When we consider "balance" between two different profs, should we be considering the ultra ultra ultra twinked out rarity, or, should we consider an average setup, or, should we consider something lesser, even, than average?
The reason I ask this is that certain profs, once twinked out FULLY, are much more in line with "Balance".
Consider:
Here are my definitions of ultra twinked, average and sub-average:
Ultra twinked: maxed out (using every item in game to achieve super specialized setups), trimmed IP, superior perk setup
Average: AI armour, nearly top level symbs not maxed AI levels, moderate weapon/offensive setup, all nanos, well thought out IP distribution, good perk setup.
Sub-average: Less than 2 pieces AI armour or lower QL, symbs/implants appropriate for a toon several levels lower, weapon twinking skills lacking, usage of subpar weapon, most usable nanos, possibly faultly Perk distribution.
See, the problem here is complex. an absolutely maxed out toon will usually not only have superior weaponry, AR, damage dealing capacity, better prof knowledge, better swaps, better items, better defensive knowhow, better perk selection, but, will have the skill necessary to execute more complex maneouvers in order to better his own position resulting in moderate success against stronger professions, even well twinked stronger professions.
On the flipside, an average toon may have a fairly good setup, but, lacking subtleties which may enable him to capitalize on opponents weaknesses, or minimize his own toons shortcomings through the use of more complex (or rare) equipment configurations inevitably lead him to feel inadequate, or even dominated when playing against stronger professions.
Finally, a sub-average toon will be systematically relieved of PVP points due to being non-competitive against stronger profs in similarly weak setups.
Now, the problem I have is this: If you take an ultra twinked out toon, and pit him vs an ultra twinked out toon of a different class, 9/10 times, the difference will be VASTLY less than when you pit an average toon vs an average toon of a different class, or a sub-average toon.
Consider: due to the way scaling nanos and perks work, it is obvious that all profs are only meant to have access to nanos and perks at a certain level which have been designated by FC's previous developers.
HOWEVER: some armour, and weapons which do not have level locks are, provided the footwork is done prior, able to be equipped at levels far below their INTENDED level. (such as QL 300 ofab, for example).
RESULT: Incredibly, some level of balance is achieved due to the scaling armour bonuses of some profs (note the extreme AR benefit of 300 keeper/soldier OFAB, compared to say, advy OFAB)
HENCE: while nanos and perks are at one end of the extreme for ease of use for several profs, the required mechanism for balance is at the extreme OTHER end for some profs.
Now, following in this train of thought, we can easily categorize which profs have balanced, inadequate or OP'd nano/perk/Procs/equipment
The reason why we should do this exercise, is to help develop an understanding of where certain profs need support, why they need support, and, WHY other profs are far excelling. Ideally, some subtle improvements and nerfs could result in well rounded profs at each level (range). I can't do for all, but, here are a few simple examples that I'm familiar with:
TL2-3 enforcers:
nano: OP'd (access to 2nd mongo, 3rd rage, challenger, access to strong buffs early on for 1hb/2hb)
equip: OP'd, (access to silken legchoppers, excellent ofab options, chef cleavers, chirops, panther, howlet - some of the best weapons in game, and available very early on)
Procs strong, but balanced, shrug off hits, while not OP'd is extremely effective for mixed damage types. Combined with duration and chance to recharge before it's worn through, makes it incredibly useful.
Perks: balanced (usually coon and one damage perk, taunt, w/e)
Obviously, combining OP'd equip and OP'd nanos and very strong procs and good perks results in an extremely effective prof choice.
How about keepers at TL5
Nanos: sub-par: poor scaling, big holes in defence
equip: OP'd, while incredibly difficult to achieve, equipment configurations available to keepers is, without question, well OP'd. (with SE helm, ofab shoulders, 300 ofab chest, sleeves available with good twink effort, keeper can achieve nearly unparalleled static AR)
Procs: balanced/slightly sub-par (4% reflect saves procs from being sub par, but, in general, not strong enough to really provide much support, too many holes in the evade proc)
Perks: balanced-strong: while keeper at this level is short changed for the number of perks NEEDED, the perks available are well balanced if not slightly strong and work well with the class. Coon works well with the moderate amount of reflects available, with good AR reaver is useful, with enough AI dings, you can utilize some offensive actions and defensive.
Overall, this prof should be balanced, provided a HUGE amount of effort to equip top level gear, and, in my experience it is actually quite good, once that effort has been put in. PRIOR to that, however, the class is sub-par, with gaps in nanos, procs and perks insufficient to make up for a sub-par gear setup.
At TL 5, advy is the polar opposite, consider:
Nanos: OP'd: leader of the pack+wolf providing the maximum evade rating of any buff available at TL5, option between wolf, sabre, very strong heals, etc.
Equip: Strong-Balanced: reasonable selection of weapons with some strong options, particularly SSOS.
Perks: OP'd: access to coon, AR, dmg perks and acrobat makes advy easily the strongest of all profs in terms of perk balance, high level AI levels provides access to 3 strong AI perks which open access to better equipment, and make up for any shortcoming in AR.
Procs sub-par. nothing really to speak of here that adds significant benefit.
Combine Op'd nanos, perks and strong equip choices, and you've got yourself a hugely OP'd class - not only that, but, since nanos and perks supply the majority of the power, you can have a very competitive toon with nearly no effort.
Please post what your experience is of other level range/ profs in the same format
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Originally Posted by McKnuckleSamwich
