siggurd says, "I think I'm just too low level right now."
Siggurd says, "I saw there's a whole aiming page."
Leafiara says, "Oh, good, someone stuck it on the wiki."
Leafiara says, "Yeah, that's the one."
Leafiara says, "https://gswiki.play.net/Aiming_Success."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd says, "And a spreadsheet I get to mess with."
Leafiara says, "So, considering how much is bonus-based.."
Siggurd says, "That shows 30 ranks of Ambush are ok early on."
Leafiara says, "Without even doing the full math, basically rush to 40 CM and 40 Ambush."
Leafiara chuckles.
Siggurd says, "You don't just hard stop at 24."
Leafiara says, "I think I remember people doing the math and seeing that 24 was a super reasonable stopping point... at cap and near cap."
Mauss says, "If yer aiming heavier weapons, or swinging at eyes, yep, go to 40."
Siggurd says, "Yep, at cap. I'm playing that 30year to cap plan."
Leafiara says, "This page is a treasure trove."
Amyill asks, "Are we talking an ambush cap?"
Amyill asks, "Is there one?"
Leafiara says, "There is an ambush cap, yeah."
Siggurd says, "I was mainly asking about Ambush at level 20-30."
Leafiara says, "Can't get higher than 95%."
Speaking to Leafiara, Mauss pleads, "Go eat!!"
Leafiara says, "But that's a later in life thing."
Leafiara chuckles.
Amyill asks, "Is it 100?"
Siggurd says, "Night all."
Leafiara says, "The ambush cap is 95%."
Leafiara grins.
Speaking to Leafiara, Mauss exclaims, "Evenin'!"
Leafiara exclaims, "Alrighty!"
Leafiara exclaims, "Out we go then!"
Other Deleted Material
':amus =continue so let's get to it. Here were the examples:
Recite Leafiara fires a fireleaf arrow at a deathsworn fanatic!; AS: +540 vs DS: +433 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +6 = +138; ... and hits for 30 points of damage!; Attack punctures the eye and connects with something really vital!
Recite Leafiara fires a fireleaf arrow at a patchwork flesh monstrosity!; AS: +526 vs DS: +246 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +98 = +403; ... and hits for 78 points of damage!; Upward slash gouges the flesh monstrosity's cheek!; Right eye lost!; Pity.
'=note Now, the fanatic's wearing robes, the monstrosity's wearing plate, and I'm firing a bodkin point arrow from a long bow, which has 0.350 DF against the fanatic and 0.190 DF against the monstrosity.
'=elaborate So the fanatic's taking raw damage of (138 - 100) * 0.350 = 13 after rounding, while the monstrosity's taking raw damage of (403 - 100) * 0.19 = 58. Then you add the crit divisors, where the fanatic's is 5 and the monstrosity's is 11,but let's hold off a moment...
':excite =enthuse because we haven't talked about crit weighting!
'=elaborate Earlier I brought up what's called the 'base rank,' which is the truncated result of (raw damage/crit divisor)... but that's if you're using an unweighted weapon.
'=state If you have crit weighting on your side, then the actual base rank is [(raw damage + crit weighting - crit padding)/crit divisor]!
':offhand =mention by the way, this is why claidhmores can hit so hard even on low endrolls. They have 40 innate crit weighting, so on any hit that would have been at least a crit rank 1, they're effectively bumping the base rank by 8 against robes (40/5), 6 against leather (40/6), 5 against scale (40/7), 4 against chain (40/9), and 3 against plate (40/11).
'now, our examples are ranged attacks, which have innate crit weighting of [(Intuition bonus + Wisdom bonus)/6], truncated. Mine were 18 and 25, so that's 7.
'=conclude bringing it all together, then.... [(raw damage + crit weighting - crit padding)/crit divisor] against the fanatic turns out as [(13 + 7 - 0)/5)] = a base rank of 4. Remember, these are halved to give a random range, so the final crit could have been 2, 3, or 4, but in this case we lucked out and it was 4.
grin
'as for the monstrosity, there the base rank was [(58 + 7 - 0)/11], then truncate = 5, so either a rank 3, 4, or 5 crit as the final result. This one happened to be a 4.
'=emphasize yet the fanatic died from its rank 4 while the monstrosity survived its rank 4.
'=explain That's because the former took puncture damage and the latter took slash damage. Default arrows and bodkin point arrows do puncture damage two-thirds of the time and slash damage one-third of the time. Puncture to the eye is lethal as early as rank 4 crits, which makes eyes a common target for archery and daggers, while slash to the eye isn't lethal until rank 5 crits.
'likewise, if you hear people talking about using mauls and maces and such to ambush heads, that's because crush damage to the head is lethal at rank 5, but not until rank 7 for eyes, 8 for abdomen or back, and 9 for chest. It's lethal to the neck at rank 5 too, but necks are harder to aim for than heads.