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larsdangly · 05-23-2020, 09:42 AM

I would say it is basically impossible for a non-wizard with no magic items to become superhumanly powerful in combat (or other contexts, e.g., avoiding traps), but that you can become extremely competent - enough so that you would match the exploits of principal characters from quasi-realistic fiction. But the idea of such a character defeating 10+ competent foes in a straight-up fight (something a powerful D+D character could do easily) is farcical. That might have been possible under original edition rules but not now.

Add magic items or highly competent and supported spell casters to the mix and superhero-level powers are back on table. Even within the constraints of the 'rule of five', it is trivial to gear up a character to the point where almost nothing presents a serious threat of death.

05-23-2020, 09:42 AM	#4
larsdangly Join Date: Dec 2017	Re: Hitting the pasture... I would say it is basically impossible for a non-wizard with no magic items to become superhumanly powerful in combat (or other contexts, e.g., avoiding traps), but that you can become extremely competent - enough so that you would match the exploits of principal characters from quasi-realistic fiction. But the idea of such a character defeating 10+ competent foes in a straight-up fight (something a powerful D+D character could do easily) is farcical. That might have been possible under original edition rules but not now. Add magic items or highly competent and supported spell casters to the mix and superhero-level powers are back on table. Even within the constraints of the 'rule of five', it is trivial to gear up a character to the point where almost nothing presents a serious threat of death.