u/Singularlex

What the title said. Yes, I'm aware that Division has lower DCs for *some* kinds of actions, and eventually has better action economy (at max talents), but it appears that Soulcasting has the same degree of single-target damage (after an entry level talent), more defensive applications, more applications for creative solutions, and eventually even has lower DCs (the DC 20 that Division-under-pressure has forever vs all metal/stone/crystal is pretty rough). Starting out, both require 2 actions to use, and for AOE attacks, Flamecasting seems to do slightly less damage for 1/3 the investiture cost of Gout of Flame, and tons of additional creative potential compared to just "I destroy the location".

I'm wondering if maybe I'm overlooking something with respect to creative application of Division. Ways I can strategically destroy things that make Division more than simply a damage surge. This game seems pretty well balanced over all, so I was a bit surprised to notice this aparent way that use of Soulcasting almost eclipses the use of Division.

I'm playing a Skybreaker that isn't part of Nale's faction, and in our game Division is *not* locked behind one of the higher ideals (shows up alongside Gravitation as soon as the First Ideal is sworn). I want to make sure I'm understanding the rules correctly for using AOE applications of Division (this is the base version, without any talents added yet).

My understanding is that for area of effect attacks, the DC for the roll is either the physical defense (physical IF AOE, but spiritual if single target) of the enemies OR the "Division Under Pressure" DC (whichever DC is higher), assuming DC is met on each, then damage is rolled as normal for each enemy (for 3d*+DivMod). The AOE is centered on the location of the radiant using it (unless they have a talent allowing for alternative distance). Am I understanding these rules correctly?

A few additional clarification questions: Can you target inanimate substances within the area at the same time as you hit enemies with an aoe of division? Can you create a dustcloud AOE at the same time as an attack is performed? Does deflect apply if it is used as an AOE attack (asking cause the DC uses physical save instead of spiritual)?

I'm currently playing through the Stonewalkers campaign, which might then segue into a higher level custom campaign afterwards, but that isn't yet guaranteed. I keep pouring over the various talents, and wishing I could mix and match them more, but at low level the progression is very slow, and once I become radiant (which will be pretty soon given my progression toward the first ideal) I expect all my talents will be going into the talents tied to my path, and I won't have many to spare to continue progressing my Strategist.

I love all the talents available in this game, but I feel a bit starved for obtaining them. Does anyone have some homebrew rules they developed for talent progression, especially any that help balance progressing as a Radiant alongside progressing in a heroic path?