Anyone use Essence of Cunning?

[Phidius]

I mean, besides using the pots to get a higher Int for taking a screenshot of your stats? :D

Just curious if the +2 int and trickle of spell points outweigh the Fortification penalty for other casters.

[Junts]

You can use it from time to time on a pale master and get away with it, since they get a fort bonus that counteracts the effect.

[MrCow]

For True Reincarnates I generally have no issue using them in the lower levels. You often have enough Damage Reduction on that the only times you take noticeable damage are the rare times you do take a critical hit, which are still pretty non-threatening.

For higher levels, I'll use them in in quests where physical attacks aren't an issue (Enter the Kobold, Epic Partycrashers, etc.).

I've also been known to use them on my Paladin/Rogue, who has had to use them to reach that bare minimum search skill to find some traps, while still retaining a usable AC.