Thanks for playing and for the feedback!
- So for the whole if you increase X NPC's stat their perk should get better thing, it's already a thing in the game. For example Pine's DEX directly impacts her damage and Sam's total size increases how much DEF she shreds every turn. There's a lot of balancing that I still have to do around this mechanic but it's there.
- As for the knockout point and teaching Pine new skills point. I didn't really plan for these perks to have secondary functions like that but it could be cool to add that.
- For buff skills, while I do plan to add those they most likely won't be available before meeting Aster. I know the plants can be kinda harsh sometimes (especially if you're playing fairy/bunny) and I'll try to come up with a solution to that.
- I actually have something very similar to what you're describing with the 5-20% chance to encounter stronger enemies. After chapter 4 you'll get the option to select the difficulty of a stage. In higher difficulties enemies like the Floga Badgergirl will show up with different elemental effects that make them bigger, stronger and give them a variety of effects.