3 replies to this topic

[T.G.Maestro]

The "main" reason of this component
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High level abilities do not have a PnP counterpart; they were included in Throne of Bhaal by the developers to increase the appeal and the "coolness factor" of the expansion.
All in all it has been a successful idea, generally appreciated by players.
Not all the classes were treated properly though, probably because of time constraints. For example monks were simply given the same table as fighters (surely not a choice which fits the uniqueness of the class.) Paladins and Rangers were also given the fighters' table, while Sorcerers were treated just like normal mages. In our opinion, their natural spellcasting capability is something that should be emphasized by an unique and fitting HLA table.

We started from such considerations, and decided in the end that each kit should have its their own table and its own special features in order to offer a distinctive playstyle that befits the roleplaying aspect of kits and classes. The engine allows this level of refinement, but it was used only for an isolated case (Swashbuckler's table).

We have used old abilities and created new ones to give *each* class and *each* kit in the game a special flavour and a truly unique role in the BG2 environment. Constant efforts have been made to address all the balance issues that in our opinion needed an intervention.

[T.G.Maestro]

The new tables contain 10-13 abilities each, sorted in the following order:
- offensive abilities (mostly red icons)
- defensive abilities (mostly blue)
- passive abilities (these are much more common in Refinements than in the original game, almost every class has a specific passive ability - mostly white icons)

We are planning to further enhance these tables by using a "required minimum level of experience" to get some of the HLAs (for example Tireless Rage would require 20 levels of experience).

Another feature of this component is that there are new or slightly altered icons for the new (and a few existing) high-level abilities and spells. Note that we also add Special Effect icons to the game.

[Jinnai]

Not to discredit you or anything, but atleast in some aspect HLA do have a counterpart in DM Option: High Level Campaign

that said, some of them aren't counterparted there.

[T.G.Maestro]

Noted, thanks for the comment!