ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

asking because it helps me decide what tradeoffs to get in eq. yeah i know, high saves are good. how much does say 10 more physical save help and waht does it block?

we also have resistsances and i noticed that raising resistances seems to have a m ore noticeable effect on reducing damage. does higher saves also reduce lightning damage, cold damage, etc... ? anyone know the mechanic?

General Info here: http://te4.org/wiki/Character_sheet

Saves work on the appropriate effect type. So physical save will block detrimental physical effects (stun), mental save mental effects (confuse, silence), etc.
Some effects directly bypass saves (burning, poison).
Saves use the same formula as accuracy vs. defense: If the offensive power is equal to the save, there's a 50% chance of the effect happening. Every point difference between the two values changes the chance by 2.5%.

so saves wont work with elemental damage spells right? like lignting or fire damage? or arcane damage right?

is there overlap in resistances. so will arcane resistance help with lightning resistance?

No, the only overlap there is that Resist All helps against all types of damage.