Magic skills you aren't using still get xp?

[tacodiscussions]

Don't think anyone has said to start over. I specifically recommended against it. Just seemed like OP was interested in knowing how to optimize, and us people with too much spare time stepped in.

But mirror image or extra petrify in combat might really help me when i need and wouldn't eat that much of comat time, so i duno, i really doubt extra few bow skills with "optimizing" would give me more that extra control or mirror image.

I feel like I'm repeating myself here. Yes, using magic makes you stronger, but the strongest character is one that uses magic without any skill in it if they're only using it defensively (like with Mirror Image), because the skill experience helps so little apart from leveling you up. The gripe is really with the experience system. That's why we're saying things like avoid magic until level 21 if you want to optimize (and if you want it, you can get 21 with a party, just keep leashing mobs).

There is no disagreement that this 1) makes you weaker until then and 2) makes you level slower. And in fact, if you intend to use magic offensively (like with Petrify) it's probably a terrible idea to wait until 21, because you'd have 1 skill and be unable to gain more while you can't land spells for shit. Not sure how far you can get with the Lore alone - I don't play nukers.

My journey to 21 is rockier than yours, but my level 21 fatebinder will be stronger than yours.

 

[onemeg]

So yeah I was thinking of starting over, because I had several schools of magic on my main that I had messed with, but really only want illusion along with my DW, so I thought having the other schools just sititng there taking quest xp was "stealing" exp from schools/skills I was using. Also I gave Barik frost magic for some reason, then decided there's really no point to him having this. Also I had Lantry with fire and force on top of his life and vigor and felt like he might be spread too thin. Thanks for all the insight.

 

[AndreaColombo]

Altogether these have left me at 105 Lore at 21 (71 base), which is more than enough for my smartass purposes. Don't think I've seen a check requiring 90 even.

I see. That might not be enough for my taste; I like it closer to 160-170 so I can buff it to ~200 for the purpose of creating the strongest, longest-lasting buffs (and perhaps a couple chaotic descent spells for fun.)

In which order do you build spires normally? And what's your Dual Wielding skill / Accuracy like at 21?

 

[tacodiscussions]

The hell, I don't play dual wielders, the OP does. I build Training Grounds -> Forge -> Library -> Infirmary. On my quite powergamed toon - no useless skill levels, but maybe too much subterfuge and stuff - I have the following skills at 21. Within parentheses the number after gear and stats and stuff.
144 (177) onehanders, and then +32 accuracy
73 (117) athletics
71 (105) lore
139 (233) parry
44 (74) subterfuge

That's with spire rest bonus and a choice prostitute. In combat you could add 40 parry from the Azure Shield and whatever I get out of +5 finesse/quickness (Helm of the First Regent).

 

[player1 fanatic]

Using many skills levels you faster, which means getting most important talents quicker.

On the other hand, having unused skills is bad, since they would leach skill points from quest experience.

Also if you have companions you do not use now but would want to use later it would be good idea to have them obtain skills you plan to use them later with (by using trainers or adding them to group for combat or two). Otherwise they would not level those skills when not in party.

Good example is KIS which does not have Lore skill, until you add him at least one point by trainer, or assigning him sigils and have him participate in one battle.

 

[Khaylon]

I see. That might not be enough for my taste; I like it closer to 160-170 so I can buff it to ~200 for the purpose of creating the strongest, longest-lasting buffs (and perhaps a couple chaotic descent spells for fun.)

In which order do you build spires normally? And what's your Dual Wielding skill / Accuracy like at 21?

If you have 100 lore you can add another 105 with items/buffs:
- 2x Skycap - gives 50 lore and 8 wits
- 1x Sableroot - for 4 resolve
- Fifth Eye's Mask - 10 lore
- Sunlance - 2 wits
- Skorn - 1 resolve
- Steadfast Insignia - 3 resolve
- Silent Archive - 1 wits (or Cairn's Head 2-3 wits)
- resting bonus - 10 lore
- edict of malediction - 15 lore

Personally I build trainer (for parry), library (to research scales of mercy asap), forge (you can get a masterwork hammer very fast in act 2 and the armor doesn't make a big difference) and infirmary last..

PS. I had 250+acc, 230+parry (270+ with azure shield buff) and 100+ lore at lv21

 

[Furyzx]

btw did anyone have an issue with recieving exp for quests? I did all optional quests in lethian crossing and i don't think any of them gave me exp. Talk about quest exp value...