how low do you start?

[Henry]

I start anywhere between 1st and 5th, depending on the type of campaign it's going to be and how long I expect it to last.

make that ditto... err, tritto, for me.

 

[alsih2o]

You really need to start including some "It really depends on the campaign, I have no one pattern"-style answers on your polls there, alsih2o.

but, but, then how would i pigeonhole you folks for the upcoming release of my "who we are" compendium?

jeez loise, what do you want? room to be creative and express yourself?

 

[Terwox]

Wow. I'm the only person who started at tenth, for a non-oneshot.
I guess I ran a good deal of backstory and preludes and stuff -- I just wanted players to have backstories where they had already done large things, to start dealing w/ a larger storyline where they could already affect it in a large way.
Bad call? Perhaps, but I like how it's going so far.

 

[alsih2o]

bumpalicious

 

[Ace]

I always start at level 2.

It gives a bit of backstory (3 adventures or a years worth) allows ECL+1 critters (my world is full of them) improves survivability (max HP at l1 +75% or roll if better at level2) and allows easy multi classing.

 

[Buttercup]

So far, always first level, but I think second level might be a good choice if one wants to get a more rounded character.

 

[Umbran]

And again, ditto.

Tritto.

I tend to start low, but exactly where depends on what I and the players want to do.

 

[thalmin]

My last 2 camapigns started at 0 level (each ran for about six years), but my next will probably start at a lofty level of 1 (with each character also having a background level in commoner, aristocrat, or expert).

 

[Doc_Klueless]

Always at level one, but never there for more than one adventure.

 

[Tsyr]

One shots or short games, wherever seems appropriate. For ongoing campgins, always third.