info window is too optimistic about monsters' strength

[raline]

I'll describe the latest version of a fairly typical scenario: I'll approach a tefusangling and open its info window. The info will include the text "you judge that the tefusangling is about as strong as you". Then I cast all the defensive spells I know on myself before attacking it, but it still kills me before I've even cut down a quarter of its health.
I admit I might be doing something very wrong when it comes to fighting but I also think it's quite likely the server is over-estimating the amount of damage my character is capable of dealing and receiving.

[Bonifarzia]

As far as I understood, this estimate is only based on some of the characters and targets stats and skills, but none of the actual damage received or inflicted in combat. The problem with the latter is that it may fluctuate quite a bit, depending on the type and quality of equipment used, or the sort of magic applied. So, yes, the estimate can be misleading. My only advice here is to keep an eye on the previous line about the targets physical appearance. This at least helps to subdivide the mobs into seven coarse categories ranging from "frail and feeble" to "physically perfect".

[LigH]

I agree, as far as I remember the estimation is mainly based on stats, but doesn't take several combat defense values (e.g. skin armor) and combat offense values (e.g. melee skills) of the opponent into account. That means that it is easily possible to face an opponent which is rather weak regarding physical stats, but a quite experienced user of its claws or teeth, and well protected by its thick fur or shell, so your attack with average quality weapons and low armor and weapon skill doesn't deal any damage while you are bitten or stinged little by little...

[weltall]

the system has also takes in account miss judgement.

[Bonifarzia]

the system has also takes in account miss judgement.

Ah, almost forgot about that... the last implementation of that I have seen on SVN had a very weird effect: If a character had no training in the melee skill, the strength of any creature would be underestimated.

[bilbous]

Still and all it makes a good point that with all the various balancing initiatives this estimation code could use some updating at some point.

[Tessra]

I find it quite amusing now, that you can test your strength on creatures before and after being cursed [halved stats].  Skills won't change atall, and mobs that cannot damage me atall prior to the curse can damage me quite severely after the curse.  Armor skill/quality doesn't change atall, but the same mob does significantly more damage when I have 200 physical stats versus 400. 

That being said... Raline, in my own personal testing, about as strong generally equates to: Can kill me if I don't kill them very quickly.  Or it did before the re-balancing.  Now it's not so bad.  And I always recommend running away if your health drops below say 40% and the mob isn't at least half dead. 

[Gilrond]

Yes, I found this window rather useless when my character was just a beginner. The only useful feedback you could get is actual damage from mobs.