Pick a level

[Foxhound438]

If you were to play (or run) a game that starts at a level and then you never level up, what level would you want to be?

I ran a game a while back that was just a level 8 game. Overall it went pretty well. The point was to have the characters be "pretty strong" without being strong enough to break the world or anything, and not having decisions made based on the "grinding levels" mindset.

With that experience in mind, if I were to be able to choose a level for a game that I played in, I think level 3 or 4 would be better. At 4 you generally have an archetype, some features to make you pretty good at at least one thing or decent at a few, and your choice of a feat or a higher ability score. But the bigger benefit is that you avoid the HP scaling to the moon aspect of higher level play, and everything feels at least somewhat dangerous, especially if you're engaged by numerous enemies. It adds a level of tension that just goes away when you have enough HP that your tank goes multiple rounds in melee with a boss monster without even feeling it.


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[Armored Walrus]

I'd go level 5. All the classes are interesting by this level, and have all their core tricks, but the ability bloat of high level play hasn't kicked in yet. If you want to be generous, go level 6 so the gishes can get their second attack, too.

[TripleD]

I like level 8 as well. The single-class players have some powerful tools, and the more “creative” multi-classes builds can have two archetypes, a 5th level power boost, and a feat, which should be enough to most concepts off the ground.

[CTurbo]

anywhere between level 8 and level 11

[Lunali]

I think I'd go relatively high level as I don't often get the chance to play high level characters and when I do, it isn't for very long.

[GreyBlack]

Level 5. I'm a big fan of E6, and I think you can tell some really compelling and human stories while still at level 5.

[Corran]

Level 10, sounds good to me. It would allow me to choose from a wide variety of opponents for the players, without worrying too much how they can use their characters' powers in a way that would force me to improvise too much.

[stoutstien]

11. Players have tons of options and a few big guns to feel really powerful. Dm can use unique foes and more dynamic encounter elements

[pygmybatrider]

11. Players have tons of options and a few big guns to feel really powerful. Dm can use unique foes and more dynamic encounter elements

This, but 12, so that those who didn’t start with a 16 can max out their main stat, or grab an interesting feat.