I know this topic has been discussed before on other message boards to great extent, but I would like to open it up to those who love the BB and don't really want to move on to the core rule book (for whatever reasons they have). It looks like Paizo is not going to offer an expansion BB for lvls 6-10 and I don't have a problem with that. I have read the arguments regarding it. I don't want to debate it, I just want to discuss an option to the following question.
The Question: My group wants to keep playing BB but what do we do after lvl 5?
After reading the E6 variant of D&D 3e, I feel that it could be easily applied to the BB, perhaps called P5 or something. If you haven't read up on E6, then do so and come back to my post and join in the discussion. I'd like to hear what you have to say. Google D&D e6.
In its simplest terms, once characters get to Lvl 5, they remain there and gain another feat for every 6000 xp they attain. Hit points and the number of spells you can learn remain the same (unless you choose toughness feat for +3 hp). At lvl 5, they are already mighty heroes in their own right. Groups of orcs still pose a problem, and they remain mortally tied to their 5 hit die. CR 5 Manticores that can eat a whole village should always remain a challange, even for the most seasoned hero. If you want more monsters, go buy a Bestiary and use any monster CR8 or less. After awhile, they may even be able to take on a CR10. Your players will rely more on their wits and less on +5 broadswords.
As your players continue to adventure, their characters will still improve. Skills can be upgraded through Skill Focus, new combat maneuvers can be learned, and magical prowess can improve.
If your Wizard and Cleric players want more, allow them to begin crafting scrolls and potions at their gp cost of the scroll/potion listed on pg 51-53, followed by a Spellcraft DC check of 15 + spell level.
I hope this helps.