I'm curious about the mention under Alvarin "Unique" abilities: Bow Str (Reduction?) <- is this to suggest a reduction in Bow Str is a unique ability ?
Alvarin being typically pretty weak I wondered if it's more likely there was a stregth bonus just if using a bow ?
It'll probably be what lets alvarin actually use longbows. Longbows cap out at around 95 str(the ones that actually work), meanwhile sheevra is the strongest of the alvarin and cap out at around 85-86 str if i remember correctly.
So if the stat caps are close to mo1, then without the clade gift you'd be relegated to composite shortbows (or reaaaally crappy self-longbows).
Most half decent asymmetrical bows will be out of reach though.
Why does this matter?
Foot archery and mounted archery. Shortbow has always had sort of the best DPS, and when not that the best sustainable dps. Very good when on foot and running around, ok on horseback putting out damage on PVE, enemy horses and to some extent, people.
The bows in general really shine on horseback due to mobility and the "extra health".
If you are doing footfighting however, you need a longbow. The stam drain of a good one is not bad, the damage is a good upgrade and it does have a quite potent dps. But the main difference here is range as well as the foot archer skills basically only applied to longbow(not sure if still the case).
There are some ridiculous shortbows that start touching alvarin max str but they are sort of not viable as they are slow and the damage is not linear to how much slower they are and they actually eat stam.
I doubt much will change in this aspect from mo1 to mo2.