Ardonirane - unoptimized NPCs

[pzmcgwire]

A couple of the NPCs seem to be missing some stuff that no self-respecting PX woiuld miss.

One warrior wizard only has half his IQ in Manna for his staff.
Another high-powered wizard has no Manna listed for his staff.

In one case, a specific protective spelled magic item says it is self-powered. Does that mean unless otherwise mentioned, all other protective magic (e.g. stone/iron flesh) items requiring powering?

On another note, can anyone use a power stone to power worn magic items?

I'm not mentioning specifics to avoid spoilers.

[hcobb]

Anybody can recover fatigue from a worn powerstone without requiring an action, so long as they are using four or less other magic items at the time. This can apparently be done at the same time a magic item is powered.
Only wizards can recharge the powerstone from their own fatigue.

Lots of wizards do not learn Mana to their maximum level, as they have other things requiring their XP. If they have more money than experience they'll even consider buying a powerstone instead.

ITL 148: "Most require an expenditure of ST each turn they are used. These, and the ST they use up each turn, are also noted below."

ITL 157: "Stone Flesh: ... No ST cost."

[pzmcgwire]

Yes, Stone Flesh doesn't require a ST expenditure.

Is there a definitive list of which enhancements which don't require strength expenditure and which could be powered up to not require strength expenditure?

Is there a difference between an item giving the wearer Iron Flesh different from an item giving the wearer the ability to cast Iron Flesh on themself?

Does the latter require a higher initial SP cost to turn it on versus just paying the SP cost to maintain it?

[hcobb]

One of the wizards in Tollenkar's has the Freeze enchantment on his staff. I suppose the other wizards use him as a hat rack or something?

[Jeff Lord]

Are you sure it's a wizard (TL p.20)?

[hcobb]

There are two Freeze enchantments in the new TL

[tomc]

Originally Posted by pzmcgwire

A couple of the NPCs seem to be missing some stuff that no self-respecting PX woiuld miss.

One warrior wizard only has half his IQ in Manna for his staff.
Another high-powered wizard has no Manna listed for his staff.

I dunno. There's room for sub-optimal NPCs in the world. Heck, take a walk down the street and see how many people have really optimized themselves and their personal development. I'd say... none? :)

[Skarg]

They're really NOT unoptimized in terms of staff mana. Staff mana capacity takes 200 XP per point, so many powerful wizards have some staff mana, but not as much as their IQ would allow if they had developed their mana attribute enough to reach that limit.

There does seem to be a common misunderstanding about how staff mana works, though. Maybe OP was thinking that the Staff spells just let you charge up to IQ or 2 x IQ immediately, using ST, with no XP required?

[pzmcgwire]

Every NPC written up so far has staff manna up to their maximum capability at least in the materials I've seen. I understand the manna limits. It seems odd for some of these experienced characters who face danger daily would not make sure they are as prepared as possible and Manna storage capability seems like something most experienced wizards would seek to obtain.

Aside from the below maximum staff manna with one wizard, what is more interesting that one of the leading experienced Red Robe Wizards only has Staff I and no manna storage at all.

Just wondering if these are oversights or mistakes like the upped IQ values that were published as errata.

[hcobb]

I'm surprised at how many wizards take five points of mana instead of two additional spells.