Block Update - Testable!

[HousePet]

Oh you are talking about how the block value is used up even with Eternal Guard. I couldn't work out what you were referring to.
That is a potential issue. Hrm, this was not an intentional effect. However I don't really think -300 damage from every hit for 5 turns is overly balanced either.
Bleh, I made a couple of shield egos that cause a retaliatory explosion when the block value is expended, so I changed Eternal Guard so that block could be expended with it.
I guess I can change it back to no degradation and no block value multiplier and have the ego explode when block expires regardless of damage absorbed?

[FreePaperclips]

Oh you are talking about how the block value is used up even with Eternal Guard. I couldn't work out what you were referring to.
That is a potential issue. Hrm, this was not an intentional effect. However I don't really think -300 damage from every hit for 5 turns is overly balanced either.
Bleh, I made a couple of shield egos that cause a retaliatory explosion when the block value is expended, so I changed Eternal Guard so that block could be expended with it.
I guess I can change it back to no degradation and no block value multiplier and have the ego explode when block expires regardless of damage absorbed?

I gotcha. I thought that was a "feature." I agree about 300/5 turn thing. Having a one turn tax every three turns and one turn out of three undefended still felt OP as you approach High Peak (although I confess to a couple deaths there anyway). And that was after two prodigies and a substantial skill investment.

I can also see how automatic retaliatory effects could make short cds into a problem.

The thing is: any player who invests so much of their build into something needs it to work. Two turns out of five just isn't worth that investment. A weaker effect would be better then long periods of nothing.

I've had discussions in chat with bpat, Sheila and some of the other "Master-class" players who are convinced that Block is a waste of a turn NOW.

Edit: That wasn't meant to sound like I think I'm anywhere near their league. Just that I ask them questions.

[bpat]

Haven't tested this but it sounds pretty great from what you've written. In regards to counter attack on incomplete block, perhaps you would automatically get a counter attack proportional to the amount of damage blocked. So if you block 20 of a 50 damage hit, you would get a +40% damage counterattack rather than a +100% damage one. That may be a bit too strong on some classes but I think it's worth considering.

[HousePet]

As an alternative to the damage shield like mechanics, we could go with an unlimited absorb amount but a much lower reduction per hit. Or perhaps Eternal Guard could be a sustain that does that all the time but disables Block.

[HousePet]

So has anyone had a chance to try test and would like to say anything?

[MisiuPysiu]

Hey HousePet,

First of all - thanks for the great work on a difficult topic. Block is one of the more important mechanics in the game and currently its quite lackluster.
I tried the new mechanics on a Stone Warden, hoping (course I understood so), that the block is an instant cast now. Block still costs a turn. Is it WAI or a bug?

Best Regards,
MisiuPysiu

[HousePet]

Its working as intended. I don't know why you would think it was instant.

[bpat]

I think mind save should reduce mind damage, instead of spell save.

[HousePet]

Possibly, but that means that the exception has to be clearly documented. Also, many sources of mind damage already have a mind save for half.

[Mordy]

Possibly, but that means that the exception has to be clearly documented. Also, many sources of mind damage already have a mind save for half.

Isn't the save baked into the mind damage type itself? It'd make it so that ALL sources of mind damage have that save.

[HousePet]

You can flag it on and off.

[0player]

Barging in, what do you think about some reduction on all hits mechanic (maybe mixed % and flat) but only from a certain direction? It'd make sense for a shield and would really bring out the flavor. And have a well-defined weak point, too.

Just make it so you can't change it too often

[HousePet]

My initial thought to directional blocking was "OH GOD".

[0player]

That is so you, dear HousePet, yet really nonspecific.

[HousePet]

I was thinking about the amount of work required. XD