A Note on Optimization

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I do not run "optimized" encounters with the goal of challenging optimized characters. I do my best to play enemies intelligently, so clever foes will generally know when to retreat, when to focus fire on a player who looks like a threat, when to call for help, etc.. I do also like to provide varied encounter environments so players have a chance to use different tactics or experience different challenges. That's about as deep as things will get in terms of mechanics. You are welcome to build your character efficiently if you have fun designing them that way, and if there's a particular really cool combo you want to try you can let me know and I'll do my best to give you some opportunities to do so, but understand that you will probably get bored if you are expecting to have your number-crunching and perfect feat combinations put to the test on a regular basis.

Additionally, "optimization" is never an excuse for stealing the spotlight from other players. It's fine to be very good at the things you want to do, but if you are repeatedly dominating encounters such that the rest of the party feels as though they can't contribute meaningfully to whatever's going on, we're going to need to make some adjustments. (Similarly, obvious attempts to cheese the rules are frowned upon.)