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Message: <blockquote data-quote="abirdcall" data-source="post: 6718570" data-attributes="member: 6748898">Ouch. As someone who is in their 30s and is back in school to get an entry level position I will say that it does happen and doesn't have to be lame. My life history informs what I do now but I still have a similar skill level to others in my class.Life is not over once you hit your 30s.I think that backgrounds do an excellent job of providing and explaining what your character did before adventuring.I also wouldn't say that a level 1 fighter barely knows how to fight better than a peasant.As a level 1 fighter you get proficiency in all armour, shields, and weapons. Sounds pretty skilled to me.Then you get a full 10 hp + con. Pretty hardy.Then you get second wind, so you can regain your HP and keep going.You also get a fighting style, so even more skill.Compare to a commoner with 4hp, +2 to hit, 1d4 damage and AC 10.Guards are closer which is essentially where your backstory gets you with 11HP, +3 to hit, 1d6+1 dmg, AC 16I also think of character level as more than just showing the skills that your character has learned. It is tied to the narrative. It partially represents your character's drive. This is why most people don't have class levels and why protagonists survive what would kill ordinary people - because they are important and know it. It's an action/fantasy trope, but it is one for a reason.Maybe it is my age speaking but I don't think all heroes need to be the teenager who is striking out on their own to seek adventure for the first time. It can easily be the person who is a bit older who has finally found real purpose in their life. They have seen what the rampaging monsters have done to their village time and again, and finally, even though it is dangerous, they say no more. I actually find it odd to have a 16-18 year old character with proficiency in all weapons and armour.</blockquote>

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