Feedback as requested by LadyCheron :)

[blackheart]

One thing we are really hoping to see is a comparison, by people who have made characters in multiple factions, of the balance and difficulty of the newb and low level areas. Make the same build in MA and SL (or AO or LA) and compare how long it takes to get to level 2, 5, 9. Is it easier or harder to get gear? Then make a different build for NC, and an equivalent character in AO or RK or LA. Right now LA and AO have jobs, the others do not. How much easier is it to achieve level 10 in a faction with jobs, vs a faction without?

I have made characters in both AO and RK. AO has a huge advantange right now. With the jobs you get a bonus to hit and damage vs. vermin. This is a huge advantage for AO in the early levels when you are chasing rats aound.

I am sorry that I can't really comment on time it takes to get even to level 2 as I just quit playing my little dwarf. It was not that it was too difficult to level, it was just not as much fun for me to not have the job.( If that makes sense) But that will be different for others.

In AO I made it to about level 5 with the present jobs. Might try LA later tonight.

[Knightwing4]

from MA, it took a longg time lvling to lvl 2 since i forgot my summon creature 1 as for getting to lvl 5, it was slowww there was nothing really to lvl on from 3-5, as for getting to 9, we had the formians, and they were spell resistant so that took a bit longer (especially the myrmarchs, ughh) luckily though, the summons helped out a lot

[Ace Dragonfury]

I've a char in at least 5 factions now, LA has a couple jobs. Gotta say the city guard is along the same lines as the AO Exterminator. So your getting xp and job points for squishing rats and bugs. cool and toss in the occasional gold drop. Not difficult for melee or caster types to get a few levels exploring the sewers,

[johnthebest1234]

I have made a char in every faction. Quick thoughts:

RK is really good to start in. lots of zones for new players.

LA is easy to just go and play.

MA I played a rogue, and it is fun, but there seems to be harder enemies mixed mith easy ones, like the formians mixed in with chickens and beetles.

SL The drow ECl makes it boring and hard to lvl up. Quit this faction after only a little play.

NC seems to be fun too, lots of enemies makes for an easy to level area.

TC not enough low level baddies. Seems to be only one or two maps of low level zones, gets boring fast. The forest is ugly and looks dying, maybe those druids aren't doing a good job?

AO jobs are fun. This makes this faction easy to play. Killing rats over and over isn't so bad if you have goals, besides lvling up.

Just thoughts from a guy who has crappy chars all across the realm.

[xstatk_tzar]

So far i have made 3 chars in LA.

1: Lvl 13 Bard/Rogue:

This was the hardest character to lvl since it was my first and I started it when NS4 first went up. Problems arose from not knowing the layout of Neversummer, where to go, overcrowded n00b lvling areas etc. I dont think i need to go over those things so suffice it to say this char was the most frustrating to play and lvl.

2: Lvl 14 Barb/Rogue:

This char had an easier time of it. Kept to n00b lvling areas till lvl 5. Was fast to lvl to 2, if you took the *Guard job in LA you can reach lvl 2 by the time you go from Mercantile District underground to the South Wall and back quite easily. lvling to 5 takes patience. Keeping to n00b areas and partying with similar lvls keeps you safe and enjoyable. From lvl 5 onwards it is advisable to party, but if you keep to goblins, orcs and the occasional foray to Bandits you should be safe in solo mode. 13+ lvl...well havent played the char for a while so cant constructively comment.

3: Lvl 8 Fighter/Rogue:

My new char started 2 nights ago. Again similar to above. Keeping to n00b areas and partying when able allows one to lvl relatively quickly. Bandits give good xp from lvl 4-5 onwards, party when you can, be ready to *Tactically advance rapidly to the rear* when in solo mode and you can keep safe.

Conclusion.

LA has jobs and does make it easier. Party as much as possible, run where applicable [I do a lot of it ] Lvling is fairly easy if you keep to the appropriate places for your level. Patience is a MUST. All in all Ive found the going tough without being frustratingly impossible, which is what the Devs and DMs are wanting [an opinion only....and mine to boot ]