Predicting the joy of Paragon tier

[TwoSix]

What we know:

In R&C, the current design plan was 12 Paragon Paths, each intended for 2 classes.

The current PHB, as per WotC_Miko, contains over 30 Paragon Paths.

From the paragon paths excerpt, each PP has a prerequisite of a singular class.

From the multiclassing excerpt, taking a multiclass feat will qualify you for all PPs with that class as a prerequisite. What that means, simply, is that any base class can qualify for any PP.

Base classes will be released primarily in the PHBX series. PPs will be released in the PHBX series, as well as the <Source> Power series, and possibly other avenues.

What I think:

PPs only have 6 powers, which makes them easy to design and develop. Limiting them to one class makes design easier than making them fit two distinct classes.

The multiclass design evolved with the Paragon Path change. Why? I think that the change to Paragon Path requirements was made with the intention that Paragon Paths would then become the new character identifier, just as PrCs are in 3e. Multiclassing was done to allow base classes to be customized into whatever Paragon Path the player desired.

This increases the number of overall character definitions. While we know that feat and power choices are important, character design will be based around 3 factors: Race, Base Class, and intended/taken Paragon Path. With the R&C system, there were only 24 BC/PP combinations. With the current system, assuming 30 PPs and the allowance of other base classes as PP options, there are 296.

Therefore:

11th level will be the 2nd most common starting point after 1st, and will become even more common as the game evolves. The reason will be that the number of PPs will increase more quickly than the number of base classes, and players will be eager to try the new options.

Thoughts?

 

[Patlin]

While "Prerequisite: Class X" can be met with a multiclassing feat, some paragon paths seem to be structured "Prerequisite: Class X, Class Ability Y" where Y may or may not be granted by the multiclassing feat. They won't all be available to all classes for this reason.

 

[Knightlord]

Hmmm....your avenue of thought intrigues me. I think you may be on to something here, friend.

However, and I know this is a thread discussing Paragon Paths, but what about Epic Destinies? Will 21st level become a common starting point for those who wish to jump right into world-changing adventures? Will Epic Destinies keep up pace in the same way you predict Paragon Paths to be released?

Interesting...

 

[Torchlyte]

From a first-glance perspective, I think I'd prefer if the Paragon Paths were more open than this. I suppose it's not a big deal either way.

Hmmm....your avenue of thought intrigues me. I think you may be on to something here, friend.

However, and I know this is a thread discussing Paragon Paths, but what about Epic Destinies? Will 21st level become a common starting point for those who wish to jump right into world-changing adventures? Will Epic Destinies keep up pace in the same way you predict Paragon Paths to be released?

Interesting...

I imagine that the system for Epic Destinies will have a different feel.

 

[Engilbrand]

What I find interesting about Paragon Paths is that almost all of them are class-neutral. A Fighter with a Wizard multiclass feat can take the Battle Mage PP and not really lose anything. It gives him some cool powers that don't necessarily require a spell to be cast. There are only a couple of them, like the Warlord one, that specifies using a Warlord power. I like the ideas opened up by this.

 

[Plane Sailing]

What we know:

From the paragon paths excerpt, each PP has a prerequisite of a singular class.

Thoughts?

I think that one is only a strong inference at the moment (although an inference which got much stronger after the GAMA photo which showed the end of the paladin entry (paragon paths) and the start of the ranger entry (basic description).

Whether or not that is the case, I agree with your main point - that with 30 paragon pathways, each of which seem open to any of the base classes as long as at least a one-feat multiclass takes place leads to a vast number of 20th level character combinations.

Cheers

 

[Scipio202]

I wouldn't be surprised if there were a mix of PP's

PP's only appropriate for the required class taken as the base class
PP's that work well for the required class as base, or another class that multi-classes into the required class
PP's that are open to two (or more) classes - either within the same power source, or within the same role

Probably the latter would be rarer than the others, but still available.

 

[small pumpkin man]

People are forgetting the fact that we know there's racial Paths, aren't they?

 

[Riley]

While "Prerequisite: Class X" can be met with a multiclassing feat, some paragon paths seem to be structured "Prerequisite: Class X, Class Ability Y" where Y may or may not be granted by the multiclassing feat. They won't all be available to all classes for this reason.

Yes, but if you really want that Paragon Path, you can take Novice Power, Acolyte Power, or Adept Power to meet the prereq Power (assuming the 'Class Ability' prereq is a power, of course.)

 

[Scipio202]

Yes, but if you really want that Paragon Path, you can take Novice Power, Acolyte Power, or Adept Power to meet the prereq Power (assuming the 'Class Ability' prereq is a power, of course.)

Since you can replace powers, I'm guessing "Ability Y" will be a class feature, rather than a power. If it required a power, then you'd be stuck having to either keep a below-level power or you would stop being eligible for the PP.