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<blockquote data-quote="Bardbarian" data-source="post: 7406391" data-attributes="member: 6802784"><p>One of the benefits of understanding optimization is that when you know the maximum ability of a character, you can very easily decide where on the scale you want to find yourself. If you do not know what a character is capable of then you have a much harder time ramping up than ramping down. I often build an optimal character then step back and decide what I can give up to fit the expected power curve of the campaign. If optimization doesn't interest you at all there is no harm in suboptimal choices, the only issues arise when your expectations and those of your group don't align. I play a lot of AL and My samurai is above the usual power curve so I often don't use certain abilities and focus on the role play aspect of the characters. (one of the reasons I love samurai is the benefits the subclass gets to out of combat interactions) If I find myself in a group that is focused on hack and slash I simply ramp up to their level. On the other hand if I was not built to face such challenges then I might feel disappointed when I find that my actions don't feel as impactful as others at the table. Optimization is as much a tool as a backstory but it is only a guide of what you might be capable of. Nothing says your character can't change personalities over time and likewise nothing prevents you from changing your tactics to suit your situation.</p></blockquote><p></p>

[QUOTE="Bardbarian, post: 7406391, member: 6802784"] One of the benefits of understanding optimization is that when you know the maximum ability of a character, you can very easily decide where on the scale you want to find yourself. If you do not know what a character is capable of then you have a much harder time ramping up than ramping down. I often build an optimal character then step back and decide what I can give up to fit the expected power curve of the campaign. If optimization doesn't interest you at all there is no harm in suboptimal choices, the only issues arise when your expectations and those of your group don't align. I play a lot of AL and My samurai is above the usual power curve so I often don't use certain abilities and focus on the role play aspect of the characters. (one of the reasons I love samurai is the benefits the subclass gets to out of combat interactions) If I find myself in a group that is focused on hack and slash I simply ramp up to their level. On the other hand if I was not built to face such challenges then I might feel disappointed when I find that my actions don't feel as impactful as others at the table. Optimization is as much a tool as a backstory but it is only a guide of what you might be capable of. Nothing says your character can't change personalities over time and likewise nothing prevents you from changing your tactics to suit your situation. [/QUOTE]

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