Combat skill and backpacks

[Shenzo]

I read in one of the posts (can't find it to put this in) that some one was using the trader back pack for the -10 combat skill, so they would have an easier time leveling it. Anyone else do this? is it proven to work or just a myth? The only difference I have noticed so far, is I get my ass kicked easier lol

I was also wondering with str gain appearing to stop at 12%, which I hit at 60% encumberance. Is there any benefit for adding more weight?

[SirChuckles]

If I remember correctly, Chris himself confirmed that temporarily lowering a skill via backpack will speed up the gain rate.

[Nordstage]

Actually makes perfect sense.

Imagine a guy playing a song on piano and learning it with one hand instead of two, now imagine he masters that song and then allows himself to use his second hand. It will be vastly easier to play the song now.

[lotsofpaper]

Actually makes perfect sense.

Imagine a guy playing a song on piano and learning it with one hand instead of two, now imagine he masters that song and then allows himself to use his second hand. It will be vastly easier to play the song now.

That's a bit of a complex way to imagine it... I prefer to think of it as-is.

Can you do X while wearing a 50lb pack that gets in your way, bounces and obstructs your vision?

If yes, then can you do X without it? Yes....

[Clawdius Talonious]

You gain based on number of hits and such, so if you equip a backpack and the lowest end weapon of whatever class you can find or make, you'll see improvement a lot faster than if you use a setup that has you killing enemies in one or two hits.

[Aku]

Actually makes perfect sense.

Imagine a guy playing a song on piano and learning it with one hand instead of two, now imagine he masters that song and then allows himself to use his second hand. It will be vastly easier to play the song now.

That's a bit of a complex way to imagine it... I prefer to think of it as-is.

Can you do X while wearing a 50lb pack that gets in your way, bounces and obstructs your vision?

If yes, then can you do X without it? Yes....

True, but the game is currently following logic of "if you've mastered it to Y difficulty, and then equip something to X difficulty, it becomes easier to learn again from X point rather than atill being at why to continue to progress"

[Trathien]

I think the real point is - Will I get better at a task Faster if I carry around this extra weight while trying to learn.

Currently wearing the pack increases the speed at which one improves a skill. I guess it could be extended to the idea that you would be better at the skill when you took off the gear but it may be splitting hairs and a bit exploitative.

If it is by design that's great and I will continue to use it to quickly gain points. If it is an exploit of game mechanics as envisioned by the Dev then I imagine it may be nerfed in the future.