Sandman25 wrote:Isn't casting spells 33% faster and ability to run away better/safer? I would hate to have adjacent monsters to me when I am out of MP, have no weapon skill and cannot run away.
I do not recall a game where every enemy died before it reached me in melee. I am aware that casting stoneskin and statue form costs 9 MP and I probably would not try this on anything else than DE of Sif Muna. This guy does not run out of mana unless played carelessly. Eventually, the form can be left if escape is advisable.
What kills in 99.9% cases is a lack of HP. Looking at DE's HP pool, they are almost dead by default. Pre-vaults there is plenty of enemies capable of dealing 20 damage, but not 60, which means that 37AC + some EV grants almost invincibility. Do not forget of +30% HP on top. Tell me, what has greater chances to survive a hydra next to the staircase, this DE with or without statue form?
Lastly, I did not use statue form all the time. Let me name few cases where it is/was absolutely superior:
- spiny frogs / mambas. They are too fast to exterminate in range, furthermore easily missed by stone arrow. rPois + AC reduces the threat to 0.
- any other monster dealing poisoning attacks. Character does not have rPois from items yet.
- Spiders. There is no solution to moths of wrath yet, but at least the guy will survive webbing. 7AC + 5 str + no evasion otherwise? good luck.
- enemy in melee range. Orc warrior can go through 80HPs + 7 AC in three attacks. With statue form, you can eat two rations, learn a new spell and clear your inventory before you start fighting him. Maybe one regeneration would be helpful.
Monday, 8th June 2015, 17:20 
Did you set up the comborobin account there yourself?
