Mechanic Question

[Soraksis]

I have a question about the mechanics builds. I see everyone talking about INT builds but why not DEX?

[Qezuzu]

They get INT to damage for crossbow.

I don't believe it is possible to get DEX to damage on crossbows. INT is also generally more useful due to Harper Agent's Know the Angles ability.

[FuzzyDuck81]

Yep, it's the INT-to-damage part... crossbows don't inherently get *any* stat-to-damage bonus at all, but enhancements from mechanic & harper lines will let you apply INT. There's also Know The Angles, as well as the benefits of being able to really maximise your skill points.

Another thing to remember is search & disable device are INT-based skills & while if you fail at opening a lock & can re-try an unlimited (well, so long as you have tools) number of times, if you fail on a trap box it can kaboom, rending it un-disarmable - ok *you* might be able to get through safely, but not all your party members can manage, and remember there's up to +30% XP trap disarming bonus too. This isn't as much of an issue with the new loot system letting decent numbers appear on trapping gear again as well as insight bonuses, but it's worth mentioning.

Oh, and disable device skill also determines the DC of the crafted traps you can place (up to 100% of DD skill with the enhancement) - the damage-dealing ones aren't all that great in mid levels & upwards, but web & glitterdust are great.