D&D 5E (2014) Do You Start At Level 1?

[Maxperson]

Because that way I can do other things at level three. Maybe more important things. You know, changing things up a bit. As a game with levels tend to be fitted for.

Do them at level 4. Look, I get that you prefer level 1, but don't pretend the stories you are telling at level 1 are somehow sacred and inherent to that level. They aren't. You can tell them just as easily at levels 3+.

Just about the only thing level 1 can do that level 3 can't is the fragility. Level 3 has more hit points.

 

[Maxperson]

Ahhh, Cantrip McUpcast. I've heard of you.

Sometimes confused with my very clumsy PC, Can-Trip.

 

[AlViking]

Do them at level 4. Look, I get that you prefer level 1, but don't pretend the stories you are telling at level 1 are somehow sacred and inherent to that level. They aren't. You can tell them just as easily at levels 3+.

Just about the only thing level 1 can do that level 3 can't is the fragility. Level 3 has more hit points.

The stories are going to be resolved differently using different mechanisms. A fetch quest at 3rd level is going to include options and abilities that are not available at 1st. Unless you are stating that a 1st level fetch quest is the same as a 20th level fetch quest we're just talking scale of differences.

But to me what's just as important is the change from the perspective of the character as I explained above.

 

[Maxperson]

So if people say that others "just don't get it", it's not because they have a different preference. I get why some people don't want to start at first level and it's fine. But when you start hitting 3rd level and above, the feel of the game changes ... who your character is will be fundamentally different. Even if they are doing similar activities the perspective from the viewpoint of the character is different because by that level they've seen combat, they've had that first experience of "If I make a mistake or get unlucky I die".

It's 100% because they have a different preference. The bolded portion is entirely within your head. What is in your head is what makes it FEEL(subjective) the way it does. When I start at third level, the game is just the same for me as it is at 1st level, but without the boredom of playing 1st level for three levels.

 

[AlViking]

I get what you are saying. In 5E in particular, though, it falls flat for me because of how brief that "normal person| period is. 5E PCs literally go from first to 2nd level overnight. That is, after one bad day. Two days later and they are "Navy Seals" as you say, having hit 3rd level. I am not sure how much you can glean from their "normal life" when it lasts such a short time.

In earlier editions where first level lasted significantly longer, I would tend to be more agreeable to you overall point.

I've played games where we leveled very, very slowly for the first few levels. In one recent campaign I started where they were going to school and started out with no class (which, some would say I still have no class ), it was 7-8 sessions before they hit level 3. It just depends on the group and what kind of ideas we come up with.

 

[Maxperson]

The stories are going to be resolved differently using different mechanisms. A fetch quest at 3rd level is going to include options and abilities that are not available at 1st. Unless you are stating that a 1st level fetch quest is the same as a 20th level fetch quest we're just talking scale of differences.

What? Am I going to Action Surge the herb into being? Or maybe I'm going to Channel Divinity to it. Perhaps I'll find it with a Cunning Action.

There's going to be no different resolution for a fetch quest at 3rd level than at 1st. Hell, 3rd level PCs don't even have a higher proficiency bonus or ability score improvement yet, so the skills used will be exactly the same level of proficiency.

But to me what's just as important is the change from the perspective of the character as I explained above.

I get that. I'm just saying that it's all in your head. It's your preference. When I start at 3e level, I have the same experience you do, because I don't have your preferences in my head to stop me.

 

[AlViking]

It's 100% because they have a different preference. The bolded portion is entirely within your head. What is in your head is what makes it FEEL(subjective) the way it does. When I start at third level, the game is just the same for me as it is at 1st level, but without the boredom of playing 1st level for three levels.

All I can do is reiterate. For me and several others the feel of the game changes when you hit level 3. Of course it's all in my head - it's a game of imagination after all.

I assume you would agree that a 3rd level game and a 20th level game would feel different?

 

[tetrasodium]

I get what you are saying. In 5E in particular, though, it falls flat for me because of how brief that "normal person| period is. 5E PCs literally go from first to 2nd level overnight. That is, after one bad day. Two days later and they are "Navy Seals" as you say, having hit 3rd level. I am not sure how much you can glean from their "normal life" when it lasts such a short time.

In earlier editions where first level lasted significantly longer, I would tend to be more agreeable to you overall point.

Why would it "fall flat"? You yourself in this very thread quoted the other words "My games tend to advance slower and last longer than average". Wotc. Mayhave excessively sped the advancement rate but you are kinda showing how unreasonable it was for them to design against slower progression to the point that someone couldn't even conceive of anything but the default for simple discussion purposes.

Certainly you didn't think I was the only gm to ever consider and choose to slow advancement? I think at least one other poster has talked about doing similar slowing at their table

 

[BenjaminPey]

Hey, you are the one that said

Which is a pretty aggressive way to present your perspective.

After I was repeatdly told that I was wrong to think of my characters in a different manner depending on their levels, yes. That is quite annoying.

Anyway, you do you. I'm sure you'll find the right and true way to play pretend, eventually.

 

[Maxperson]

All I can do is reiterate. For me and several others the feel of the game changes when you hit level 3. Of course it's all in my head - it's a game of imagination after all.

I assume you would agree that a 3rd level game and a 20th level game would feel different?

Low level 1-6, feels different to me than mid level 7-12, which feels different from high level, 13-20. Levels 7 and 15 crest into the next level category and the power level of PCs goes way up. 4th to 6th level spells can do far more than 1st to 3rd, and 7th to 9th level spells can far greater things than 4th to 6th.

So yes, 3rd level feels a lot different to me than 20th level. That said, my 20th level PC's uncle might still need herbs and come calling.