The problem I have with the M&M series is that the assignation of specialism to characters is extremely uneven (as you point out with the Druid). For instance none of my current party are able to mix a Pink Gin let alone a decent potion. What is the point in me heaving around masses of ingredients if I can't concoct a decent Black Potion?

My Thief has just obtain his "Janet and John" Book of Magic spells. He is now a dab hand at casting Torch Light - not!! There seems little point for him to have such puny magic at this stage of the game.

I have had similar problems when I tried using a Paladin as opposed to a Knight. My Paladin behaved as though he was on his knees all the time (praying I hasten to add). I had to leave all the serious opponents to my cute little Elven Wizard. (I am currently playing the standard set Knight, Thief, Priest and Wizard)

I love these games and am really interested in the way the Stats are applied in the application of the M&M statistical software.

My problem is, that even on these message boards, I have never been able to find satisfactory explanation of issues such as:

1> At what level is it meaningless to add to a STAT. Eg If a character has an ACCURACY of 87 if there any point of boosting Accuracy further or is that waste of time? (Ignoring the Challenges, Contests and Tests of Skill)

2> What is the maximum of a particular skill level? Does a Disarm Trap skill level of 12 at GM level mean all trapped chests can be opened or do you have to go beyond 12 for that.

3> What does a sword skill level of 25 do? Does this generate a maximum force on a successful hit.

4> How much Fire Resistance must you carry to be immune to a fire attack - 25, 100, 256 or 10,000,000?

5> Why does "Nelly the Knight" with his high sword and armsmastery skills hit monsters as though he was armed with wet celery?

6> Can you defend against Drunk, Insane and other such conditions being inflicted upon you? How? (and how can you cure Drunk in the middle of a battle?)

I am just going through the games again after a few years break - they are still as fresh, challenging and well constructed as ever. But my tactics are absolutely hopeless

I can put nice leather and armour on my men and give them large weapons to play with - but can I get them to fight successfully - not on your life! If it wasn't for the SAVE button, I would get nowhere.

Any real RPGamer would freak out if they could see me play. I hate to say it but I really haven't a clue how to use combat effectively. I need someone behind me at all times telling me what I should be doing with my weapon.

I am trying to clear out the tunnels to Eeofol and the Ancient Behemoths are creaming me (like the Medusas, Evil Eyes, and Minotaur Chieftains did recently). What is the point in whacking the brutes with everything I have got and being told each time that I have knocked a magnificent 3 Hit Points off them?

One last whinge - I obtained a dinky little ring that should have restored both HP and SP over time. HP it did recover - but not SP as far as I could tell. Does it do both at once or HP first and SP later or is this a buggette?