D&D 4E 4e Design Themes

[The Ubbergeek]

Magic item levels were introduced in the Magic Item Compendium for 3.5e. They're a guide to the level of player character for which having the item is balanced; they don't set a minimum level. Basically, they're a tool for the DM, like monster levels.

so, they are more a guideline and suggetion? feels fine to me if it will be that.

 

[Hussar]

Awesome summary Xyl. Well done you.

As far as balance vs utility goes, well, I come down on the balance side of things. Then again, I've never seen anyone get too fussed about very minor balance issues, like a point of damage more per round. Most balance issues that I see are directly related to large imbalances.

Like the rogue sneak attack thing. When the rogue's major ability get's nerfed by 1/4 of the creatures in the book, that makes that ability, which is already balanced against other characters, pretty weak. So, in my mind anyway, the solution is to make all monsters sneakable.

I think my point is really more of a quibble.

 

[skullking]

Not sure if this is actually true... I thought so as well, but then I read a comment by another designer stating all items have a level now, not a gold piece value...

So maybe rings just all start at 11th level...

Nope - the Magic Item Slots Design & Development article specifically says:

"Rings: This slot has changed quite a bit. A starting character isn’t powerful enough to unleash the power of a ring. You can use one ring when you reach paragon tier (11th level) and two when you’re epic (21st level)."

The article is at: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/drdd/20080123&authentic=true