EV Nerf: Not too bad!

[danr]

I just wanted to say that, though I was initially worried about the recent EV nerf, I think it worked out okay. My recent HaBe relied on EV for defence and did allright despite having only +2 robes and +3 leather armours, and not having any AC or EV bonuses from randarts.

He did however have +6 ring of evasion (used a fair bit), and near the end got a sling of evasion (didn't know those existed) but didn't use it as I had better slings.

So: EV based characters still very playable. By reports, AC characters like MDFi now also playable again. So, good job!

[sanka]

My opinion is the same.

I'm absolutely pleased with the most recent AC/EV changes. Playing EV fighters is challenging, but neither very hard, nor a no-brainer, as it should be. Heavy armour is also feels playable again, and I'm especially fond of how some kind of characters can cast in heavy armour (my only try of a MDFE was very succesful), without making that a too strong combination.

So +1 on good job, and in my opinion the AC/EV system don't need any more adjustments, at least I'm not avare of any. I've been playing since 5.x, and I've never enjoyed heavy and light armoured fighters so much.

[Danei]

Does this refer specifically to the change where armour enchantment is restricted to <= base AC, or was there a nerf to the EV mechanics themselves that I'm not aware of?

[danr]

The nerf as I understand it is:

- max AC enchantment now tied to armour base AC
- randarts are no longer generated with +AC or +EV bonuses.

The first is a nerf to EV characters because it means they can't also get a bunch of AC by enchanting a robe above +2. I believe randart robes with extra AC may still be generated though. AC-oriented builds are actually buffed because heavy armours can now take even more enchantment.

The second is a nerv to EV characters but also AC characters because it means fewer sources of AC/EV in the game.

However, my HaBe with really good dodging aptitudes and shields aptitudes was pretty good defensively even despite these changes. I can't speak for builds that can't/don't do dodging or shields as well.