Heroic/Paragon/Epic

[A'koss]

I also like the idea of breaking the game down in tiers, signifying a change in style in play and opening up some new options (Paragon Paths, Epic Destinies). I don't expect there will be any significant jump in power moving from one to the other though, just different options becoming available...

 

[Voss]

I definately think that the three groupings of levels has great potential to help define the style of game the DM is interested in. One thing that I am wondering about is how much high Heroic is going to differ from low Paragon. Will it feel like you have crossed over some magic speed bump of power, or will it feel more organic? No way to know for sure until the books are in hand.

Thats an interesting question actually. From the smites and feats articles, it doesn't look like it. In fact, while binding smite was a little more powerful (once I realized everything it did), it didn't strike me as 'OMG, 27th level is awesome' powerful. And the 'paragon' stuff actually struck me as mechanically weaker than some of the 'heroic' stuff.

It really looks like the difference between a 10th level character and a 12th level character is very small. Perhaps a feat, a talent/power and a +1. But not the doubling in power that is expected in the current edition.

Unless of course, paragon paths are so awesome that not having one makes you a gimp. Which worries me slightly.

 

[Najo]

I dont' think it's going to be much different from those famous terms: BASIC, EXPERT, COMPANION, MASTER. Ah, the good old days..when levels were detailed up to 36th and you didn't have to deal with halflings past 8th..sigh..memories... Wait, I forgot the IMMORTAL LEVEL RULES!: http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/highdd.html

Along those same lines, I think those names mean very little. Players are still going to refer to levels..and most DM's are still going to quit at about 15the level..about the time even this edition will break back down into a series of number crunching nightmares... There will be the usual terminology then: Heroic, Number Crunching levels, and Number Crunching Nightmare Levels. (humor emphasized)

jh

That's the thing. The designers are making those levels easier to plan and run. My WOTC sources have said the game is a breeze to DM now and alot of fun.

WOTC wants mid and high level play to be just that, playable. I think that is one area we will be pleased with the new edition on.

 

[an_idol_mind]

I like the three tiers. I would like them even more if WotC released a series of boxed sets somewhere along the way -- Set 1: Heroic, Set 2: Paragon, Set 3: Epic, and Set 4: Immortal/Demigods.