Does Hackmaster have level limits like AD&D?

[dead]

I was thinking of starting up a Hackmaster game but was just wondering whether they tenaciously stuck to level limits like AD&D.

If so, do they explain why they're in place? (Besides "game balance".)

Thanks.

 

[Turanil]

Classes have progressions up to 20 levels.

Races are limited to the classes and levels they can achieve in them, similar to AD&D. I don't remember if they give an explanation, but I don't think so.

 

[MerricB]

The limits are similar to those of 2E. The stated reason is that otherwise demihumans would rule the world and humans wouldn't be worth playing.

Cheers!

 

[JRRNeiklot]

There are ways around the level limits, though.

 

[egomann]

There are ways around the level limits, though.

Absolutly there are ways around them. And unless you are playing sanctioned you can ignore them.

However if you do ignore them I would suggest that you find some other way to balance the non-human races.

 

[JRRNeiklot]

Absolutly there are ways around them. And unless you are playing sanctioned you can ignore them.

However if you do ignore them I would suggest that you find some other way to balance the non-human races.

I was referring to the gene pool method, though I couldn't recall the name at the time.

 

[Phoenix]

The limits are similar to those of 2E. The stated reason is that otherwise demihumans would rule the world and humans wouldn't be worth playing.

Cheers!

That is an extremely stupid and limited thought however, extensive explaination would follow, but it really shouldn't be needed.

 

[Mark Plemmons]

I was thinking of starting up a Hackmaster game but was just wondering whether they tenaciously stuck to level limits like AD&D.

If so, do they explain why they're in place? (Besides "game balance".)

Thanks.

Quoted from the HM PHB - except for possible spelling errors from my typing. (Remember, the views expressed here are part of HackMaster's tongue-in-cheek writing style. Doesn't mean that us KenzerCo folks actually resemble our creation... )

"Many players and GMs in the past have griped about the limits imposed on demi-humans. They deem them unfair and claim they detract from their enjoyment of the game. As such, many of these whiners view the class restriction/level limit rules as optional and choose to disregard them.

How nice it would be if we could ALL cherry pick the rules we play by so that our characters are NEVER put at a disadvantage or inconvenienced. Such characters will also NEVER see a sanctioned game or an official tournament; they are illegal and banned from play.

Admittedly, the restrictions and limits on demi-humans have been artificially imposed for the sake of play balance. The ability of humans to assume any role and reach any level is their only true advantage over their demi-human counterparts. The demi-human races have their own unique powers (such as racial talents.abilites) that make then entertaining to play - particularly the ability to be multi-classed (see Glossary). These powers balance the enjoyment of play against the ability to rise in level.

Besides that, HackMaster characters are likely to be killed off before they have a chance to worry about how high a level they can acheive anyway. Why get your breeches in a wad?"

 

[MerricB]

Quoted from the HM PHB - except for possible spelling errors from my typing. (Remember, the views expressed here are part of HackMaster's tongue-in-cheek writing style. Doesn't mean that us KenzerCo folks actually resemble our creation... )

Mark's trying to fool you. The KenzerCo folks *do* resemble their creation!

Besides that, HackMaster characters are likely to be killed off before they have a chance to worry about how high a level they can acheive anyway. Why get your breeches in a wad?"

If a Hackmaster character isn't killed off by 5th level, the DM isn't trying. Honestly. If I can kill 70+ characters in 5 years of DMing 3e, I see no reason why HM should be any easier.

Cheers!

 

[moritheil]

Honestly. If I can kill 70+ characters in 5 years of DMing 3e, I see no reason why HM should be any easier.

Cheers!

Actually, I have to thank you for sharing that. I was slightly worried that I was doing something wrong (i.e. going too aggressively) because my players keep dying in encounters of no particular importance.