4e e3?

[mattdm]

Another thing of note: especially at level 1 and level 2, you're going to run into this problem — it's hard to get a wide variety of balanced encounters without a selection of monsters which are lower level than the party.

 

[Rechan]

A possible idea: Instead of gaining levels, characters can learn additional feats and powers. But instead of getting more power uses, characters just get more choices.

...

This reminds me of a thought of "where D&D 4 could have gone" - power learning could not have been linked so strictly to levels. Instead, everyone gets a "power repertoire", similar to a 3.x spellbook. You can learn new powers (similar to rituals in 4E) from other sources - training with a martial arts master or by attending a wizard academy - and just the level of powers is limited by your level, and how many you use per encounter or day is restricted by level.

Other options:

Treat Daily (and encounter) powers like the Wizard. As you gain levels, you gain powers, but you still have the same limit to how many you can use in an encounter/day. This way you can choose which daily or encounter power you want to fill your slot with. (However, I would also add that instead of the Wizard's preparation, you get to pick on the spot if you want to use Blinding Barrage or Trick Shot today).

Add conditions or keywords to powers. Reliable being added to an encounter or daily power at a certain level would definitely make someone's day (especially if you have the habit of missing with your daily). Or, adding conditions (depending on your level) such as knock prone, ongoing damage, or dazed.