Every player begins the game at level 3, with over 1,000 gold to spend on items. Right off the bat, you can get your basic three skills and drill somewhat deep into an item build. Gold doesn't just trickle into your savings slowly throughout the match, either -- it pours in like a heavy, metallic waterfall. A metalfall, if you will. Characters also level up with lightning rapidity, with most players hitting level 6 (which is crucial for learning your Ultimate ability) just a few short minutes in. The AI-controlled minions (or creeps) that are so crucial to character growth in Summoner's Rift are heavily de-emphasized in Dominion. They still give gold (a lot, actually) and experience, but they're mostly around to help capture nodes and feed characters who are reliant on itemization or environmental factors -- such as Tryndamere's need for big weapons and keeping his fury bar filled.
