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Message: <blockquote data-quote="D+1" data-source="post: 2176223" data-attributes="member: 13654">The first few Levels in the RAW are specifically geared to be fast in order to get the characters to a more "survivable" state that also conveniently provides them with options for tactics.  1st & 2nd are levels where it's so much easier for a character to die simply due to a few bad dice rolls, and PC's have few tactical options due to a limited number of feats, spells, and low chance of success at a decent variety of skills.  It was a design intent to get them out of those initial levels quickly.Combat intensive adventures at these lowest levels are going to be particularly fast and the limited tactical options is a factor in that.  If the PC's are not overwhelmed by sheer numbers and/or presented with lots of genuinely sticky tactical problems (and most DM's are going to be very reticent to do that, thinking, "They're only 1st level - they'll lynch me if I throw tough combats at them right out of the gate") they'll simply bull through it all in no time.  Obviously I think that would be a mistake.  Its those first couple of levels, those initial adventures, that end up setting the tone for the entire campaign.  To just blow through this phase (intentionally or not) is to lose a golden opportunity.Too many DM's focus on those PC restrictions of survivability and tactical limits and want to get past them FAST just as the system is designed to do.  They don't realize (maybe just forget) that it's when the PC's are fighting on the edge of doom that the game is most exciting.   The inherent tactical limitation of characters abilities should be an INDUCEMENT to creative playing BEYOND the easy reliance on feats, or reliably high skill ranks.I still think that low levels are the best range for D&D play, even in 3rd Edition.  The game really hits its stride starting at 5th and all the best character development (IME) always seems to occur from there to around 10th, after which it starts to taper off some.</blockquote>

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