I don't recall accusing you of not using powerful items, and my comprehension skills are lacking?!! All I said is that you aren't making your character taking into consideration the bonuses provided by these items, which is incidentally an aspect of metagaming. You keep throwing the term 'versatility' as if a character having stamina for three or so additional use of talents is somehow doing something drastically different than a character that doesn't. Warriors do gain stamina every level even if they don't invest in WILL - this is not Elder Scrolls - they do get to use talents, and when they are 'min-max'ed, battles end quicker, obviating the need to use the same talent multiple times.
The thing is if someone claims that something is not worth it or is less useful than something else, the burden of proof/reasoning lies on them. It is not for me or anybody else to verify your tips for you.
So using basic attacks and a couple of talents less in a given time frame is "doing nothing"?
I fail to see how using spells and talents that the enemies don't get access to is any less exploitative than using Taunt. I fail to see why anybody who plays a video game should have the right to use the world exploit. AI is always exploited, one way or the other, clearly or subtlely.
There are other ways to prevent death from special attacks than wearing Heavy Armor. And it is not even the best. And please spare me the 'solo' argument. Soloing is a self imposed handicap not something imposed by the game.
Again, good for you, but not an argument for why one is better than the other.
I'm sorry, what? My lacklustre comprehension skills fail me here. If you mean your own defined intentions, why should those intentions mean anything to somebody else?
Being reliant doesn't make anybody inferior in a party based RPG.
You keep going on as if legendary equipments are just like an icing on the cake for a well-rounded attribute distribution; so here's a challenge for you - if you are so sure of your wardens' sulf-sufficiency, beat nightmare difficulty with any solo warrior using generic arms and armor, and without using accessories and consumables.
Perhaps one should learn to have perspective....
You said that I was not taking advantage of powerful items; incorrect. I do; just do not use them as a foundation for the build. To do so leaves a character in peril should they lose an item like switching weapons, or other loss. And versatility is more than adding WILL; it is seen when being able to do more than what is available on the min/max track.
Have nothing TO prove. The topic still remains the question of adding WILL, and in my experience, it is worth it.
Threat mechanics of having a Warrior standing around spewing insults to take a pounding that should be intended for the Mage is an exploit I try to avoid. Rather have said Warrior doing damage, and/ or using talents and Sustains.
Solo gameplay is a part of gameplay, whether it is acknowledged or not. I do not always use it, as I prefer the dialogue in Bioware games. But I use it here occasionally, and in most games because Follower AI is so poor (eg; Skyrim).
Yes; there are many ways to survive, and spreading the Attribute points beyond a couple of choices is a way to do so. CON adds durability, WILL adds fuel, MGC increases potency of crafted resources, and CUN can improve dialogue, improves AP, and helps Lock picking. Increasing STR for a Rogue allows for a wider range of armor and weaponry, including a shield if desired. Lots of ways to improve versatility; simply avoiding the two Attribute mantra is a good start.
One way uses gold and time to make and take the resources; the other saves gold for other choices, and uses the time to do something else more useful.
I believe DAO is a single Player game, so my designs only have to please me. But seeing as I have tested said designs many times, toss the poor ones, make improvements or alter for variety, etc. the ones I recommend may also please others. Those that wish to stick to the usual builds are welcome to do so. Again, I prefer versatility, variety, and something more enjoyable.
I already play on Nightmare, party and solo, and only have to please myself. One poster played a 2H Rogue, and posted that design. It pleased him that it worked, but I found it rather dull due to the lack of Talents. Same for a low WILL Warrior; lacks fuel and becomes addicted to Deep Mushrooms.
As for perspective, wider is generally better; more WILL recommended....