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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JohnSnow" data-source="post: 3963458" data-attributes="member: 32164">If the low-levels are for NPCs, then put the rules for handling them where they belong - in the Dungeon Masters Guide. Then throw in a sidebar like the following:"Optional Rule: Starting play with Ordinary (nonheroic) characters."Most gaming groups prefer to start play with heroic characters. Ordinarily, play progresses from the Heroic Tier to the Paragon Tier, and finally to Epic Play. While this is the default system of Dungeons & Dragons, there is another option."As stated, most of the NPCs in the world are not heroic characters. Rather, they are ordinary people, who are more fragile than most PCs. The average NPC might be quite skilled in a variety of non-combat skills, but they are NOT adventurers. As an option, DMs may elect to start the campaign with PCs as ordinary characters. At this level, they are not members of any heroic class. Rather, they are ordinary individuals. They receive the starting benefits of their race and are considered 1st-level members of the Nonheroic class. "As stated, nonheroic classes only go up to level 3. When they achieve the 4th level of experience as nonheroics, they convert to the Heroic class of the player's choice."Obviously, you'd need a section in the DMG on handling nonheroic characters. And a way for them to take, for example, Wizard, Ranger, or Fighter training, to get some of the benefits of the heroic classes.To me, the idea of a 6th level nonheroic character is almost absurd. The average individual fills that "ordinary" category. By the time they'd be level 4, they should become "heroes." This is especially true if there's a way for a character to become well-trained in a skill without improving his combat prowess.To me, better rules like this for handling noncombatant NPCs (with a sidebar on using those rules for those who want to start play as "ordinary" characters) would be much more useful than PCs starting out so fragile.But that's just me. Maybe others have no interest in more realistic rules for handling NPCs.</blockquote>

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