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<blockquote data-quote="Hussar" data-source="post: 8573464" data-attributes="member: 22779">It was never about need though.In earlier D&amp;D, the DM had a very large amount of control over the party's power simply by controlling what magic items were found.&nbsp; Since magic items couldn't be bought (by the rules) nor manufactured to spec, it was very much in the hands of the DM.&nbsp; And, additionally, random treasure tables gave a LOT of magic items - granted a lot of it was single use like potions and scrolls - but still, by modern D&amp;D standards, a freaking mountain of magic items.&nbsp; One only has to look at older modules to see just how many magic items were being given away.&nbsp; It wasn't about need though.&nbsp; It was the expectation.&nbsp; And, because it was expected, it could be anticipated.&nbsp; The party is a bit anemic?&nbsp; Ok, drop in a couple of magic doodads and they can punch above their weight class for a while.&nbsp; Party a bit too powerful?&nbsp; Ok, we drop a couple of area effect damages and let failed saving throws take care of things.&nbsp; It was simply a means that was pretty much 100% in the DM's hands.Now, because most of the PC's power level is hard wired into the class and almost entirely in the hands of the player, the DM no longer has that tool in his or her belt.&nbsp; At least, not to the degree that an AD&amp;D DM had.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Hussar, post: 8573464, member: 22779"] It was never about need though. In earlier D&D, the DM had a very large amount of control over the party's power simply by controlling what magic items were found. Since magic items couldn't be bought (by the rules) nor manufactured to spec, it was very much in the hands of the DM. And, additionally, random treasure tables gave a LOT of magic items - granted a lot of it was single use like potions and scrolls - but still, by modern D&D standards, a freaking mountain of magic items. One only has to look at older modules to see just how many magic items were being given away. It wasn't about need though. It was the expectation. And, because it was expected, it could be anticipated. The party is a bit anemic? Ok, drop in a couple of magic doodads and they can punch above their weight class for a while. Party a bit too powerful? Ok, we drop a couple of area effect damages and let failed saving throws take care of things. It was simply a means that was pretty much 100% in the DM's hands. Now, because most of the PC's power level is hard wired into the class and almost entirely in the hands of the player, the DM no longer has that tool in his or her belt. At least, not to the degree that an AD&D DM had. [/QUOTE]

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