So on the way to my first game as a DM in a long time I was thinking about how to make 1st level characters more survivable. I really like Star Wars Saga Edition's take, by granting 3 full HD at 1st level, but I think it's a bit much for D&D. I read about wound points, granting Con as hp for first level, and quite a few other variants as well as brainstormed some of my own (half-con as bonus hp at 1st level was the best of those).
But suddenly, in the blistering heat I came up with something else, which I liked a lot:
At 1st level roll your 2nd and 3rd level HD. Add them to your starting HP. When you gain 2nd and 3rd level, you do not roll HD, but do increase your HP based on Con.
So a 1st level wizard would be 2d4+4+Con modifier and a 1st level fighter would be 2d10+10+Con modifier.
It worked out great, so what do you think? Would you try this/like this in one of your games?
But suddenly, in the blistering heat I came up with something else, which I liked a lot:
At 1st level roll your 2nd and 3rd level HD. Add them to your starting HP. When you gain 2nd and 3rd level, you do not roll HD, but do increase your HP based on Con.
So a 1st level wizard would be 2d4+4+Con modifier and a 1st level fighter would be 2d10+10+Con modifier.
It worked out great, so what do you think? Would you try this/like this in one of your games?
