I run a powerful game. So, right from the start I make the players very aware that the world is full of all sorts of powerful and "high level" things. I do not do anything like a "fair and balanced" game with encounters "made" for the characters.
Most new players will have a couple characters killed before they "get it".
Of course "powerful" is a lot more then just numbers. Players obsess over things like hit points, bonuses and most of all damage. But being powerful is not just about the numbers.
Powerful magic items are.......fun. But it's not really a character level thing. It's a goofy player thing. Give most players a powerful magic item and they will have a wacky adventure until the character kills themselves.
Most new players will have a couple characters killed before they "get it".
Of course "powerful" is a lot more then just numbers. Players obsess over things like hit points, bonuses and most of all damage. But being powerful is not just about the numbers.
Powerful magic items are.......fun. But it's not really a character level thing. It's a goofy player thing. Give most players a powerful magic item and they will have a wacky adventure until the character kills themselves.