KTA, Mechanic, and You!

[Kenpachi33]

sorry for troll bait title, haha...

so I am looking for some clarification on how mechanics and strat combat I/II and "targeting sights" all interact.

I'm doing a DG 1 wiz/18 rog/1 ftr (as per Uurock's build in another thread)

What I'm confused about is, what does a mechanic rouge need to be "effective"?

I've tried to pour over the top 3 builds that Ubungo linked in yet another thread, but some take KTA, some don't, some take SCII, some don't, wuuuuuut??? -_-

Could I get some clarity on this please?

Thanks,

K

[Kenpachi33]

wow, no one? Is this common knowledge and I'm not in the loop? >.<

[unbongwah]

Every xbow build needs a way of adding INT to dmg, the only stat option for xbows. This can come from either Targeting Sights (lvl 6 Mechanic core), tier-3 Strategic Combat (Harper), or Insightful Damage (lvl 3 arty spell, req's lvl 6 arty). These don't stack, so there's no need for more than one.

In addition, Know the Angles increases your dmg further: "You gain an Insight bonus to damage and the DC of tactical feats equal to 1/2 of your Intelligence modifier for [30/60/120] seconds." Therefore you do "1.5x" INT mod dmg w/KtA vs 1x w/out. So while you can play a Mechanic / Artificer build without Harper, those w/Harper have a significant advantage.

The rest of your OP is too vague, so I'll just say "You need / want everything listed in your average Mechanic build and nothing which isn't." :p

[Kenpachi33]

my query was from this comment:


I'm not sure I would get KTA at all if I were going crossbow. The play style doesn't really call for it. You are just kiting and shooting 99% of the time.

Is this just plain wrong or does he some valid point i'm missing?

[unbongwah]

I have no idea what EvilGremlin is talking about, unless he thinks the dmg bonus doesn't apply to ranged weapons, in which case he's wrong.

[QuantumFX]

Is this just plain wrong or does he some valid point i'm missing?

He prefers to take his time when killing stuff. Doing less damage per shot facilitates this goal.

[Enoach]

my query was from this comment:



Is this just plain wrong or does he some valid point i'm missing?


I have no idea what EvilGremlin is talking about, unless he thinks the dmg bonus doesn't apply to ranged weapons, in which case he's wrong.


He prefers to take his time when killing stuff. Doing less damage per shot facilitates this goal.

I believe the comment made by EvilGremlin is because it is easy to miss the DAMAGE bonus as it is drowned out by the DC of Tactical Feats.

Generally speaking if you have a Crossbow in you hand you will not be using Tactical Abilities like Stun, Trip, and Sunder. This part they are right, the only benefit you are gaining at the moment is the increased damage from your intelligence modifier.

Now, I am not saying that if you are not getting all the benefits that it is a waste as depending on the build the benefits can be a significant bonus. But on the other hand if spending the points in KtA takes away from another ability that also increase damage output then the opportunity cost needs to be weighed.

At this time I see KtA as a significant advantage to any build that has moderate to high intelligence, does not have access to Divine Might, and does physical damage (melee or range) as a primary source of damage.

[Kenpachi33]

I believe the comment made by EvilGremlin is because it is easy to miss the DAMAGE bonus as it is drowned out by the DC of Tactical Feats.

Generally speaking if you have a Crossbow in you hand you will not be using Tactical Abilities like Stun, Trip, and Sunder. This part they are right, the only benefit you are gaining at the moment is the increased damage from your intelligence modifier.

Now, I am not saying that if you are not getting all the benefits that it is a waste as depending on the build the benefits can be a significant bonus. But on the other hand if spending the points in KtA takes away from another ability that also increase damage output then the opportunity cost needs to be weighed.

At this time I see KtA as a significant advantage to any build that has moderate to high intelligence, does not have access to Divine Might, and does physical damage (melee or range) as a primary source of damage.

Cool, ty for the 100% clear confirmation of kta! :)