Do players need something cool every level?

[megamania]

Isn't this in part what magic items are for? "slow" levels I often give out magic items that PCs are looking for or will help.

 

[Plane Sailing]

Thus, sorcerers and clerics get something special every other level (aside from levels 2 and 3 for the sorcerer).

Sorcerers get the suckiest level 2 benefits of anyone, IMO. Wow, one new CANTRIP? Thanks!

The best idea that I've come across for giving sorcerers something a little more special is on their odd levels when they don't get a new spell level, give them an additional spell slot of that level (e.g. a 5th level sorcerer gets 1 3rd level slot. He doesn't have any 3rd level spells yet, but he can put metamagiced 0/1/2 spells into that slot).

This isn't providing as much power as a new spell level, but it does give them something that little bit special, and improves their capabilities on those intermediate levels.

Cheers

 

[MonsterMash]

Characters pretty much get something every level in 3e anyway like extra hp, improved BAB, special abilities, feats, stat boosts, spells so I don't see any reason to give the spoilt brat mentality more candy that will only keep the demands coming.

 

[Klaus]

Characters pretty much get something every level in 3e anyway like extra hp, improved BAB, special abilities, feats, stat boosts, spells so I don't see any reason to give the spoilt brat mentality more candy that will only keep the demands coming.

But every class gets most of those (with the exception of BAB every now and then), and some give all of those PLUS some new stuff (example most often cited are the full spellcasting classes that also give new special features, making the core sorcerer pale in comparison).

 

[Ceresco]

IMHO, the "need" for cool powers and items only serves to fill the void left by a lack of engaging storyline. The ideal game for me is one where I'm so wrapped up in the story and the characters that I don't even notice getting (or not getting) new Stuff every level.

Quoted for Truth.

 

[wmasters]

I'm in the yes category for this, players need something cool at every level. The more cool stuff the better, I want my players to look forward to their next level, and there are some levels that I wouldn't really look forward to at the moment.

I don't think the article does this very well though. I do think that spellcasters get a cool thing at least every other (ish) level in access to a new spell level, which is pretty cool, so would disagree that Sorcerers, for example, have 19 duff levels.

 

[D.Shaffer]

The poll really needs a 'Need? No. Nice and probably worthwhile to give? Yes' answer. Cause that's how I'd vote.

 

[dragonhead]

How about you gain hit points and continue adventuring. ist that cool enough?

 

[Henry]

How about you gain hit points and continue adventuring. ist that cool enough?

Nah.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

No, but I don't see why they shouldn't either.

My feelings, too.

But I would agree with other comments that something to look forward to other than the basic improvements seems logical in a level based system.