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<blockquote data-quote="S'mon" data-source="post: 4451362" data-attributes="member: 463">I've definitely found that 3e works best as a lower-powered setting in terms of NPC levels.&nbsp; I don't recommend reducing magic items by level though, as this leads to spellcasters overpowering non-spellcasters.&nbsp; I think the best approach is either to use the standard demographics but have all settlements be small, or to change the demographics so that instead of NPCs being in the 1-20 range they're 1-6, 1-9, 1-12, or whatever fits for the level of magic you want.&nbsp; Or you can do what I do now and have the PCs be the only PC-class characters, with everyone else using NPC classes.Demographics really is the GM's best tool for setting the tone, eg:If you want a setting where PCs are big heroes right out of the gate, have all NPCs be in the 1-6 range, but the vast majority are 1st level NPC-class (eg 1d8 hp Warriors). Maybe include a 9th level Cleric for Raise Dead.&nbsp; Powerful monsters must be rare.If you want a gritty setting where PCs start off inexperienced but rise to positions of great power, have all NPCs be 1-6, BUT only novices are 1st level, with most NPCs in the 2nd-5th range. With armies of 3rd level Fighters backed up by 5th level Wizards, this setting has scope for plenty of powerful monsters like giants and young dragons, but no high-level magics mucking up the fantasy feel - no teleport, especially.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="S'mon, post: 4451362, member: 463"] I've definitely found that 3e works best as a lower-powered setting in terms of NPC levels. I don't recommend reducing magic items by level though, as this leads to spellcasters overpowering non-spellcasters. I think the best approach is either to use the standard demographics but have all settlements be small, or to change the demographics so that instead of NPCs being in the 1-20 range they're 1-6, 1-9, 1-12, or whatever fits for the level of magic you want. Or you can do what I do now and have the PCs be the only PC-class characters, with everyone else using NPC classes. Demographics really is the GM's best tool for setting the tone, eg: If you want a setting where PCs are big heroes right out of the gate, have all NPCs be in the 1-6 range, but the vast majority are 1st level NPC-class (eg 1d8 hp Warriors). Maybe include a 9th level Cleric for Raise Dead. Powerful monsters must be rare. If you want a gritty setting where PCs start off inexperienced but rise to positions of great power, have all NPCs be 1-6, BUT only novices are 1st level, with most NPCs in the 2nd-5th range. With armies of 3rd level Fighters backed up by 5th level Wizards, this setting has scope for plenty of powerful monsters like giants and young dragons, but no high-level magics mucking up the fantasy feel - no teleport, especially. [/QUOTE]

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