Everyone starts at 1st level

[Oni]

For 4e? The first thing I'd do would be to get rid of the half-level bonus that gets added to about every die roll. That right there would flatten the powercurve tremendously. The difference between higher level and lower level would then be items, hp, and number of abilities known. I might trim the number of HP gained at a level as well, to flatten the HP curve a bit. I think that would probably do it. Being higher level is obviously better, but being lower level wouldn't make you helpless.

[edit: I might also give +1 hit/damage bonus at levels XYZ to show an improvement in skill, while simultaneously dropping +X items since I'm not terribly fond of them.]

 

[Remathilis]

First off, it depend on HOW high up the other PCs are. A first level PC can still create a meaningful contribution if his peers are 2nd-5th level (though he should take on the weaker foes and avoid enemy casters) but levels 6th-9th the PC is best served hiding/sniping and praying for good roles. After 10th+, the first level PC should be played like a Call of Chuthulu PC; run from everything; burn the books, and have a spare PC or three ready.

 

[Bumbles]

I honestly just don't think it's viable with the system as written. It might be feasible for the GM to fudge things, but that may or may not be a good idea.

 

[Mallus]

Out of curiosity, why is it important for characters to start at 1st level?

I mean, games like Traveller assume each character, whenever they begin play, will be competent.

 

[Nifft]

Give the 1st level halfling rogue a ring of invisibility.

That always ends well.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Thanee]

In D&D (and similar class/level-based games) this simply does not work (well).

Bye
Thanee

 

[Bold or Stupid]

I recently ran a few sessions of 4e with a thrown in high level PC (15 in a party of 9s) I just factored his level to the encounters, and made sure that I kept monsters within both level ranges. This seemed to work, he was awe inspiringly hard but didn't overshadow the rest of the party.

As long as you keep within the level range for fights you'd be okay I think. If you run heavy on skill challenges just cut the new guy some breaks on DCs and you should be good.

 

[fissionessence]

The first level character gets all the hit points and half level bonuses of the average encounter level. They only get powers and feats according to their 1st level, and those increase over time. They're still much less powerful, but at least can hit stuff and don't die right away.

~

 

[Filcher]

"Save the cheerleader."

Make the 1st level PC absolutely crucial to saving the world. If the higher level PCs let him/her die, the universe implodes.

 

[JRRNeiklot]

We did this in the old days. It wasn't a big deal, as long as the rest of the party was level 7 or 8 or less. All the level one guy had to do is hide behind the fighter and scoop up his share of loot and he'd pretty much level up FAST. Admittedly, standing back and chunking a rock isn't very heroic, but it can be fun sometimes. Not much different than a journalist tagging along with a group of marines. A few sessions and he'd catch up with the other guys, if he lived. I'm not too sure it would work well with 4e, though.