But "master" is all relative; just because you are the "best" you could be doesn't mean a generalist couldn't still be as good or better than you even in your area while completely outclassing you in a wide range of other things. To me the problem with specialist builds is that you change the balance in some encounters but then require someone else to change the balance in other; maybe this makes you the star one time and a background character in another but with a number of more generalist characters all can remain relevant in all activities so none needs to tune out while waiting for his/her chance to shine.
Looking at the stat blocks it seems Torkad may be able to dish out a bit more damage than Tyro (especially with some attack help) but Tyro has so much more going on. If the PCs in this encounter were supposedly part of some space battle before this I know Tyro would have been right at home there while everyone else would be far less effective; this is why I build more generalist characters especially when it comes to what I'd consider "campaign PC" as opposed to one-shots or single encounter NPCs. Those NPCs I probably do optimize a bit more because that lets me keep them effective while also lowering the CL as there is little reason to give them things they'll never use.
Youīre right with the HP, need to work on my math
The precise problem you have with specialists is what I like on them - that they shine in one encounter and have to be dragged by someone else in another, thus allowing someone else to shine. But there is no need to tune out even if the character cannot shine - he can aid others, using whatever skills or resources he has, or become an obstacle for others that wil allow for more fun and roleplay. Imagine Torkad on diplomatic soiree - he could help others by looking for signs of nervousness or deception (Perception) or with looking up information on computer (use computer), or if everything goes (too) smoothly, he could make some faux pas or let slip something he should have kept his mouth shut about, helping others shine.
I made Torkad as a versatile warrior - he can use any common weapon, he is trained in pilot, mechanics, use computer (this all would make him useful in the space battle above) and can treat injuries of his comrades. I actually thought about giving him vehicular combat instead of heavy weapons, but decided it will be more in tune with the build I had in mind to give him heavies. Now I already admitted that I overdid it a bit, but I would take this kind of character with only minor differences to any kind of campaign. I simply like characters that measure their success in body count.
But I think we should maybe stop this discussion, it clogs this thread with something it is not about (meaning - go ahead and give me your final say, I donīt need to have a last word, but letīs end at that)
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