Past Lives - with something new

[Astarii]

...
Not sure how to start this thread, its not like its needed but I had a want which I know probably will not ever happen, not to mention all the ppl that will be stating this is a bad idea etc. But, I'll throw it out there anyways and again, I know ppl will be stating stuff like that will make things unbalance, or that's to over powering etc, So... here we go.


**Simply put, can DDO add to from some point and going forward (because it really does not matter about past lives that one has attained, but only future TRs... not really caring which) something like getting a permanent +1 point that they may spend on there enhancement tree (permanent, and stacking with any ones in the future). Or perhaps a +1 to there ED tree (Random one picked)... Or something... Or a Random Item that would be in the past Gold loot top teir section such as a Thinking Cap, or some other cosmetic... or a random +1 to a stat (for that life only - not permanent)


Anyways, i'm prepared to here everyone state that's way to OP, and horrible idea, and impossible to implement... so, besides my horrid grammar & run on sentences i'm glad I just threw out this thought. I think everyone should, even if it goes no where.

[Ligraph]

I like the idea of a few extra points, but it does come with a few problems. Also, if it's available via TRing, it should be available in other ways (Raid Runes comes to mind, but then I'm a raider, so biased).

As for the problems, biggest one is it allows people (assuming that more than 1 point is added) to get 2 capstones (for enhancements). They are extremely powerful, so I think this would have to be looked at carefully. Maybe add a special type of AP that can't be spent on tier 0s.

Or this could be limited to EDs. I would like enhancements as well, but it's a bit trickier.

[Astarii]

I like the idea of a few extra points, but it does come with a few problems. Also, if it's available via TRing, it should be available in other ways (Raid Runes comes to mind, but then I'm a raider, so biased).

As for the problems, biggest one is it allows people (assuming that more than 1 point is added) to get 2 capstones (for enhancements). They are extremely powerful, so I think this would have to be looked at carefully. Maybe add a special type of AP that can't be spent on tier 0s.

Or this could be limited to EDs. I would like enhancements as well, but it's a bit trickier.

once tier 5 is taken on a enhancement tree, it can't be acquired on a different one on enhancements... yes over a period of time this would be very useful, but remember there are also level limits and other things to consider as well. on the ED end it would be the same principle but of course random for the sphere. ... anyways there just thoughts

[redoubt]

T5 enhancements already lock out.

IF this was implemented as enhancement points, then make the capstones lock out.

I think you would need to make it slow and cap it to have a chance. Something like one AP every 6 past lives granted at level 20. Maximum of 5 bonus enhancement points.

[Marshal_Lannes]

I think when 50 past life characters decide that 50 just isn't enough they should hijack the game even further and add MOAR to their power. It is NOT enough to be a mini-Thor, they want to be a mini-Zeus!!! As such I think the following changes should be approriate:

With 60 past lives - at the end of every attack sequence the character gets an animation that says "I won DDO!!" and creates a mortal fear AOE effect that effects all monsters in a 50 foot radius. This can proc at most once every 5 seconds.

With 70 past lives - all characters that that do not have at least 50 past lives, when grouping with a 70 lifer, no longer quest but become baggage handlers. For each baggage handler a mini-Zeus groups with he gets an additional 5% exp. This will encourage the mini-Zeus to group and show off his awesomesauce.

With 80 past lives - character gains 200 PRR/MRR and the feat - NO, really, you won DDO.

With 90 past lives - characters can now use every epic destiny he wishes. at the same time.

With 100 past lives - character has the option to pay Turbine $250 dollars to get a mini-Zeus plaque at the Boston Campus in genuine plated gold colored plastic. The mini-Zeus Wall of Fame for those that really really really won DDO! Turbine can then use the accumulated dollars as severance pay for their developers.

[karatemack]

I really like the idea of having additional points to spend but feel that it should be limited. Every class PL can only be acquired 3 times, so how about as a bonus when you gain the 3rd PL for a particular class you get an additional 2 (maybe 4?) enhancement points to spend in that class's trees. This way you gain a little additional power for your investment in that class, however it isn't a blanket power you can use in any tree. So even someone who is a triple completionist could only benefit from the enhancement points from the classes in their current build (3 classes so either 6 or 12 extra enhancement points at most). The same thing could be applied for iconics where after the 3rd PL in an iconic race you get the extra enhancement points for that racial tree. For epic PLs/ED trees perhaps every 3 epic PLs of a particular sphere would grant 2 extra points when the character has activated a tree in that sphere. So even if you have all the epic PLs you would only ever gain 6 points AND the points you gain are specific to the spheres in which you have taken the epic PLs.




I think when 50 past life characters decide that 50 just isn't enough they should hijack the game even further and add MOAR to their power. It is NOT enough to be a mini-Thor, they want to be a mini-Zeus!!! As such I think the following changes should be approriate:

With 60 past lives - at the end of every attack sequence the character gets an animation that says "I won DDO!!" and creates a mortal fear AOE effect that effects all monsters in a 50 foot radius. This can proc at most once every 5 seconds.

With 70 past lives - all characters that that do not have at least 50 past lives, when grouping with a 70 lifer, no longer quest but become baggage handlers. For each baggage handler a mini-Zeus groups with he gets an additional 5% exp. This will encourage the mini-Zeus to group and show off his awesomesauce.

With 80 past lives - character gains 200 PRR/MRR and the feat - NO, really, you won DDO.

With 90 past lives - characters can now use every epic destiny he wishes. at the same time.

With 100 past lives - character has the option to pay Turbine $250 dollars to get a mini-Zeus plaque at the Boston Campus in genuine plated gold colored plastic. The mini-Zeus Wall of Fame for those that really really really won DDO! Turbine can then use the accumulated dollars as severance pay for their developers.

This is a lot of hyperbole. There are more constructive ways to disagree. Whether you agree with it or not, small incremental power gains are an incentive to keep people playing an MMO. I agree with the general sentiment that the game has expanded upwards too quickly and has not really balanced itself out to the new level cap. I also agree that I would prefer to see the game expand by fleshing out the endgame at 30, however PLs and enhancing the TR process will be a huge part of making that work.

[Astarii]

[QUOTE=Marshal_Lannes;5768407]I think when 50 past life characters decide that 50 just isn't enough ...QUOTE]

You know, I think it would be cool if there was a character class like a kobold or something (no cosmetic looks etc. just weapons & shields being displayed. So they they would look like the skins already made (saving on dev time); perhaps different colored ones so that they would be a little unique) that got opened to ppl with 3x completion in all, with stats of all 9's (no stat adjustments on toon creation, making it harder) & 3x the amount of normal xp to level (making it harder). ... uber underpowered. I also think these kobolds would be some of the most knowledgeable toons running around the game. :P

I also think ppl would run them, and run them well.

[goodspeed]

T5 enhancements already lock out.

IF this was implemented as enhancement points, then make the capstones lock out.

I think you would need to make it slow and cap it to have a chance. Something like one AP every 6 past lives granted at level 20. Maximum of 5 bonus enhancement points.

and ud need to ajust a disclaimer that nulls the completion of 1 life if an otto box is used. Sure it buys cash but not time. And in the time spent I believe they'd make up that box cash.

[Kriogen]

Past Life already gives you extra stacking power and now you want even more?

Its not a problem that *you* have more but that content becomes problematic.

You play in your own private instance on a different server. No "collision" with me. You do it your way, I do it my way. But when content gets re-balanced to catter for those "+50 point characters", it effects everyone. Then we all get silly stuff like champions (trash bigger then raid boss), all mobs red-named, blanket immunities, mobs that one-shot even the biggest trinity-style tank, ect ...

If it would effect only you, I don't care. But it would not. Bad idea. So /notsigned.

[FuzzyDuck81]

Check the latest episode of ddocast :)

[draven1]

No improvement on your toon?

IT'S TIME TO MAKE ALTS!

[Darkmits]

The only acceptable power increase for past lives for me would be to change the 3rd stack to instead provide the active part of the past life of that class without a feat cost. It's a very generous and possibly too op suggestion as well.

[janave]

...
way to OP, and horrible idea, and impossible to implement... .

All of those and some more.

Basically it says to me
"Whatever completely wrecked DDO over the years passing - lets add some more of that."

Whenever devs add things like this to the game this video comes to mind automatically:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw2nkoGLhrE

I dont think this game can handle more passive stacking.

[Astarii]

and ud need to ajust a disclaimer that nulls the completion of 1 life if an otto box is used. Sure it buys cash but not time. And in the time spent I believe they'd make up that box cash.

agreed

[Marshal_Lannes]

This is a lot of hyperbole. There are more constructive ways to disagree. .

Actually it was pretty effective in shutting down this thread, so it seems very constructive. (Most) People are sick of power creep and a game so far out of balance. (Most) People see how destructive to the game passive past life stacking has become. My examples show what 1% of the MOAR power players want. The rest of us just want a balanced, fun, challenging game.

Oh and there are TONs of ways to keep people playing MMOs. DDO just chooses not to implement any of them.

[karatemack]

Actually it was pretty effective in shutting down this thread, so it seems very constructive. (Most) People are sick of power creep and a game so far out of balance. (Most) People see how destructive to the game passive past life stacking has become. My examples show what 1% of the MOAR power players want. The rest of us just want a balanced, fun, challenging game.

Oh and there are TONs of ways to keep people playing MMOs. DDO just chooses not to implement any of them.

Every MMO has power creep. Power creep in and of itself is not necessarily to be feared. Our toons will continue to grow in power. Whether via PLs, new weapon systems, enhancement upgrades, new feats, new classes, etc... there will be some power creep. I don't think that's a bad thing at all. I would just prefer it if the rate at which power creep happens was slowed down. The way the idea in this thread has been fleshed out a bit, it would not be a large amount of power creep.

I completely disagree with your premise that past life stacking has been destructive to the game. Its an investment and many haven't made it and those who have deserve it. Past lives are nice, but are not necessary for most builds. Even considering the builds which do benefit greatly from PLs (such as DC casters), I wouldn't consider the benefits they gain "game breaking".

The game is as challenging as you want it to be. You choose how you build your toon. You choose how you gear your toon. You choose how you play your toon. You choose the level of the content you choose to engage. You choose the size of the party you run with. There is a lot of choice. Taking away/limiting others options to the box you prefer to play in benefits no one.

How would you define "balance"? What does that look like from your perspective?

I agree with you completely that there are numerous ways to keep people engaged and playing the game other than power creep. I would like to see a few of those ideas I've seen floating around get implemented. Achievement rankings in the forums (updated from in game), Cosmetic/quality of life rewards, Fun events and many other ideas have been suggested.

[gnarledmaw]

...
... i'm glad I just threw out this thought. I think everyone should, even if it goes no where.

I like cheese and I like butter. I dont really like cats...because they lick the butter. I have a cat but its not really a pet cat, its a working cat. Its supposed to be anyway, it seems to prefer moles .
It wont eat fish. A least weasel got into the house one time. It was huge, probably two ounces. It was probably chasing a mouse that the cat ignores. When I saw it, I think it smiled at me. I don't know where it went.
I got a Newfoundland. Now I have someone to share fish with. He likes smoked chub heads. The weasel might like some but Newfs don't like to share.

DnD started here in Wisconsin. I think VIPs from Wisconsin should get +1 HP per TR. I think Sev should deliver them personally...and I don't want any of the stackable kind. They should be the clip on type.

[Gremmlynn]

Actually it was pretty effective in shutting down this thread, so it seems very constructive. (Most) People are sick of power creep and a game so far out of balance. (Most) People see how destructive to the game passive past life stacking has become. My examples show what 1% of the MOAR power players want. The rest of us just want a balanced, fun, challenging game.

Oh and there are TONs of ways to keep people playing MMOs. DDO just chooses not to implement any of them.Past lives, especially heroic past lives, add very little to that issue. Look more towards the multi-class system and the way the enhancement tree system synergizes with it to see the big issue there. Which just lead to new mechanics to bring single class builds up to that level.

[CaptainPurge]

OP wants to continue past triple triple pletionist. Which is cool and all, whatever floats one's proverbial boat. It will be interesting to see if they ever expand upon the current TR reward system and how it is done.

[kanordog]

Actually it was pretty effective in shutting down this thread, so it seems very constructive. (Most) People are sick of power creep and a game so far out of balance. (Most) People see how destructive to the game passive past life stacking has become. My examples show what 1% of the MOAR power players want. The rest of us just want a balanced, fun, challenging game.

Oh and there are TONs of ways to keep people playing MMOs. DDO just chooses not to implement any of them.

I wonder why all this hatred for PL's from Your part? (Many of Your post is about how PL's ruined the game, how bad they are etc.)
- Many people can outplay multi TR's with a 28pts build.
- Many people spent time to grind out PL's so if they (PL's) will be invalidated because of some players feel inequality they will just leave the game.
- Many of us not offended by being schooled by a player who has better keyboard skills or more experience etc.
- Most balance issues not from PL's...

The only thing I would agree with You on this if PL's would kick in at certain levels and not all at level 1. Like 1st, 5th, 10th for HPL's then 15th, 20th, 25th for EPL's.

[Angelic-council]

You know, I think it would be cool if there was a character class like a kobold or something (no cosmetic looks etc. just weapons & shields being displayed. So they they would look like the skins already made (saving on dev time); perhaps different colored ones so that they would be a little unique) that got opened to ppl with 3x completion in all, with stats of all 9's (no stat adjustments on toon creation, making it harder) & 3x the amount of normal xp to level (making it harder). ... uber underpowered. I also think these kobolds would be some of the most knowledgeable toons running around the game. :P

I also think ppl would run them, and run them well.

Well, how to say this.. if there going to be any changes, it has to be beneficial, so that it will encourage players to play DDO longer. Those ideas, such as: once you acquired 50+ lifes, you can perform mortal fear or you can transform into a Kobold would have very small impact on DDO. First of all, not many people run 50+ life characters, and many players would never aim at achieving 50 lifes just to look like a Kobold and mortal fear AoE is OP if you can do that for free.

I think we should expand our ideas, and think more realistically, think about the design and not just what can be done, but what should be done. Even after triple completionist, you can still TR to gain free TP, as all the favors reset. So, TR is somewhat useful even after you win DDO. But TR process is very boring, especially now that it's hard to find players. You can choose to solo from lv1 to 20, but I'm sure everyone wants more than just free TP. But think about it, what if everyone got +1 MRR or PRR based on their class after 3rd TR, would that really make people run more contents? What happens after you acquired everything, then you would go back to those "nothing to do" boring days. As I see it, DDO is really fun when you can outperform other players, but also be challenged. A lot to think here.. But I just want to point... It's not always about how easy it's for turbine to implent it. :/

[FranOhmsford]

Extra AP should NOT be limited only to those with multiple past lives!

We should have been given 20 more AP when cap went up to 25 {4 per Epic Level} but I'd accept that 20 now at 2 per Epic Level up to 30.
We should have been given more EDP for our MAIN Destiny when cap went up to 28 and 30.
Racial Trees should be removed from requiring AP and the Racial Enhancements should be given as we level {+1 Listen at Lvl 1, +2 at Lvl 4, +3 at Lvl 7 etc. as an example. Human Heroism granted at Lvl 8, Human Greater Heroism granted at Lvl 16 for another.}.

[Darkmits]

Actually it was pretty effective in shutting down this thread, so it seems very constructive. (Most) People are sick of power creep and a game so far out of balance. (Most) People see how destructive to the game passive past life stacking has become. My examples show what 1% of the MOAR power players want. The rest of us just want a balanced, fun, challenging game.

Oh and there are TONs of ways to keep people playing MMOs. DDO just chooses not to implement any of them.Power creep from Past Life Feats does not even come close to scratching the surface of the power creep from most enhancements, epic destiny abilities or equipment properties. Past lives do not give you the ability to instantly kill enemies or dealing 4-digit damage to them if they don't die. Past lives do not make you mitigate 80%+ of all incoming damage. Past lives do not grant you near-infinite resources/daily charges. Past lives do not make you heal from 0 to 100 every 12 seconds as a non-healer.

Past lives contribute to power creep. But their effect is very small compared to anything other that provides player power. We want a balanced game, but past lives are the absolute last place we should check to see how we can make them "balanced". Start with Epic Destrinies and Enhancements first, then with Weapons, then with the rest of the Equipment, then with Guild buffs, and then with past lives.

[Uska]

Power creep from Past Life Feats does not even come close to scratching the surface of the power creep from most enhancements, epic destiny abilities or equipment properties. Past lives do not give you the ability to instantly kill enemies or dealing 4-digit damage to them if they don't die. Past lives do not make you mitigate 80%+ of all incoming damage. Past lives do not grant you near-infinite resources/daily charges. Past lives do not make you heal from 0 to 100 every 12 seconds as a non-healer.

Past lives contribute to power creep. But their effect is very small compared to anything other that provides player power. We want a balanced game, but past lives are the absolute last place we should check to see how we can make them "balanced". Start with Epic Destrinies and Enhancements first, then with Weapons, then with the rest of the Equipment, then with Guild buffs, and then with past lives.

Power creep from past lives affects you from level 1 and heroics are already to easy. Power creep from ED's and the worst weapons is epic only

[Marshal_Lannes]

I completely disagree with your premise that past life stacking has been destructive to the game. Its an investment and many haven't made it and those who have deserve it. Past lives are nice, but are not necessary for most builds. Even considering the builds which do benefit greatly from PLs (such as DC casters), I wouldn't consider the benefits they gain "game breaking".

How would you define "balance"? What does that look like from your perspective?

.

I have pointed out many times how it is a fallacy that past lives don't matter. Does one matter? No. But stacking past lives and especially passive past epic lives are HUGE. From Level 1 +70 AC, +80 HPs, 30% PRR, +12 damage to every single hit, +27% elemental absorbtion. These are game breaking.

My definition of balance is the game during the Tower of Despair era. The raid could only be done by a couple guilds on each server when it first came out. It was a long time before it could be Pug'd successfully - and that was on normal. The 1% characters were not that far ahead of the 'normal' characters - maybe a GS HP item, an eSoS, a +3 tome here or there. Everyone was playing the same sport. Now you have mini-Thors playing NFL football in the same game with characters playing high school football. Yes, every MMO has power creep, but creep that is attainable for players thru raids/items/gear/new classes. Not from 200 million XP that no new player is ever going to do.

I don't want to hear oh the game didn't have this or that in the ToD era. That is irrelevant. The game was balanced then. It is not now. A game that is not balanced is not fun. (Almost) No one has any fun playing with mini-Thors. They ruin quests and suck the life out of any activity you play with them. Frankly I am already losing interest in this game because of the mini-Thors.

[Darkmits]

Power creep from past lives affects you from level 1 and heroics are already to easy. Power creep from ED's and the worst weapons is epic onlySome enhancements can provide a significant noticeable benefit since lvl1. As I am not experienced with the game as most of you are, I will mention an example that I know: Swashbuckler's Blow by Blow. Extra 3d6 damage, extra +3 crit range at level 1 (that is at rank 4, ie. a bit before levelling to 2). That's a hit that deals 300% more damage on average.

The synergy of some game mechanics also contribute to power creep. Maximize Spell for example provides a measurable 50%-100% total damage output for 0 cost (except for the cost of picking the feat) at the point it becomes available.

As for low level items that are more powerful than items in their level range; the effect of those is noticeable at later lives, because these items come from higher level dungeons that cannot (or are unlikelty to) be completed at first life at a low enough level. But here's possibly the "best" example of such an item:
Oladren's Great Crossbow (http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Oladren%27s_Great_Crossbow)

There are also other named items for higher levels that provide a significant boost over other items of their level. Chrono gear for example, or Greensteel at lvl12.

I'm not saying that there shouldn't be good items, but the power difference of named items compared to lootgen is too high. That is also the reason why almost everyone was autovendoring or entirely ignoring lootgen items, and Turbine had to revamp it.

Finally, heroics are too easy exactly because of the cumulative effect of Enhancement passes, Class passes, Past Life stacking and earlier item availability. But Past Lives themselves contribute the least in this power creep.

[kanordog]

I just logged out from my 2nd lifer rogue mechanic. Her first life was fighter so the +2tact dc does not do anything just as the +2 build point compared to a 1st lifer drow.
Still it is a really powerful character, doing traps, spotting secret doors and sneaky mobs, evading spells, dodging/blurring blows or even killing before the mob come close, raising the fallen, so powerful that I logged out because of the boredom.

Have similar experience with my 1st lifer, yes FIRST LIFER! warlock.

Please convince me only Past Life benefits make them overpowered!

[IronClan]

You know, I think it would be cool if there was a character class like a kobold or something (no cosmetic looks etc. just weapons & shields being displayed. So they they would look like the skins already made (saving on dev time); perhaps different colored ones so that they would be a little unique) that got opened to ppl with 3x completion in all, with stats of all 9's (no stat adjustments on toon creation, making it harder) & 3x the amount of normal xp to level (making it harder). ... uber underpowered. I also think these kobolds would be some of the most knowledgeable toons running around the game. :P

I also think ppl would run them, and run them well.

That.... thats almost the seed of a cool idea... an expert class or race? but forget Kobold too many around here would scream about making Kobolds automatically weaker in fact forget any race or class just widen it out to a character creation choice.

Make this a character choice, a mini game mode that players can choose to handicap themselves with that shows as a special icon where the TR wings are instead of TR, though they signify being a badass who can play a intentionally flawed character. You could make a set of rules for this that allowed a couple levels of "how hard core" you are, and these rules would also give some flexibility to static group players and perma death guilds as a side bonus, supporting their playstyle if they wanted to use it.

Why would anyone want one hand tied behind their back? To show off of course.

[Uska]

Some enhancements can provide a significant noticeable benefit since lvl1. As I am not experienced with the game as most of you are, I will mention an example that I know: Swashbuckler's Blow by Blow. Extra 3d6 damage, extra +3 crit range at level 1 (that is at rank 4, ie. a bit before levelling to 2). That's a hit that deals 300% more damage on average.

The synergy of some game mechanics also contribute to power creep. Maximize Spell for example provides a measurable 50%-100% total damage output for 0 cost (except for the cost of picking the feat) at the point it becomes available.

As for low level items that are more powerful than items in their level range; the effect of those is noticeable at later lives, because these items come from higher level dungeons that cannot (or are unlikelty to) be completed at first life at a low enough level. But here's possibly the "best" example of such an item:
Oladren's Great Crossbow (http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Oladren%27s_Great_Crossbow)

There are also other named items for higher levels that provide a significant boost over other items of their level. Chrono gear for example, or Greensteel at lvl12.

I'm not saying that there shouldn't be good items, but the power difference of named items compared to lootgen is too high. That is also the reason why almost everyone was autovendoring or entirely ignoring lootgen items, and Turbine had to revamp it.

Finally, heroics are too easy exactly because of the cumulative effect of Enhancement passes, Class passes, Past Life stacking and earlier item availability. But Past Lives themselves contribute the least in this power creep.

We need zero more power creep from any source

[Angelic-council]

Power creep from Past Life Feats does not even come close to scratching the surface of the power creep from most enhancements, epic destiny abilities or equipment properties. Past lives do not give you the ability to instantly kill enemies or dealing 4-digit damage to them if they don't die. Past lives do not make you mitigate 80%+ of all incoming damage. Past lives do not grant you near-infinite resources/daily charges. Past lives do not make you heal from 0 to 100 every 12 seconds as a non-healer.

Past lives contribute to power creep. But their effect is very small compared to anything other that provides player power. We want a balanced game, but past lives are the absolute last place we should check to see how we can make them "balanced". Start with Epic Destrinies and Enhancements first, then with Weapons, then with the rest of the Equipment, then with Guild buffs, and then with past lives.

Can't agree more, you talk like a real game council. DDO is all about character building (pure PvE). Past lifes do matter for many different builds, but what makes them really powerful is the fact that they can multi class, run in powerful EDs, pick and combine enhancements freely, gear and the knowledge.

Past life does a good job at giving players small boost on top of everything above. But we shouldn't blame everything on past lifes. I don't really value heroic as much as I do with epic (real end game). In the end, all those past lifes not going to save your life in about to wipe situation. Just like this guy said, it's not like we have permenent 80% damage reduction or anything. It's not our fault that we worked very hard to achieve extra boosts. It's like saying "oh, you recently doing a good job at work, how about we cut your salary". But yes, it's an online game and we deeply care about the future of DDO. If not the past life, not even gear. How turbine suppose to keep everyone playing. I don't believe in character equality. We are all different. Some people work hard while others are lazy or time limited. But whoever went throught all the process should have this power. We, as a community can keep this minimal possible to make it fair and turbine should be smart at what they believe :p

[karatemack]

I have pointed out many times how it is a fallacy that past lives don't matter. Does one matter? No. But stacking past lives and especially passive past epic lives are HUGE. From Level 1 +70 AC, +80 HPs, 30% PRR, +12 damage to every single hit, +27% elemental absorbtion. These are game breaking.

My definition of balance is the game during the Tower of Despair era. The raid could only be done by a couple guilds on each server when it first came out. It was a long time before it could be Pug'd successfully - and that was on normal. The 1% characters were not that far ahead of the 'normal' characters - maybe a GS HP item, an eSoS, a +3 tome here or there. Everyone was playing the same sport. Now you have mini-Thors playing NFL football in the same game with characters playing high school football. Yes, every MMO has power creep, but creep that is attainable for players thru raids/items/gear/new classes. Not from 200 million XP that no new player is ever going to do.

I don't want to hear oh the game didn't have this or that in the ToD era. That is irrelevant. The game was balanced then. It is not now. A game that is not balanced is not fun. (Almost) No one has any fun playing with mini-Thors. They ruin quests and suck the life out of any activity you play with them. Frankly I am already losing interest in this game because of the mini-Thors.

I agree with you that PLs give an increase in power. I disagree that it's "game breaking".

I remember when Epics were first released. The 1% characters were much farther ahead of the 'normal' characters than you account for. It used to be MUCH more difficult to build great toons. You not only had to select the right feats and enhancements and stat points, but you had to do so in the right order. It is far easier now for a casual/newer player to jump in and make a decent build. Also, I remember when people kept myddo up so they could check people applying to join their groups ALL the time. If your toon didn't have the right range of hit points or the right gear equipped... you were getting denied. The elitism of PUGs is far more relaxed than it used to be. But I can assure you that during the time you're referring to the ELITES did NOT run with 'normal' characters.

No one forces you to run with mini-Thors. No one forces you to TR. If you want a more difficult challenge then you can have it. I don't want your changes FORCED, however, for the same reason I would be against Permadeath being hard-coded into the game. There are some who love Permadeath, and I'm glad they have the option to play that way, but am grateful their preferred playstyle isn't being forced on the rest of us.

I agree with you 100% that the game has felt imbalanced. This was bound to happen as the level cap expanded from 20 to level 30. (one of the big reasons I'm against raising the level cap again) I believe the DEVs are on a path to balancing out the game to the new level cap and for the new endgame in epic/legendary content. There have been some good changes coming out and I'm excited to see what 2016 holds.

[walkin_dude]

Extra AP should NOT be limited only to those with multiple past lives!

We should have been given 20 more AP when cap went up to 25 {4 per Epic Level} but I'd accept that 20 now at 2 per Epic Level up to 30.
We should have been given more EDP for our MAIN Destiny when cap went up to 28 and 30.
Racial Trees should be removed from requiring AP and the Racial Enhancements should be given as we level {+1 Listen at Lvl 1, +2 at Lvl 4, +3 at Lvl 7 etc. as an example. Human Heroism granted at Lvl 8, Human Greater Heroism granted at Lvl 16 for another.}.

Definitely disagree. That's just more powercreep.

[Gremmlynn]

I have pointed out many times how it is a fallacy that past lives don't matter. Does one matter? No. But stacking past lives and especially passive past epic lives are HUGE. From Level 1 +70 AC, +80 HPs, 30% PRR, +12 damage to every single hit, +27% elemental absorbtion. These are game breaking.

My definition of balance is the game during the Tower of Despair era. The raid could only be done by a couple guilds on each server when it first came out. It was a long time before it could be Pug'd successfully - and that was on normal. The 1% characters were not that far ahead of the 'normal' characters - maybe a GS HP item, an eSoS, a +3 tome here or there. Everyone was playing the same sport. Now you have mini-Thors playing NFL football in the same game with characters playing high school football. Yes, every MMO has power creep, but creep that is attainable for players thru raids/items/gear/new classes. Not from 200 million XP that no new player is ever going to do.

I don't want to hear oh the game didn't have this or that in the ToD era. That is irrelevant. The game was balanced then. It is not now. A game that is not balanced is not fun. (Almost) No one has any fun playing with mini-Thors. They ruin quests and suck the life out of any activity you play with them. Frankly I am already losing interest in this game because of the mini-Thors.I get the impression that it's not so much the actual power, but the "200 million XP" that is your issue. past lives are bad because past lives don't have a short cut to catch up. The amount of power likely matters less than that it isn't available without actually putting in the time.

Though I would like to see where you get your numbers from, because I can't find those amounts available at level 1 (or a % increase to PRR anywhere in the game). I see +18 AC, +57 hps, +36 PRR, +12 ranged damage and 9% absorb as being possible at level 1. With just the AC and hps getting higher with levels (even then the AC tops out at +45 at level 30).

[Enderoc]

I think that after completionist...you should be able to start at 4th 7th or 15th level after a TR. That is about as uber as I am willing to go with.

[Enderoc]

I think that after completionist...you should be able to have the option to start at 4th 7th or 15th level after a TR. That is about as uber as I am willing to go with.

[Algreg]

I have pointed out many times how it is a fallacy that past lives don't matter. Does one matter? No. But stacking past lives and especially passive past epic lives are HUGE. From Level 1 +70 AC, +80 HPs, 30% PRR, +12 damage to every single hit, +27% elemental absorbtion. These are game breaking.

My definition of balance is the game during the Tower of Despair era. The raid could only be done by a couple guilds on each server when it first came out. It was a long time before it could be Pug'd successfully - and that was on normal. The 1% characters were not that far ahead of the 'normal' characters - maybe a GS HP item, an eSoS, a +3 tome here or there. Everyone was playing the same sport. Now you have mini-Thors playing NFL football in the same game with characters playing high school football. Yes, every MMO has power creep, but creep that is attainable for players thru raids/items/gear/new classes. Not from 200 million XP that no new player is ever going to do.

I don't want to hear oh the game didn't have this or that in the ToD era. That is irrelevant. The game was balanced then. It is not now. A game that is not balanced is not fun. (Almost) No one has any fun playing with mini-Thors. They ruin quests and suck the life out of any activity you play with them. Frankly I am already losing interest in this game because of the mini-Thors.

are you trying to start a meme or something? That "Mini-Thor" thing of yours wasn´t that amusing the first time and it loses whatever luster it had with every reiteration.