SK Race question + item help (have never played a tank)

[Samoht]

Originally Posted by Snaggles [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

* Ashenbone Shield (small races only)

You may wish to double check the races on the Ashenbone Shield. It is not small races only.

[Jimjam]

Originally Posted by Samoht [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

You may wish to double check the races on the Ashenbone Shield. It is not small races only.

From context i suggest he meant non giant.

Even iksar can use, which are sometimes slipped in to large for weapons.

[Snaggles]

Originally Posted by Jimjam [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

From context i suggest he meant non giant.

Even iksar can use, which are sometimes slipped in to large for weapons.

100% this. I assumed that would make sense since gnome SK’s aren’t a thing on p99..

[Jimjam]

What I found interesting was how little difference there was between the dark elf and ogre for agi/dex - where did you put the ogres starting stats?

The Dark Elf did a good job making up the stamina deficit - there is only 168 health difference and this is closed further if there are shaman buffs around. The difference is also made up a bit when in sword and board mode - (the ogre would be assumed to be about 50 hp down on that slot due to using clay guardian or atramentous). The extra mana reservoir on the dark elf is very impressive, though honestly I'm not sure how useful it would be (again my sk is a 52 troll - he doesn't really struggle that much with running out of mana, but perhaps I've just adapted to his mana pool).

The dark elf strength is appalling and will be a handicap if trying to solo, where the character's dps is quite important.

[DeathsSilkyMist]

Originally Posted by Jimjam [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

What I found interesting was how little difference there was between the dark elf and ogre for agi/dex - where did you put the ogres starting stats?

Typically you would put 5 into agi (to remove the AC penalty for being under 75 agi), and then the rest into INT. Ogres can easily max STR/STA, so it's not terribly useful to put points there.

Originally Posted by Jimjam [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

The extra mana reservoir on the dark elf is very impressive, though honestly I'm not sure how useful it would be (again my sk is a 52 troll - he doesn't really struggle that much with running out of mana, but perhaps I've just adapted to his mana pool).

To your point about max mana: It is nice to have in certain situations, but most of your mana recovery is going to end up coming from Flowing Thought, Clickies, and Soul Defiler. That is why you don't see a huge difference on your Troll and Dark Elf mana pools. Max mana is more situational to dumping all your mana in a short period of time. When you are soloing/grouping while leveling up you typically don't do that, as it isn't efficient. It's more for "oh shit" situations, or maybe solo challenges.

[Jimjam]

Originally Posted by DeathsSilkyMist [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

It's more for "oh shit" situations, or maybe solo challenges.

I know mana regen is the same regardless of pool. I'm saying there are rarely situations (the oh shit ones) where I have to spike mana so much my troll runs out of mana (i.e. doesn't often need a bigger pool).

Honestly, the most common time to run out of mana is when thirsty

[DeathsSilkyMist]

Originally Posted by Jimjam [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I know mana regen is the same regardless of pool. I'm saying there are rarely situations (the oh shit ones) where I have to spike mana so much my troll runs out of mana (i.e. doesn't often need a bigger pool).

Honestly, the most common time to run out of mana is when thirsty

Agreed. That has been my experience as well. I don't have too many memories where I am dumping my mana pool. Again, maybe it's a bit more common for people who do solo challenge stuff like Cliff Golems.

[Crede]

Originally Posted by DeathsSilkyMist [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Typically you would put 5 into agi (to remove the AC penalty for being under 75 agi), and then the rest into INT. Ogres can easily max STR/STA, so it's not terribly useful to put points there.



To your point about max mana: It is nice to have in certain situations, but most of your mana recovery is going to end up coming from Flowing Thought, Clickies, and Soul Defiler. That is why you don't see a huge difference on your Troll and Dark Elf mana pools. Max mana is more situational to dumping all your mana in a short period of time. When you are soloing/grouping while leveling up you typically don't do that, as it isn't efficient. It's more for "oh shit" situations, or maybe solo challenges.

You can’t discredit max mana when paired with mana regen in a sustained xp situation. For instance I could usually go an hour with my troll before needing a break. If I had more int, I could have gone potentially 15-20 min longer before needing to med. int returns are pretty huge 50+ and relying on regen is a pretty inefficient way to recover health as an sk. I’m planning to do an erudite int build next and be able to see if/how much longer I could go before needing a break.

[Jimjam]

After an hour you should probably be taking a breather anyway imo. Troll proven better for mental health / well being!

Microbreak every 15 mins and minibreak after 45 mins- hour.

[DeathsSilkyMist]

Originally Posted by Crede [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

You can’t discredit max mana when paired with mana regen in a sustained xp situation. For instance I could usually go an hour with my troll before needing a break. If I had more int, I could have gone potentially 15-20 min longer before needing to med. int returns are pretty huge 50+ and relying on regen is a pretty inefficient way to recover health as an sk. I’m planning to do an erudite int build next and be able to see if/how much longer I could go before needing a break.

I've never really needed my max mana when soloing. I fluctuate between like 1.7k and 2k max mana, depending on what's equipped, and I don't notice the difference. FT2 + FT1 + Clickies has been more than enough to keep my mana at safe levels. Not saying I never had "oh shit" moments, but they were rare.

HP isn't a huge issue when you are fear kiting, and with a Fungi or Velious Healing Chestplate you aren't low on HP that long.