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<blockquote data-quote="FreeTheSlaves" data-source="post: 2184624" data-attributes="member: 9952">Well first up the iconic builds are designed to be slightly suboptimal in terms of ability placement, feat/skill selection, &amp; magic items. The reason being that rookie players wouldn't stuff themselves too much by making poor decisions, or something like that. Next point to bear in mind is that the default higher level D&amp;D demands magic items, no matter how powerful the initial ability rolls.I fully agree that there is no 'real' character development beyond raw capabilities that occurs with the aquisition of magic items. However, even so, trophy items, legendary arms and self-crafted magic items can bestow prestige that highlights accomplishments.I don't think any character can do without these items to thrive in a default campaign but for lower point characters they have more meaning. To maintain the existing power curve &amp; keep pace with say a +6 girdle of strength, +2 bracers of health, and +4 cloak of charisma, you'd need to be granting stat boosts every level.The iconic paladin doesn't need stat boosts greater than what she gets to perform her core functions. She starts to get them as she approaches level 10(12?) just like all the other iconics. She doesn't over-rely if that is what concerns you.When I said &quot;prioritize&quot; I meant prioritize over other ability boosters (although she goes full on for charisma, which only makes sense) rather than over other appropriate magic items - her armour, shield &amp; sword are always top notch.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="FreeTheSlaves, post: 2184624, member: 9952"] Well first up the iconic builds are designed to be slightly suboptimal in terms of ability placement, feat/skill selection, & magic items. The reason being that rookie players wouldn't stuff themselves too much by making poor decisions, or something like that. Next point to bear in mind is that the default higher level D&D demands magic items, no matter how powerful the initial ability rolls. I fully agree that there is no 'real' character development beyond raw capabilities that occurs with the aquisition of magic items. However, even so, trophy items, legendary arms and self-crafted magic items can bestow prestige that highlights accomplishments. I don't think any character can do without these items to thrive in a default campaign but for lower point characters they have more meaning. To maintain the existing power curve & keep pace with say a +6 girdle of strength, +2 bracers of health, and +4 cloak of charisma, you'd need to be granting stat boosts every level. The iconic paladin doesn't need stat boosts greater than what she gets to perform her core functions. She starts to get them as she approaches level 10(12?) just like all the other iconics. She doesn't over-rely if that is what concerns you. When I said "prioritize" I meant prioritize over other ability boosters (although she goes full on for charisma, which only makes sense) rather than over other appropriate magic items - her armour, shield & sword are always top notch. [/QUOTE]

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