4E through the levels

[thecasualoblivion]

I've noticed a distinct difference between Heroic and Paragon tier play, having run games over the 1-15 range since beginning 4E. The powers that PCs wield increase at a subtle rate. If you look at what individual powers can do in the hands of a PC at 1st and lets say 13th level, the increase in power level looks small. That being said, there is a noticible difference in the nature of combat at higher levels, and that is while the PCs aren't overtly more powerful than they used to be, the monsters certainly are. What enemies/monsters can do at Paragon is light years beyond what low level heroic enemies can do. Yet, despite this power increase, enemies can be overcome. Its like monsters/enemies gain raw power, while PCs gain resilience and resourcefulness. PCs are astonishing not because of what they can do, but what they can defeat.

 

[DeusExMachina]

Well, I reckon the paragon path abilities help. They are usually passive abilities that don't show up as raw extra damage powers, but still have an impact.

Furthermore the increase in quarry/curse/sneak attack damage will have an impact on how effective the strikers are even if it doesn't show in their power descriptions themselves. In the same way the healing powers of the leaders get better every 5 levels too...

Anyway, glad to hear that there is a difference between heroic and paragon play. We're at arpound level 7 now, but I'm looking forward to getting my paragon path and such...

 

[thecasualoblivion]

Well, I reckon the paragon path abilities help. They are usually passive abilities that don't show up as raw extra damage powers, but still have an impact.

Furthermore the increase in quarry/curse/sneak attack damage will have an impact on how effective the strikers are even if it doesn't show in their power descriptions themselves. In the same way the healing powers of the leaders get better every 5 levels too...

Anyway, glad to hear that there is a difference between heroic and paragon play. We're at arpound level 7 now, but I'm looking forward to getting my paragon path and such...

Read what some 13-16th level monsters can do. Like the Balhannoth for example. Then imagine your PCs stomping these monsters flat just like they do at level 7.