Mann I tell ya, Hard difficulty just seemed way to easy for an Obsidian game, and here's why.....
https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/73...tended-values/
A totally GAMEBREAKING bug that you all most likely have on your current playthroughs:
Basically say your Eder is level 4 with the "Wary Defender" modal talent which gives you +15/10/10/10 to all four of your defenses; every time you save/load in a city where a companion has been recruited all four of your defensives stats will be PERMANENTLY increased by that amount.
Unfortunately, the same effect applies to any ITEM stat bonuses on your character's as well.