I like the random traits but I agree with OP you should be limited to a class or archetype.

Also, Rare traits should be rare.  By level 10 more champions have at least 3 "rare" traits.

I like the current system, but I'd like to see some rarer traits, and if you meet certain prerequisites, you can get a "class" which can unlock more stuff.

I don't mind the randomization, especially when it identifies if something is common, uncommon, or rare.

What definitely needs to happen is better displaying what happens when a hero levels up (# HP gained, increased stat(s), etc.

I like a combo of both random and archtype path.  I haven't played it enough to get a deep feeling of it, think I played for an hour and my Sov is level 5.  Does the "Path of..." choice have an effect on future options?  I didn't get to play enough yet to be able to tell.

I'm cool with the current system, they just need more unique upgrades for each path.

One of the most similar leveling systems I've seen to this games is the HoMM5 system - each faction had a web of upgrades for certain classes of heroes: http://www.celestialheavens.com/viewpage.php?id=520

The outer ring of skills would be somwhat analagous to the 'Path of' traits here, with each outer skill unlocking subskills, and combinations of those skills leading to 'ultimate' skills in the center of the ring.

A similar system could be used here, where a broader range of traits are accessible to each path, and picking certain combinations unlocks the possibility of more advanced traits showing up.

Another option would be the combination of multiple paths traits unlocking new paths or new traits.

Really there's a lot they can do with the current system, it just needs more development. The current path trees are very shallow and mostly bland, but it's so easy to think up new traits/combinations/branches, I'd be amazed if they are content to let it lie as it stands now.

as seanw3 said, I'd love to see the trait tree in the help window thing (that is one ugly word.)

But I do like the way it is now, where some traits are uncommon and rare, don't really want to be able to follow the tree to exactly what I want every game. Doing that, you may as well just throw out the system and have straight classes with automatic upgrades, IMO.

I think one of the biggest things that needs to be fixed is that when getting a trait you first roll for how good the trait is (common, uncommon, rare, path, epic) then you get a selection of traits all at that strength. Because otherwise I feel like I'm crippling myself if I don't get the one rare trait even if it's not the way I wanted my champion to go.

I like some randomness in the traits, but you should be able to plan ahead a little. Maybe a little of both could do the trick? Say 3 options that depend on what path you have chosen for the hero, and two that are random.

That's fine by me, 3 out of 10 being rare means 7 being generic. I don't see whats the problem with that. 3 traits that are 'epic' or what would you call the even rarer traits would be unbalanced maybe.

yeah i agree

random traits are fine, and in the high lvl there should be less 2 con 2 str etc and more specialized trait following the path(s) chosen

I got WhatHerName the Scorpion up to 75ish% chance to crit one game, it made the Maul Broadsword scary.  Of course graveseal works at 100% for very little mana.

The PoT Assassin is only really good for Master Scout as far as I can see.

I disagree strongly on that.

Multiclassing has been the bread and butter of D&D.

The only thing that is needed is that some perk linked to those paths should have pre-requisites.

I like the random element, it makes you work around things rather than just making the boring optimised option. But increasing the number of choices would be ideal.

My ideal level of randomness would be to have 'common' traits the character qualifies for always be available, then a second window of random uncommon and rare choices. This is a nice compromise between the two, as you are always guaranteed a choice in the common selection that would fit, but there is the chance of a rare or uncommon trait popping up that fits better.

Heroes of might and magic had very controlled random level ups. Your heroes had a restricted pool to choose from, and if you played your cards right you could usually force the game to give you all the skills you wanted (just not necessarily at the right times), since you could only have 'x' number of skills with varying levels.

Random in this game is 'random'. You are just as likely to get Fast, Quick, Strength, and Constitution, as you are Fire II, Water V, Affinity and Intelligence. Controlled randomness is tolerable but true randomness is silly. Nothing good ever came of the random skill selection in heroes of might and magic. Basically you had a 1/9 chance to go "oh fuck looks like this guy is gimp".

Honestly I cannot see any positive reasoning behind making skills random other than it is easier to program.