Ratlings

[leewroy]

Interesting new class for grimrock 2, but...I´m a bit confued. Description tells that they have Strength -4, Dexterity +2, AND Max Load +15kg.

Is that correct???

[JohnWordsworth]

It does seem a bit strange. Maybe they are trying to suggest that Ratlings have strong legs (for carrying) but not strong arms (for combat) and character abilities mainly represent combat ability and so this is a way of representing that?

My initial thought was that Carrying Load +15kg does seem a bit stingy given that -4 Strength will likely have the effect of -12Kg on the load, so overall it's basically -2 Ability Points for +3kg carrying capacity. However, I really like the sound of the Ratling Mutation Trait and that could mean you take a slight dip early on in stats for an overall benefit. Like it.

Oh, they look really awesome too from the images!

[Neutronium Dragon]

I could be wrong, but the carrying capacity bonus seems like a play on "pack rat".

[Isaac]

I could be wrong, but the carrying capacity bonus seems like a play on "pack rat".

This is probably it.

It's also true that one might [possibly] know how to carry a load more efficiently than another who may be stronger than them.

[petri]

Yep, ratlings are hoarders so they are accustomed to carrying a lot of stuff they have found even though their combat strength is not so great.

[Komag]

We don't know that carrying capacity is calculated the same way, do we? -4 Str may not equate to -12kg carrying capacity.

[JohnWordsworth]

We don't know that carrying capacity is calculated the same way, do we? -4 Str may not equate to -12kg carrying capacity.

Very true, I just made an assumption which could very well be wrong!

[Drakkan]

As for me, this -STR +kg does not make any sense to me. I like the mutation trait however, hope it is going to be well balanced and ratling does not become overpowered too soon (I can imagine many people load / save before reaching level just to gain mutation every time)

[Dr.Disaster]

Description tells that they have Strength -4, Dexterity +2, AND Max Load +15kg.

That's equal to having the "Porter" ability from the start which LoG1 fighters can gain with Athletics 20.

[Komag]

(I can imagine many people load / save before reaching level just to gain mutation every time)

This should be avoided by programming the "random" element to choose some significant time before the actual level up, such as halfway to the next level up, hidden from the player until level up time of course. I did this with Master Quest randomized books, they are determined much earlier in the level they're found at, so player will not save/reload to get a different book or else they would have to save/reload near the beginning of the entire level and replay a lot.