So based on wbl are there definite levels where characters should attain One, two and three stat enhancement +2,4,6 and what is the guideline consensus of how this progression normally would play out during say an 18 level AP?
Bump?
*Blinks* Are you talking about the stat bonuses gained at level up or when grabbing the stat boosting belts or headbands?
Well the stats gained by leveling aren't enhancements so let's assume items.
As gm I see the first +2 enhancement usually showing up around level 4 in APs. Level 8 is +4 and 12 +6. This is just what I've noticed in APs though. In home brew games it varies.
Ok should I worry about being a couple levels slower than that? Actually the disparity is more like the wizard has a single stat plus 6 headband , the inquisition has a +2 belt of physical perfection and a +2headland of wisdom. The barbarian has a two stat +4 belt, and the cleric is running a custom positive energy phylactery with +2 wis dom and charisma. At APL 11 is this ok, or should everyone be closer to a certain point?
Good. The party is above wbl admittedly but they've played to level rather than being built at level so it should be that way imo.
Indeed. Wealth by level is a guideline only anyway, and it seems that for the most part, the group is relatively equal (though it depends on what other items members of the party have, etc.)
The real way to gauge is to simply look at how your party is doing in combat. Are they rolling every encounter, even the ones that are supposed to be hard? If so, you might want to slow down on the number of items for a short while. If not, then things are probably ok.
Just remember to watch your pacing. In general, most fights should be doable without too much trouble by the party, though they should require the expenditure of some of the party's daily resources (spells, class abilities that are x/day, etc.) Some fights though should be a breeze where the party barely breaks a sweat. Finally, you should have the occasional fight that seems as though it really could go either way. Varying the pacing of these types of encounters helps to keep things interesting for the players. If its too easy, players will just get bored. If its too tough too often, players will just get frustrated.
Edit to add: If you do find that the party is not being challenged enough, make sure to try to diagnose the cause. It could be that you are not playing the monsters/npcs intelligently enough. It could be that your party is particularly well built for the encounters you are throwing at them -- in which case, look for something different to occasionally throw their way. Of course, it could also just be that they are too freakin' rich with money and items and so are performing over their level. Diagnosing the cause though will let you know how to go about correcting the problem -- if one even exists.