Faction Standings and Weapons Question

[Loki[D.d.G]]

Any idea what does the faction standing affect? So far I haven't noticed any visible effects other than the stats in your inventory tab.

Secondly, what exactly is the numerical value you see on all weapons? For example, 92 Spectral or something like that. I have a pretty vague idea but want to hear your opinions nonetheless.

[GawainBS]

The number with weapons is what you expect: damage and its type. If you rightclick and "modify" the weapon, you get to see its base-damage on the left side.. Pretty nice to compare a "naked" weapon vs. your current pimped-out one.

[Loki[D.d.G]]

I know about the weapons damage thing. But take for example a Physical Assault Rifle. Lets say it has a 70 Physical Direct attribute. Now, I don't think you can call that damage. So, what does that mean?

[GawainBS]

It does 70 Physical damage, which is already modified by your upgrades and skills, in a direct-fire way. For example: Direct = a straight bullet. Field = a field of the appriopriate energy type remains in place. Splash = AoE, but no effect over time, as opposed a Field.
Pretty sure that big number is damage, since it changes when you apply damage-related mods.

[Loki[D.d.G]]

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to differ with you. If you inspect the weapon, it will tell you that it only deals about 8-9 damage per shot. That's the thing that bugs me.

[GawainBS]

Then it's some form of DPS. I don't know what time unit is used. But since the number changes when you apply mods with damage enhancements, it's only logical that the number is some form of damage indication.
I don't say it's "raw" damage, but an overall estimation of how effective the weapon is in dealing with enemies.

[Bryan]

It's not damage/dps. It's a "power number" - representing the game's best (although generally useless) guess at the overall effectiveness of the weapon. The only thing it will tell you about damage is the type - physical, spectral, etc.

[Loki[D.d.G]]

Indeed. But in a way, I guess it does tell you how powerful that weapon is, with respect to others of the same kind. Anyway, thanks for your responses.