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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Stalker0" data-source="post: 4997711" data-attributes="member: 5889">For a while now, there have been concerns about 4e’s high level math. Based on some first look analysis, it appears that PCs do not keep pace with monsters in terms of attack bonuses, damage, and defenses. In other words, epic level PCs hit less often, and are hit more often, then their lower level counterparts.I and several others have offered that the counter to this issue may lie in the power system. PC powers provide a wealth of conditional bonuses. Epic level characters have access to frequent and powerful abilities, and that good use of these powers may make up, perhaps even succeed the deficiencies that the first level analysis highlighted.However, the reason no one has done this analysis before…its really difficult! A few months ago I said I was going to give it a shot, and this is my first attempt.A few months ago I started building an iconic Epic Level Party. One of each role:Sword/Board Fighter – DefenderLaser Cleric – LeaderOrb Wizard – ControllerBrutal Scoundrel Rogue – StrikerAfter getting some initial feedback, I finalized the first set of iconics as a 24th level party. You can find them attached below. I will note that I used only the core books and the adventurer's vault, except for a few epic destinies and cleric feats, as I just felt I didn't have enough options with the core book alone.The plan will be to run them through some epic encounters. We will watch as each party member uses their powers, and look at the numbers to determine if the powers are causing substantial differences that the first level analysis wasn’t accounting for. As we go, we may also try to evaluate some other factors’ of 4e combat.For the first battle, I wanted to keep things as absolutely simple as possible. I knew that for my first analysis I would make mistakes. It’s hard enough running one epic level character, but running 4 and a group of monsters is very challenging. This encounter would allow me to get some experience running the iconics, having them work together like a team, and just get a handle on all of their powers. I wanted terrain to be a very minor factor, I knew my hands would be full just getting a handle of how the powers interact, let alone terrain.I also didn’t want flying monsters in my first encounter, again with our goal of simple as possible. However, as I browsed the monster manual I quickly realized that wasn’t in the cards. Flying monsters seem to be a big staple of epic level. If I’m going to run epic level encounters, I would just have to get used to flying.So with the explanation out of the way, let’s get to the fight. I have attached the fight report, as there's some much formatting its going to take me a while to post it reguarly. So check out the document, and post your feedback. I both interested in people's thoughts about the results as well as thoughts about my presenation, and perhaps the next fight.I will say that I have gained huge respect for people who post their games week in week out. Writing all this out and running the combat took me hours and hours of work. I won't be doing another one for a while most likely.</blockquote>

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