absorb

[Tommi]

You can ignore this, its just one of the design decisions that I just don't get.  If you're bored, feel free to read on though...



Can someone explain why the calcs are done this way: (from Tommi's site)

(1)    Damage Dealt = Damage * (100 % - Resistance) * (100 % - Absorb%)
(2)    Life Gained = Damage * (100 % - Resistance) * Absorb%

In (1) I just don't under stand why the %Absorb modifies damage dealt.  I know that is how it works, but having it work like Damage dealt is simply isn't simply damage*(100% - Resistance).  Then you gain back whatever life you would from the absorb.  I realize that we only have the one Blizzard programmer or designer (that I know of) who posts here.  I mean, you resist some, and then you absorb some.  The way it is absorb works basically like resist and absorb combined.  That never made sense to me even if they wanted to make abosorb not just be equal to resists.  (And for those who didn't read Tommi's page that damage is the same number, it isn't modified, which is why with 50% absorb you basically have 100% resist...  Assume 0% resist, 50% absorb take 100 damage:
Damage Dealt = 100 * (100% - 0) * (100% - 50%) = 100 * 1 * 0.5 = 50; Life Gained = 100 * (100% - 0) * 50% = 50;  So you lose 50 then heal it right back read Tommi's site if you still don't follow).  I still don't think it should logically work that way.  I still think it sould be, you take 100 then heal 50.  Maybe I am missing something as to why it was done this way.

Technically, you heal first and then take damage.

To your philosophical question about absorb: it's a cool ability right back from AD&D. Remember Rod of Absorption, which you could use to nullify spells AND to use them as an energy for your spells? Thus, in this sense absorption has always both nullified enemy damage and added to your combat abilities. If it worked as you think it should, it might be labeled "X% of damage goes to life" or something.

Cheers,

Tommi