Lurin
Duke
Preface - I am looking for constructive feedback, this is being considered after people have 'talked with their owner' as a possibly proposal. The owner council is not Aggressively against this and would like to know what Players think.
What if Paragon classes (with a bit of tweaking) were not a build sink, but instead required "Unique and specialized training" That drops a PC down by X very large build number (50 - 100 for each of the first 'path' levels, +25/+ 50 etc. for additional paths, Possibly slightly less) With the requirement changed to be what you needed to take the training but the restriction of one path removed.
This could help dramatically deal with build/damage bloat, while also allowing an easier way to Medium-Spirit-Forge. This would also clearly be most 'advantageous' at lower builds (faster to come back to the minimum) but in that case the PC is mainly staying around the lower over all levels. While in theory a player could build an 'optimal' toon with 3 paths plus build, honestly that would take a VERY VERY long time (100 build x5 + 125 build x5 + 150 Build x5) in this example and the resulting character at level 30 would likely be less of an issue than a level 60 character without paragons that would be build in that same time frame.
Considerations
A.) Some paragon paths would have to be tweaked to ensure abilities were universally usable (although might still be better synergized with specific builds)
B.) This could help lower the APL as there would be potential paths for long-lived characters
C.) This allows players to try new play styles without giving up on their personal plot lines etc.
D.) If poorly done this could feel 'mandatory' for players who otherwise would not be interested.
E.) Characters might be disincentivized to do this if it breaks them away from their fellow friends.
F.) Characters might desire to do this to have their experience be closer to their friends. (For example, that one guy in his group of 6 that travels far more often than his friends)
G.) Some abilities would ONLY be available by the process
That's it folks, please be polite in this discussion! You may update your vote in the poll above if someone convinces you to change your opinion.
Clarified Questions.
1.) Yes you would decrease you character's XP total by the cost of the paragon path, but the path itself 'costs' no XP
2.) Yes each paragon path would still have multiple (5?) steps, each step costs the same on that path
3.) Secondary paths costs addition XP reduction, but that cost is the same for each step.
4.) Yes you would regain XP based on your current level.
What if Paragon classes (with a bit of tweaking) were not a build sink, but instead required "Unique and specialized training" That drops a PC down by X very large build number (50 - 100 for each of the first 'path' levels, +25/+ 50 etc. for additional paths, Possibly slightly less) With the requirement changed to be what you needed to take the training but the restriction of one path removed.
This could help dramatically deal with build/damage bloat, while also allowing an easier way to Medium-Spirit-Forge. This would also clearly be most 'advantageous' at lower builds (faster to come back to the minimum) but in that case the PC is mainly staying around the lower over all levels. While in theory a player could build an 'optimal' toon with 3 paths plus build, honestly that would take a VERY VERY long time (100 build x5 + 125 build x5 + 150 Build x5) in this example and the resulting character at level 30 would likely be less of an issue than a level 60 character without paragons that would be build in that same time frame.
Considerations
A.) Some paragon paths would have to be tweaked to ensure abilities were universally usable (although might still be better synergized with specific builds)
B.) This could help lower the APL as there would be potential paths for long-lived characters
C.) This allows players to try new play styles without giving up on their personal plot lines etc.
D.) If poorly done this could feel 'mandatory' for players who otherwise would not be interested.
E.) Characters might be disincentivized to do this if it breaks them away from their fellow friends.
F.) Characters might desire to do this to have their experience be closer to their friends. (For example, that one guy in his group of 6 that travels far more often than his friends)
G.) Some abilities would ONLY be available by the process
That's it folks, please be polite in this discussion! You may update your vote in the poll above if someone convinces you to change your opinion.
Clarified Questions.
1.) Yes you would decrease you character's XP total by the cost of the paragon path, but the path itself 'costs' no XP
2.) Yes each paragon path would still have multiple (5?) steps, each step costs the same on that path
3.) Secondary paths costs addition XP reduction, but that cost is the same for each step.
4.) Yes you would regain XP based on your current level.