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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Gaiden" data-source="post: 202724" data-attributes="member: 103">Before 3rd level, one critical hit can typically take out almost any character and it is frustrating to have roleplayed a character for three levels just to have the random orc with a battle axe critical and deal some 20 points of damage.  So typically low level characters are frustrating in that lucky rolls rather than averages tend to determine the outcomes of combats as well as the fact that low level characters are extremely limited in what dangers they can avoid and deal with.  I'd have to say that a bard is perhaps one of the most useful classes for any party at any level but especially low level as the bard's diplomacy can be off the charts.Levels 4 and up are where some of the real fun starts with warriors finishing off their first sets of feat chains spellcasters gaining access to the 3rd level spells, characters entering PrC's, and the more versatile characters actually becoming fairly versatile.Higher level characters are awesome to play because of the shear possiblities.  Anything higher than 10th level should be able to survive almost any proportionally rated encounter not including insta kill effects - even if the foes are played to their fulles potential.  I find that in order to really challenge PC's you have to use intelligent monsters who ambush and that are typically almost equal in power to the party - aka party = 4 10th levels then foes are almost 4 10th levels.Really high levels like 16+ become extremely dangerous because almost all challenging encounters are going to have to involve magic and will typically be decided in the surprise round.  The only way to really defeat a party at that level is to catch them off guard and that will typically kill them.  Otherwise they are almost guaranteed to win the encounter.I agree that higher level games need to focus more on the ramifications of an encounter than an encounter itself, but as smackdowns have shown, high level characters can take out just about anything.In terms of player fun, all levels are interesting and can be amazing.  Ultimately its up to the DM, though for the strength of a game in both challenge and fun factor.  Low level games can be incredibly fun but also incredibly deadly.  Ironically, high level games are the same - if for different reasons.High level games require true GM's in the full sense that they are MASTERS.  A DM has to account for broad implications including the outcomes of wars, reputations, gaining the attention of the planes and other high level characters.</blockquote>

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