Maecius wrote:The exploits are the lesser issue in my eyes. The primary issue is long-term server viability. If there is no growth then, by definition, things do become static.
The server's set up to be a journey as much as anything else, with each level of map introducing you to more of the world, and allowing you to interact with a cast of a variety of characters at a variety of "stages" in their careers -- from "just starting out" to "local celebrity."
The RCR wasn't ever really intended to allow people to fine-tune their character builds. It's not a trainer. I'll just ask Rasael to see if he can find some time to update JEGS with the new spell and feat scripts if people want to do that.
As far as reinventing a character goes, I don't see why there shouldn't be some experience loss associated with changing your career track. If you have been mastering one set of skills and suddenly decide to switch over to another, why would you automatically be considered a master at that new set of skills? Being a professional musician doesn't necessarily make you an excellent photographer.
I know that leaving it as is would be the easiest road to travel (and would produce the most short-term happiness), but I am just not honestly convinced it would be the best thing for the server. Especially over time. When I leave here, I want to leave believing that this server will carry on for years without me. Not that it will gradually stagnate and corrode after we remove a huge element of forward character progression (that is, "leveling up") and "adventuring" from the D&D equation.
Maecius, it is not possible to predict the future and nobody really knows what'll be "right" for the server long term. (how long term are we talking about here, by the way?)
The way I see it, there are at least two kinds of players - long term and short term players. Long term player could probably play one char for 6 years, and aim big - all the way up to ascending to godhood. Short term player would switch characters from time to time, maybe every few months, and would not try heavily involved stuff like, I don't know, attempting to replace captain norton with a devil shapeshifter, in the name of asmodeous, or teleport baldur's gate into far realm and the like.
The way I see it, both players are important. "Short-term" players create background for plot of long term players. And long term affect bigger arc that shape the world for short-term players. For decent environment you need both of those.
Without background characters that come and go, the world will be reduced to small groups of the same people duking it out against each other every weekend and the world will be very dull. You'll know everybody and things will be incredibly predictable. Without long-term players there will be no significant events and long plots. The world will become static, but chaotic.
So, in case of RCR... I don't exactly agree on use of RCR for fine-tuning characters (although I can understand situation of a honest mistake), but I think it should be available at 100% for the purposes of creating a new concept. You know, because people have jobs, xp gain on bgtscc is incredibly slow, and running through the starter dungeons gets old 50th time you do it. While a character creater through RCR may not have enough "long-term impact" or "history" on the server, it'll work perfectly fine as someone for other people to interact with or as an alternative to having a DM-run npc. Because DMs aren't online 24/7 too.
More power as "the point," is, I dare say, what not only lessons the experience of this Server, but is slowly destroying the very planet we live on in Real Life.
. This was about level not mattering and it does. 
