07-24-2003, 09:18 PM
...I will say this:
Skill displays and actual values are COMPLETELY SEPERATE. They used to be hardcoded, in the .dlls, through a specific matching system. Now, they use patchstring.tbl, or the table file that stores 99% of all displayed text in the game. This is incredible news for modders, but it also opens up a big problem for the careless - making sure the DISPLAYED formula(s) matches the ACTUAL formula(s). Not a big deal for those who know what they are doing, and actually PAY ATTENTION. But, this IS Blizzard. ;) They've ALWAYS had display error issues in the past, and given the gargantuan size of the new files, related to Skills alone, I'd say we're in for a heap of display errors. Particularly regarding synergies. Trying to read those files is like trying to read Greek at the age of 2, at least at first. With practice, it gets to be a snap, but believe me, it's still no cakewalk trying to pick through all the different formulas, and keep track of every one so that they are all accurate.
Example:
I could make Fireball say "Steals 50% life per swing" if I wanted to, but we all know that it won't do that, unless I "code" it to (which should be possible, BTW ;)). So, before you go trusting that screen, ask someone who's truly in the know. ;)
There are a few Synergies that work based on TOTAL level, instead of BASE level, but I believe most, if not all, are relegated to the Necromancer. I forget off-hand just what they are, but in my picking through the files I do remember a scant few synergies that used total level. As a general rule, though, they do NOT work with +skills.
Now, to actually view the links in your post. ;)
AH! Yes, let me explain about Prayer, and it's synergy bonus. Prayer is a special case. Because of the way it is coded, Prayer does not GRANT +x healing, but instead uses its ACTUAL VALUES. I.e. slvl 1 Prayer grants +2 healing to Cleansing & Meditation, but slvl 10 Prayer would grant an slvl 10 healing value. Because it is based on Prayer's ACTUAL values, instead of creating a new formula (like most synergies), Prayer is one of the only skills whose synergy bonus is based on total level, instead of base level. :) You found the loophole - congratulations. :D
Hope that explains it.
Skill displays and actual values are COMPLETELY SEPERATE. They used to be hardcoded, in the .dlls, through a specific matching system. Now, they use patchstring.tbl, or the table file that stores 99% of all displayed text in the game. This is incredible news for modders, but it also opens up a big problem for the careless - making sure the DISPLAYED formula(s) matches the ACTUAL formula(s). Not a big deal for those who know what they are doing, and actually PAY ATTENTION. But, this IS Blizzard. ;) They've ALWAYS had display error issues in the past, and given the gargantuan size of the new files, related to Skills alone, I'd say we're in for a heap of display errors. Particularly regarding synergies. Trying to read those files is like trying to read Greek at the age of 2, at least at first. With practice, it gets to be a snap, but believe me, it's still no cakewalk trying to pick through all the different formulas, and keep track of every one so that they are all accurate.
Example:
I could make Fireball say "Steals 50% life per swing" if I wanted to, but we all know that it won't do that, unless I "code" it to (which should be possible, BTW ;)). So, before you go trusting that screen, ask someone who's truly in the know. ;)
There are a few Synergies that work based on TOTAL level, instead of BASE level, but I believe most, if not all, are relegated to the Necromancer. I forget off-hand just what they are, but in my picking through the files I do remember a scant few synergies that used total level. As a general rule, though, they do NOT work with +skills.
Now, to actually view the links in your post. ;)
AH! Yes, let me explain about Prayer, and it's synergy bonus. Prayer is a special case. Because of the way it is coded, Prayer does not GRANT +x healing, but instead uses its ACTUAL VALUES. I.e. slvl 1 Prayer grants +2 healing to Cleansing & Meditation, but slvl 10 Prayer would grant an slvl 10 healing value. Because it is based on Prayer's ACTUAL values, instead of creating a new formula (like most synergies), Prayer is one of the only skills whose synergy bonus is based on total level, instead of base level. :) You found the loophole - congratulations. :D
Hope that explains it.
Roland *The Gunslinger*