I just started playing Diablo again with the characters I had when I originally started the game at first launch.  When season 3 starts do I have to create a new character to participate in season 3?  One article I read said you could convert your characters to hardcore or normal (which mine are already normal) and continue playing them in season 3.  I am confused.  I don't want to start from scratch again, but I do want to be able to get the new crafting things and armor sets.  BTW, I am not a Hardcore level kind of girl 

 and I'm not playing the MMO game, jut the private game, if that's a consideration.