Three options for toning down 1st level characters

[keterys]

Yeah, it looks like PCs get an extra +2-4 on both sides of the equation compared to monsters. That's an odd choice, since PCs also have an easier time gaining advantage and granting disadvantage I suspect.

 

[The Shadow]

I especially like your 0-level option, it looks like it'll work great.

Furthermore, it potentially shows the way to being multiclass at 1st level. Just take two 0-level options.

 

[Li Shenron]

I especially like your 0-level option, it looks like it'll work great.

Furthermore, it potentially shows the way to being multiclass at 1st level. Just take two 0-level options.

Thank you, you're the first person in this thread who actually cared about the topic (will XP you next time because I've XP'ed you too recently)

I hadn't actually thought about the option of combining two 0-level characters to make a 1st level one!

I guess that for multiclassing (in general, but also in this case in particular) we still need some tweaks on the weapon&magic attacks at least, because clearly they shouldn't just stack. When I wrote this 0-level proposal I though for a second whether I should lower those attacks, but then I thought that the most common purpose of the 0-level character would be just to simplify the game for beginners (or in general those who want to take a "softer start" with the new edition). This is why my proposal tries two things:

- delay some character choices until the full 1st level, so the player doesn't have to make too many decisions yet
- reduce the number of options in play, so the player focus on learning fewer things at once

But clearly to allow your multiclassing idea some tweaks are needed related to also lowering the actual effectiveness/power of these characters...

 

[Li Shenron]

NEWS: I've updated the original post to make it more clear what are the purposes and methods used. Remember that this thread is not about the problem of balance between classes or against the monsters.

 

[The Shadow]

I guess that for multiclassing (in general, but also in this case in particular) we still need some tweaks on the weapon&magic attacks at least, because clearly they shouldn't just stack.

Seems easy enough. Just take the better number from the two classes.