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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jodyjohnson" data-source="post: 1922269" data-attributes="member: 5590">I like to play powerful characters and like to DM for the same.Our campaigns usually start with 32 point buy, and often include numerous house rules which add to character power (gestalt, bonus feats, 1:1 cross-class skills, character wealth > chart value, class defense bonus, etc.)Generally an Encounter needs to be +2 EL for a moderate challenge and closer to +4 EL to be a serious challenge.More and more I'm less sure of the benefits for this.Other than the obviously higher experience rewards and treasure amounts from CR+2 and higher encounters, I've noticed a few trends.1.  Conjuration summoning is relatively weaker since the gap between summoned creature(s) and the challenge is greater.2.  Mounts, familiars, and animal companions tend to fall behind the curve for the same reason.3.  Direct Damage spells:  Although spell DCs are better with higher stats, the damage is lower by percentage against the higher CR opponents and their saves are higher as well (usually higher CR=higher HD).4.  Effect-based magic leans even more so towards specialization (Focus, Gtr. Focus, skill synergies, Save Category vs. Creature Type, etc.).  Flexibility gets sacrificed for effectiveness.  Casters tend towards being one-trick ponies.What other effects do DMs/players see playing characters in excess of the baseline.</blockquote>