aladytest

Yeah, I'm with you on that, it's a problem I see in a lot of RPGs - skills are typically a little too spread out, so e.g. nasty deeds will involve Sneaking, Pickpocketing, and Lockpicking all as separate skills that need investment, with too few resources to properly do all at once, when a proper (and realistic) thief would ideally be able to do all three. It's not just thieving with this issue - for example, a talker might realistically be proficient in Diplomacy, Bluff, Insight, and Intimidate, but it's impossible to actually do all of them in game, making it really difficult to roleplay a smooth talker.

The Unity Console allows you to edit skill points at any time, so if you have self-control you could just manually add points every time you level up. Of course, you can also do a ton of other things (many overtly OP) with the Unity Console, and that freedom/temptation might not be what you're looking for.

Damn thanks a ton! I'm actually using the Devil of Caroc Breastplate on the Herald, but I'll try switching it out for something else, as well as trying the Patinated Plate on the Streetfighter. I was using the Bloody links earlier too, but it was so ugly I couldn't do it lol. Maybe I'll have to suck it up though. I'm so used to the defensive system from PoE1, where armor was way less important and many characters fought naked, so thanks for helping explain how it works in Deadfire as well. I'll definitely spend more time looking into the new mechanics in Deadfire. Also I just wanna say you're a legend Boeroer

I'm currently on a PotD duo run, with a defensive Herald (shieldbearer/troubadour) and a greatsword swashbuckler (devoted/streetfighter). My vision is to tank through most fights, riding the Streetfighter buffs as best as I can as my main source of damage, alongside the occasional offensive invocation. Unfortunately, I've been having trouble getting to the point where I can sustainably survive long fights, as the swashbuckler isn't really that tanky and is prone to getting burst. My question is, are there items I can pick up or details I can try in the build to improve the swashbuckler's survivability? I'm willing to make some concessions on offense to improve defense, though I'd like the spirit of the build to remain. At level 11, I currently have 67 deflection (18 RES, cloak of greater deflection; becomes 87 w/ Vigorous Defense) and 11 base armor (garari cuirass, +Exalted Endurance). Any ways I can improve both, or even alternative ways to improve survivability? Is it basically just heavier armor and a shield? The end goal I guess is to be able to survive anything long enough for the Herald's passive healing (Ancient Memory, Exalted Endurance, Lethandria's Devotion) to kick in - so I guess are there other ways to improve the healing as well? Thanks for your help!