I've recently decided to do a fresh run of the Geneforge series. My first run was around 5 years ago and at the time i finished G1 through G4 with a Battle Magic specialist (Agent / Infiltrator). I *think* i switched to a Shaper in Geneforge 5 but can't remember for some reason. To keep my interest fresh over multiple games i'm switching around the different builds this time. I've finished G2 with a Guardian (the "broken" Parry build) and i've finished Geneforge 3 with a Shaper (the also "broken" Vlish build). I'm actually amazed at the fact that the Geneforge games are balanced that they are very well playable with three wildly different classes ! A testament to Jeff's design abilities.
Anyway, on to my question. For Geneforge 4 i've devided to go with the Mental Magic / Melee Servile. Now the one stat of which the importance of it's level is pretty unexplained seems to be Mental Magic (though the same can be said for Blessing Magic too, come to think of it). For the direct damage skills (Melee, Missile, Battle Magic) it is pretty clear what increasing the stat does. Same goes for Shaping. All are very well explained on these forums. But Mental Magic, i can't find any decent explanation of what increasing the skill does (i assume make enemies less resistant ?) and what kind of skill levels (or effective skill levels = MM / SC / spell skill) are needed to keep it working properly. Like i said, i'm playing Geneforge 4 at the moment, but i'm pretty sure i will try the Agent Mental / Melee in Geneforge 3 eventually and i will probably try a Mental build in Geneforge 5 eventually. So an explanation of all games would be much appreciated.