Crazy Idea - DM picks a level, PCs stay there

[dammitbiscuit]

Sounds like a square peg and round hole sort of scenario. D&D has a specialty or two that it's very good at. You're taking that away and using D&D to do something that other RP-centric games do much, much better.

 

[LostSoul]

Let me point you to an interesting blog post about RPG structure:

A partial road map to RPG structure | Stories You Play

There is some good stuff there.

 

[Solvarn]

A variant I'm considering: the DM sets the campaign level; 2nd, 8th, 16th, whatever. The characters remain at that level throughout - xp isn't awarded, treasure is light and magic items (other than those purchased during character building) virtually nonexistent.

The aim is to emulate characters from certain types of fantasy fiction whom rarely exceed their starting skill levels. Rather than amassing inherent personal power, the emphasis will be on developing oneself within the context of the world; via alliances, betrayals, military actions, trade and whatever else is appropriate to the tier currently occupied.

Under this system the hiearchy of power is abundantly clear. Some enemies are trivially easy, others require solutions beyond frontal assault (hence the need for alliances and such). If your character is tenth level and set on vanquishing Torog then some thought is required. You won't eventually get there via xp.

There are probably better game systems out there for this kind of thing.

 

[Tequila Sunrise]

A variant I'm considering: the DM sets the campaign level; 2nd, 8th, 16th, whatever. The characters remain at that level throughout - xp isn't awarded, treasure is light and magic items (other than those purchased during character building) virtually nonexistent.

Name 30th level, and you've got yourself an enthusiastic player! Any other level, and you've got yourself a very hard sell. I might buy into 10th or 20th level, but I'd rather run a game myself than not at least get all the toys of whatever tier I'm currently in.