> > > It's academic, in any case, since, starting with tournament #2, elemental bonuses will be applied *before* the boost-to-zero calculation, making them simple boosts to normal attack and defense power.
> >
> > Which is a shame, in a way, since applying the elemental bonuses after the boost-to-zero calculation added depth to the combat system. I'm not sure that elemental bonuses are worthwhile the other way.
>
> I agree that it's a shame, because I think it would have been cool for elemental bonuses to have a special sort of behavior. But in practice, I think the idea just didn't work out well, and commiebat's reply does a good job of saying why.
>
> But I think I disagree that they won't still be worthwhile. Two points of attack damage against a particular element is significantly cheaper than two generic attack points (unless we're talking temporary enchantment), so elemental damage bonuses combined with judicious choices of attack targets can be an economical way to squeeze out an advantage over a particularly tough opponent.
>
> The one I'm leary of is one I'm leary of *anyway*: elemental defense only works if you're lucky about who attacks you. This accounts for the *substantially* cheaper price than other sources of defense power, but, at least personally, I'm not usually enthused about taking advantage of it.

I'm going to interpret Sam's post as an open call for suggestions as to how to apply elemental attack and defence bonuses in future tournaments.

The elements might be more interesting if they inherently gave the characters different powers. For example, in rock-paper-scissors fashion Water could have an inherent +2 attack and defence against Fire, and so on. There might be some way to offer these bonuses for sale also, but I agree that the defence bonuses are of little value against a nonstupid opponent with three different elements.

^v^:)^v^
FB