"Breaking" the rules at level one

[randcortin]

Here's the setup: my DM has ruled that all characters in the game enter the game as level one, no matter how high the rest of the party is, or how high the previous character was. Don't ask me why he has it this way; I don't agree with it either.

However, he DOES allow templates and ECL races to be used, as long as the equivalent level of the character isn't more than a level or so higher than the rest of the group. Hence my goal is to create a PC that rapes the rules for first level characters, and allow him to fight with the group without having to run all the time.

Right now we have:

Dwarven Bard 3
Elven Druid 3
Halfling Cleric/Fighter 1/1
Halfling abjurer wizard 1
Human Fighter/Barbarian 2/1
Gnome Rogue 3

There are also a number of issues to consider:

1. Halflings have a bounty on their heads of 5000gp per head. For more info, click on http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20979

2. The PC must be able to contribute something to the group. If the PC does not hit and do damage during an encounter, he gets no experience for the encounter.

3. The PC should be fun to play, which shouldn't be hard since anything broken is fun.

4. The PC should be able to survive until he gets enough experience to level a couple of times.

That said, what combinations of templates, ECL races and PC levels equivalent to about 4th level can you guys come up with so that my 1st level replacement can survive?

 

[Crothian]

I'd just go with a Para Ooze Elemental Barbarian. THe race is only ecl+1, but gets +4 to con and only -2 cha. You'll have a great amoung of HPs and be able to stay in any combat.

THe race can be found in one of the Dragon Mags.

 

[randcortin]

Any idea which one?

 

[Moe Ronalds]

Well, I have two suggestions.

1: Drow
2: Get a new DM.

 

[Crothian]

Any idea which one?

It's one withing the past few months. Not sure which, it's packed up at my new apartment.

 

[Tiefling]

Well, I have two suggestions.

1: Drow
2: Get a new DM.

After reading:

"2. The PC must be able to contribute something to the group. If the PC does not hit and do damage during an encounter, he gets no experience for the encounter."

I'd suggest Option #2.

 

[the Jester]

After reading:

"2. The PC must be able to contribute something to the group. If the PC does not hit and do damage during an encounter, he gets no experience for the encounter."

I'd suggest Option #2.

Yeah, I'd agree that this is a stupid, stupid rule. What about the clerics and bards? If the bard spends all his time buffing and healing and gets no xp... and same with the cleric... well, I can see a shortage of healers coming up in your guys' games.

Shame, really.

Also, having looked in on your halfling bounty thread- well, maybe someone else should dm for a while?

 

[randcortin]

That rule was put into place back when we had about 8-10th level characters, and the wizard would hurl a couple of spells, watch them get resisted, and then run. This rule is referred to as the "Anti-Milo" rule, after the name of the character who would use such strategies.

It sounds harsher than it is: as long as the PC is making an effort to defeat the enemies, whether it be by healing, buffing, or just taking pot shots with a crossbow, you're contributing to the group and will get exp.

 

[DM with a vengence]

Halfling Com1.

He is killed by the party, who collects the 5000 gp bounty.

Next Character.

Halfling Com1.

He is killed by the party, who collects the 5000 gp bounty.

etc until you own the entire universe.

 

[reapersaurus]

Half-Celestial Celestial Paladin.