Ending at level 21...

[Grossout]

I just have a feeling I wouldn't enjoy the Epic tier. It doesn't sound like my kind of game at all. That said, up through level 20 sounds awesome. I imagine once I get through Paragon, I'd want the campaign to end.

This isn't a revelation, though. Even in Massawyrm's early review (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35776), he mentions "And Epic is just plain silly. I honestly see a lot of folks stopping at paragon – but for those that want to get into truly EPIC level, mythologically powerful gaming, epic will do the trick. With class abilities that begin with phrases like Once per day, when you die… it allows for a whole, bizarre new type of play that actually manages to maintain its consistency."

Still, can't wait for the game...

 

[Simplicity]

The Epic level handbook wasn't for everyone either. But a lot of people enjoy it.
I didn't have a problem with it, but the ruleset for epic play has always been so tacked on and annoying that I've never really been interested in it.

That may change with 4e.

 

[Mostlyjoe]

it allows for a whole, bizarre new type of play that actually manages to maintain its consistency."

And this is bad?

 

[Gundark]

Well Epic has never been my cup of tea either. I'm thinking that I may stop a campaign at level 20 as well. Of course the XP might have to be adjusted, or ou're campaigns might be going too fast.

 

[Henry]

Just about anything is worth trying once.... Our group has played Epic Handbook stuff once, and we had fun with it, but the math was insanely monotonous. Assuming we play 4e when the game's out, I imagine we'll try Epic ourselves should we get characters high enough.

 

[Stalker0]

There are going to be those groups that won't ever play below 11th, because they want to play more powerful characters, and there will be those groups that never go past 20th, because they feel the game is too powerful. And that's okay, 4e has basically put borders around the 3 distinct subgames of dnd we all recognize is there and said, "Pick the kinds of adventures you want to play, and play at the levels that will happen for you."

That said, I agree with henry that at least in 4e, we have an integrated epic system right from the start. In the past, the epic system has always been a tack on to try and fix the escalating problems with the leveling system, which has always lead to failure.

In 4e, they are fixing the math right from the start (in theory), so I'm guessing epic will be a lot more streamlined.

So give it a try. If you don't like it, you can easily just play the first 2 tiers and have plenty of fun.

 

[malraux]

Just about anything is worth trying once.... Our group has played Epic Handbook stuff once, and we had fun with it, but the math was insanely monotonous. Assuming we play 4e when the game's out, I imagine we'll try Epic ourselves should we get characters high enough.

Especially since it's part of the standard PHB, I'll probably run a one shot at 30th level right after I finish keep on the shadowfell, just to see what the system is like at its most extreme.

 

[JeffB]

I'd have to see it first.

I don't mind the mythic/epic style of play in the general sense. I loved the Gloranthan HeroWars game (now renamed Heroquest, I believe?). Thats justa given thing with RQ/glorantha-Anyone fam with the setting knows what I'm talking about.


D&D however has always been more "grounded" (for lack of a better term) to me. Its always been more about the plight of the above average "realistic" hero. Its Conan. Frodo. Aragorn. John Carter. Oh sure you may fight the minions of an evil god, legendary dragons, etc even change the course of history. But battling the Gods and whatnot in D&D always has struck me as lame-o Time of Troubles novel/12 year old munchkin type play. Don't know why. Just a personal hang-up.

It'll be interesting to see how it looks in 4E

 

[SSquirrel]

The ELH was a horrible book and didn't interest me in the least. I like that higher level play is now core to the game for the first time ever.

 

[DandD]

D&D however has always been more "grounded" (for lack of a better term) to me. Its always been more about the plight of the above average "realistic" hero. Its Conan. Frodo. Aragorn. John Carter.

Which was unfortunate, as they became the boombling sidekicks for Merlin, Dr. Strange, or Dumbledore, only good for taking the punches into their faces.