Consider

               == Monster Level Colors ==

The monster's level is shown beside its name.  The monster's name is also color-coded to tell you whether it is higher or lower level than you.  EQ2 combat is well-balanced for fighting monsters ''at your level''.  When you fight higher or lower level monsters, the difficulty changes significantly.

<table align="center">
<tr>
   <th>Below Your Level</th>
   <th></th>
   <th></th>
   <th>At Your Level</th>
   <th></th>
   <th></th>
   <th>Above Your Level</th>
</tr>
<tr>
   <td width="10%" align="center" bgcolor="gray"><span style="color:white;">'''Gray'''</span></td>
   <td width="10%" align="center" bgcolor="green"><span style="color:white;">'''Green'''</span></td>
   <td width="10%" align="center" bgcolor="blue"><span style="color:white;">'''Blue'''</span></td>
   <td width="10%" align="center" bgcolor="white"><span style="color:black;">'''White'''</span></td>
   <td width="10%" align="center" bgcolor="yellow"><span style="color:black;">'''Yellow'''</span></td>
   <td width="10%" align="center" bgcolor="orange"><span style="color:white;">'''Orange'''</span></td>
   <td width="10%" align="center" bgcolor="red"><span style="color:white;">'''Red'''</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
   <td align="center" >No Reward</td>
   <td align="center" colspan="2" >Easier</td>
   <td align="center" >Well-matched</td>
   <td align="center" colspan="2" >Harder</td>
   <td align="center" >Impossible</td>
</tr>
</table>

*<span style="color:red;">'''Red:'''</span> far above your level - impossible to defeat in any circumstance.  The combat system doesn't allow you to perform effectively against a red opponent.
*<span style="color:orange;">'''Orange:'''</span> significantly above your level - very few characters can defeat such enemies alone.  Your effectiveness is significantly reduced against orange opponents.
*<span style="color:yellow;">'''Yellow:'''</span> slightly above your level - gives an additional challenge compared to white opponents.  Your effectiveness is slightly reduced.  Above-average equipment & spells may be needed.
*'''White:''' same level as your character - a suitable opponent, with a good chance of your victory.  Average equipment/spells are sufficient to beat such enemies.
*<span style="color:blue;">'''Blue:'''</span> slightly below your level - can be defeated in suboptimal circumstances (e.g. while wounded or outnumbered).  Your effectiveness is slightly improved when fighting blue opponents.
*<span style="color:green;">'''Green:'''</span> significantly below your level - almost no risk of your death.  Your effectiveness is significantly improved, and the enemy's performance significantly reduced.
*<span style="color:gray;">'''Gray:'''</span> far below your level - no risk to you; does not drop treasure chests; will not behave aggressively toward you unless attacked.