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Message: <blockquote data-quote="SBMC" data-source="post: 2416090" data-attributes="member: 30040">Powergamers – one solution – run a low magic campaign (I used it once). A campaign where utility items are available here and there but magic weapons and armor are almost unheard of.  A very large town might have one or two utility items in it. (everburning torches for example) and only the largest cities would have even a single more powerful item (like a small power rod or staff) and of course would be wielded by a powerful individual (more powerful that the PC’s can handle). Smaller communities; people there may have never seen or heard of a magic item in their lives; ever. The big metropolises have more magic; but at premium prices and only a few available with a rare few casters to make them.  This requires some tweaking – such as creating a “Priest” NPC class (an expert that is essentially a cleric without magic). PC casters would be handled simply; if they start casting too much someone will see – and perhaps get scared. Scared enough to get the populace (along with town guard and local nobility) to rise up against “The evil magic casting witch” that has come to destroy them and burn Pelor’s temple to the ground (doesn’t need to be true - typical superstitious overreaction sort of a thing) If they take metamagic feats and start cranking out items suddenly powerful badguys want them in their towers as prisoners making things for them. Good guys get afraid; and want them to stop (by force if necessary) Some may say magic is a big part of DnD – well it is. But it is also a source of abuse; without magic powergamers can’t powergame to real effect really – because everyone has what they have. You could also do things such as ensure that a knightly order of goodguys is everywhere; and if they get wind of a “powerful adventurer” that may have done something wrong (true or not) then their score of 20th level Paladins pays him a visit and lets him know a +20 BAB will smash his little 3d8 Sword to little tiny bits along with him (what was that class from CA; the something enforcer maybe; the radical goodguy; had the picture of him on some stairs with a greatsword in white armor (cool pic at that!)). Not to mention that as one becomes more powerful there are always those that resent it; those with power (other adventurers, royalty, politicians…) Another way to take care of this – as others mention above – control the feats they take. They don’t like it – there’s the door. I think Monkey Grip is an incredibly stupid feat; incredibly stupid. At least the PC should have a sick STR score to do this; at least. There are plenty of other feats that are the same way. It helps to stay with WoTC stuff only as many other products have insane feats.  Also don’t forget; anything they can do so can you. A Battalion of Hobgoblins with Monkey grip, +6 Belts of Strength and large sized greatswords may stave off some powergaming. Perhaps a 15th level evil wizard commanding them… And finally; in this case specifically; to one point; keep in mind large weapons are not commonplace. How many weapons smiths would actually make one? Or know how? Would they not charge a massive premium? (the PHB process are a guide mind you). How many large creatures out there (of lower levels) actually have masterwork or better quality weapons for that PC to take? IF there is – can the party actually take that thing on?  Powergaming can be attributed to the DM as well as players; you can’t powergame if you don’t have easy (and I mean easy) access to the things that make you uber powerful; such as magical large sized swords. </blockquote>

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