[Nuu™™]

Now, imagine this:

There are two NPCs. One has a DP to HP ratio of 1:5. The other has a DP:HP ratio of 1:11. No matter who starts first the NPC with the DP:HP ratio of 1:5 will always win as long as the sum of their DP and HP is the same. 1:5 is the superior ratio. Check it if you must.

On the other hand, if you had one NPC with a DP:HP ratio of 1:5, and another with 5:1, whoever attacks first wins, therefore reciprocated ratios are always equal.

Now, looking at this, doesn't it mean that some, special ratio out there would not just be superior to 1:11, but to every other DP:HP ratio, of which the sum of the DP and the HP is the same?

Possibly ≥1:1 is superior to <1:1?

A possible way to work out who the winner is without going through all the turns si by using this method (unchecked mostly):

Divide Player 1's HP by Player 2's DP.
Divide Player 2's HP by Player 1's DP.

If both answers are above 1, and the first answer is larger than the last answer, then player 1 is the winner.

If both answers are above 1, and the first answer is smaller than the last answer, then player 2 is the winner.

If both answers are equal or less than 1, then whoever attacks first is the winner.

If one answer is below or equal to 1 and one answer is not, then multiply the two answers together.

If the answer is below 1, then the Player with the lower DP:HP ratio is the winner.

If the answer is above 1, then the Player with the higher DP:HP ratio is the winner.

If the answer is equal to 1, then whoever attacks first is the winner.

[Neraphym]

Your Darkstorm thesis is quide good! I'm sure Cspace will give you a diploma. I've noticed that GM's tend to make enemies with a 1:10 DP to HP ration. Whats the best set-up to counter that?

[Nuu™™]

He better give me a diploma.

Actually this could come in useful with other games, it is not only DarkStorm that has a HP system.

Hmm...1:10? Well now...

Ratio 1:10
HP: 1000
DP: 100

Ratio 1:1
HP: 550
DP: 550

Ratio 1:10 attacks!

Ratio 1:10
HP: 1000
DP: 100

Ratio 1:1
HP: 450/550
DP: 550

Ratio 1:1 attacks!

Ratio 1:10
HP: 450/1000
DP: 100

Ratio 1:1
HP: 450/550
DP: 550

Ratio 1:10 attacks!

Ratio 1:10
HP: 450/1000
DP: 100

Ratio 1:1
HP: 350/550
DP: 550

Ratio 1:1 attacks!

Ratio 1:10
HP: -100/1000
DP: 100

Ratio 1:1
HP: 350/550
DP: 550

Ratio 1:1 wins! 1:1 is superior to 1:10!

There is your answer.

[Neraphym]

Of course, with the new class system, there might actually be strategy involved!

[Nuu™™]

I still think it will be DP and HP.

[Cspace]

*Gives a diploma*

I still think it will be DP and HP.

To an extent, indeed. The stats are being reworked, and while I'm still balancing things, this is what I believe is coming for HP and Energy... Keep in mind that while it may be difficult to describe right now, when the abilities are implemented and when I can make some visual guides (which there will indeed be), it will probably make as much sense as what we have now.

HP and "Energy" are going to be broken into multiple components. There will be physical and arcane aspects to this. Keep in mind that "Energy" will no longer be taken directly from one's post count.

Physical...

• Health (derived from Vitality similar to now): You're dead when your Health reaches or goes below zero. This is synonymous with "HP".
• Stamina (derived from future Endurance stat, like with today's "HP"): This can be spent like "Energy" as in the current system, but it will be used for "physical" abilities. It'll be important for those who focus on fighter and scout trees.

Arcane...

• Mind (derived from future Will stat, like with today's "HP"): You're incapacitated when your Mind reaches or goes below zero. There will be an undetermined means to recover, which will probably be a certain number of turns from being incapacitated (I'm thinking two turns, and coming back with 50 Mind points). This stat can be linked to abilities (formulae regarding effectiveness, or sacrificial), and can also be directly attacked by a few specific classes' abilities. There will be a lot of ways to protect one's Mind stat, but disregard may get a character in a very bad situation.
• Affinity (derived from future Arcana stat, like with today's "HP"): This can be spent like "Energy" as in the current system, but it will be used for "magic" or other arcane abilities. It'll be important for those who focus on diviner and mage trees.

[Nuu™™]

Arcana? Like the forest?

[Cspace]

Arcana? Like the forest?

Not directly related to it, a bit more broad.