Reduction of Casting and Production Points

A couple of people have PMed me asking why this change was made.

The big thing to notice is that both Career Points AND Casting Costs were cut by 1/3.  The basic ratios for most effects should be close to what they were before.  Clerics, Rangers, Scholars, and other classes that used to have a 1:2 ratio are actually getting a boost.

The reason for this change is to simplify the math across the board.  Subtracting 6 from 60 is much easier than 18 from 180, especially in the middle of a large fight when you're casting frequently.  Also, the variation of casting costs has been dropped from several possibilities down to 1 or 2.  (For example, a Rank 1 effect could have been 1, 2, or 4 points.  Now, they are all 1, and much easier to track.)

This should make keeping track of points used much simpler, and life easier for everyone.

I actually enjoyed the mental gymnastics.

Consider yourself a rare exception. 

How did this all get started. This was kept very tight lipped and seems very sudden!

With the new costs, it looks like smiths and alchemists were heavily encumbered by this change.

Alchemists seem to have their higher end work be made once a period, perhaps an event even.

In order for a smith to service the same people, they must either be nothing but armor patchers or expend their CP on crafting items. Consider this; a breastplate (Upper and Lower Torso) costs 11 build to forge. A superior or exhaulted breastplate costs, as of now, 33 and 44 build respectively. This one item could burn out any smith who's invested in this much, without the use of refreshment potions

As it is now, Gird Shield becomes meaningless at it's current ratio. Balance Armor could be just like the example above. Temper Armament and Hone Weapon are now cheaper to do with the new system.

If this is already being reviewed, then so be it.

The career point change has been worked on and toiled over for at least the last two years, if not longer.

We are looking at some smith changes that will fix multiple problems regarding smiths. Well keep what you mentioned in mind as well.

In order for a smith to service the same people, they must either be nothing but armor patchers or expend their CP on crafting items. Consider this; a breastplate (Upper and Lower Torso) costs 11 build to forge. A superior or exhaulted breastplate costs, as of now, 33 and 44 build respectively. This one item could burn out any smith who's invested in this much, without the use of refreshment potions

Tom,

This is no different than the current system.  I just re-checked all the values - if anything, forging a new breastplate is CHEAPER than it was before.  The numbers were rounded down when they were divided by 3.

Given I've been playing a Smith for close to 4 years now, I checked over the Smithing portion of this before it went live.  The Build to Item ratios are nothing new to what they've been since I began playing Gideon, and they are fair and balanced.

Please honor Sam's request and only ask for reviews or post direct questions - do NOT post opinions or theories.  And above all, if you're going to post complaints about numbers being off, check your facts first.  Your post is the exact kind of thing Sam was asking you not to do.