Reasoning
After the hybrid weapon stat requirement rework, unawakened Warlords/Conjurers can invest 250 weapons points and access rare weapon skills intended to be Warrior exclusive. This feels like an oversight.
While I appreciate that the game allows players to have freeform stats prior to awakening, this is clearly meant to be a temporary state for experimentation. I don’t think it’s one that players should carry on with forever.
Proposal
Total Point Cap
When on a build that has never awakened, the player cannot invest more than 240 points total (the amount they’d have after awakening at level 120). If they try to, their character info screen will gray out and explain that to invest more points they must progress through the storyline and awaken.
The stat reset system also needs adjusting. When a stat reset is performed after awakening, the player is allowed to distribute their stats freely up until the last point. This should be changed so that past 240 points, no stat points can be invested unless all points are invested.
When on the “Choose your awakening” menu, a player will now be effectively softlocked (no movement, can’t do any attacks, or gain any experience) until they pick an awakening.
Any currently unawakened builds with more than 240 points invested will have their stats reset. Any erased rare/lost spells/techniques or lost knowledge will be refunded back into their inventory.
Remove Penalties
Current unawakened builds suffer a major damage penalty when using attacks that are outside their stat build following the same ratios as awakenings. Also, unawakened weapons have 10% less size. I propose that both of these are removed. So when unawakened, a player can have more room to experiment and find what they like.
Mockup
Conclusion
Some people will lose their build if this suggestion goes through, but it’s a necessary side effect of closing the loophole. I think all edge cases are covered but I appreciate any feedback.