What is frightening is often dependent on the reader. To me, Lovecraft is the most frightening author of all. My mother is deaf so loosing my hearing is one of the things that scares me. The idea that I dont have the ability to perceive the world as it really is, is doubly scary to me.
Also...
Agreed, Leave the number of threats at about the same as it is now. Add more friendlies and generally try to bring the demographics into some semblance of reality.
You know, the other option is to just not make yourself annoying with tons of buffs. DMM can be pretty cheesey if abused, so dont abuse it just use it a enough to have fun. Talk with your DM and ask at what point is this going to be a problem.
This is a much simpler solution then getting into...
A few house rules
After reading this thread, I started thinking of some guidlines I would use in my own world.
Hirelings
1. PC classes are not available for hire on the open market. If you want a 5th level wizard to protect your castle, you have to track one down, convince him to work for...