TESTING: Results of zeal and range
Hey all,
As most of you know, some people have observed that range seems to affect the number of hits zeal gets. Blert and I set out to test that today.
The test subjects were a level ** paladin and a level 82 barb (slight level difference affecting % to hit). We balanced our Ar and defense to be as close as possible. Both of us had 15k. I had no -% defense items, etc. I walked right up to him and zealed.
First, we tested without a shield to see raw hits. I zealed in sets of 10 zeals, and ran it for a total of 150 zeals. Based on ar/defense alone, you would expect about 80 hits.
Range 1:
79 total hits
Range 3:
86 total hits
No real difference, not enough to conclude anything.
Next test, was with a shield. I zealed him 400 times (80 zeals, 5 potential hits per zeal). Based on ar/defense alone, we would predict about 50 hits.
Range 1:
44 total hits
Range 3:
38 total hits
Slight difference here. However, the raw data might be a bit off. The first 75 zeals with range 3 got a total of 1 hit, which was probably just freak chance. After that, the totals were almost equal. Again, I don't see enough difference to conclude a difference yet.
Next, we tested the number of hits against a whirling target. Blert whirled through me and I counted zeals. This is far less scientific, as its harder to get a controled number of hits. However, the results are pretty clear.
Blert whirled through me 40 times and I shift zealed him each time.
Range 3:
30 total hits
Range 1:
12 total hits
From this, it seems clear range certianly affects hitting a moving target or one outside range 1.
CONCLUSION
I see no reason to believe range 1 weapons hit more at close range than other weapons. I do see reason to believe they hit less at range or against a moving target (no shock there). I therefore conclude that range does NOT affect zeal % to hit.
Garbad