[SchizofranicDM]

Just wondering which levels people like to play at the most.

[Rintaran]

Low levels are definately my preference. The character really get their wings. Every encounter is a struggle and there's always something to work towards. It's also the best time to ecourage proper role-playing and to see players develop their characters from a set of stats and an idea to a full fledged being. Simply a beautiful period in any campaign.

[SchizofranicDM]

Most definately. I was playing a Ravenloft Campaign once and we were 1st level characters traveling in a swamp when we encountered a crocodile. now, at 10th level, or even lower, crocodiles are on par with random brigands and are waved off from most played encounters, yet at such a low level, it was a struggle as epic as battling a dracolich. At the low levels, you worry about hit points and build on your character from scratch. those are truly the trying levels that lead to great role playing. after all, 10th level characters and above are fairly well known, whereas the beauty of being 1st level is building that coveted reputation that gets you free drinks at a bar for a round of stories.

[Darius]

I like lower lvl characters and campaigns , as schizofranicDM says reaching goals and Leveling up is a momentous occasion.just getting a magic item is cause to celebrate for a low level character.God's ,I can still remember when my very 1st Dnd character got his first magic sword and that was nearly 20 yrs ago ,Of course a semi naked 2nd level Fighter with a stick ,beating on a drow cleric and manageing to kill her with 1 hit point left kind of sticks in the mind .it was only a +1 drow longsword that had been magiced so it wouldn't disintergrate in sun light but I kept that sword for ages as a backup , even when I got more powerful weapons.

D

[Xorlarrin42]

I'd have to jump on the bandwagon on this one and say that low levels are indeed the most fun. It's at this point in a character's adventuring life that you, as the player, really begin to make the character into what he or she is. You make the most use of the character, learn all the ups and downs, and then from there you begin to really flesh it out.

[Ssri-Tel-Quessir Hitokiri]

Low levels rock. Can't really say much more than what others have said so I instead post a question: what instruments have already been taken on this alleged bandwagon? I would really like to play the board zither if no one has taken it.

[blacxthornE]

Low levels are nice, but 6-10 is my vote. Does not apply to prestige classes.

Since you have some more class abilities, but flaws too; I think 6-10 should be my preference..

[Darius]

Ssri-Tel-Quessir Hitokiri, on May 17 2004, 03:31 PM, said:

Low levels rock.  Can't really say much more than what others have said so I instead post a question: what instruments have already been taken on this alleged bandwagon?  I would really like to play the board zither if no one has taken it.

Oh God's , a Zither , Where's my stick , Where's my stick

D

[BrotherMouran]

6 - 10 is my preference. The first few levels, the players are still fleshing out the characters, and the characters are still seriously underpowered
(and in certain cases, just too darned fragile). Once you've gotten to 6th or so, the character has developed to start being unique. The combat classes have gotten a few of their definine class skills so they begin to diverge from each other and start to shine in their specialties. Spellcasters begin to acquire a better variety of spells to use. Most importantly, by this point the players usually have an attachment and a solid concept of who his/her character is.

It's also the level I prefer to DM for. I can have a lot more freedom with what sort of challenges I set for the party. It's also when you can really start exploring the depths of the creatures in the Monster Manual. There's only so many things you can sic on a party of low level PC's and have any reasonable expectations of them surviving. Once into the upper single digits, you can expand your creature selection greatly, as well as maintaining the 'ol' standby' lowbie creatures but in greater numbers.

[Gamemasta]

I originally voted low but the more I thought about it, low level casters suck at mostly everything. Spells, AC, HPs, Weapons, skills. I do not like playing a low level caster.
I like low level fighters and rogue, and maybe the monk or bard but i haven't played either of those two yet.

[SchizofranicDM]

I know there are some of you out there that enjoy a good old Epic level, [CHAIR] beating, where are you? I'd love to hear some interesting arguments from the 21+ catagory.

[Ssri-Tel-Quessir Hitokiri]

*shakes fist at Darius* Don't mess with the board zither man. Board zithers kick out some major and minor sounds. ORIENTAL PRIDE!!!

[sparxmith]

Hmmm....I couldn't vot on the poll, so it doesn't show my choice 16-20th level. A

For me, at this point in the game is when Role-playing takes over. Character's by this point are powerful enough to contend with any "Normal" threat (and by normal, I mean something found in the MM or Fiend Folio) and so are the real movers and shakers of the Realm in which they live. Combat is a bit complicated, but combat isn't what I live for.

I love that the character's actually get to choose their own destiny. They can attempt to rule a kingdom, research the very essence of magic, or even begin to attempt to become Deities. Granted, some of this continues on into Epic play (especially the Godhood), but this is where the characters begin being the stuff of Legends and Epics.


Just my two Ducketts,

Sparxmith

PS I didn't select Epic because I haven't yet had a chance to play it.

[Gamemasta]

I have to agree with the realm building aspect. In a FR campaign my 15th level dwarven cleric went back to the Glitterhame which we had dealt with at lower levels and reestablished it as a new dwarven stronghold. I used the Castle/Stronghold builder guide (excellent resource) or whatever it is called and redeveloped the Glitterhame. The GM developed a chart for followers and resources in the area. Was cool....until the lich in the region took offense, but that is a story for another thread.

[Darius]

Ssri-Tel-Quessir Hitokiri, on May 18 2004, 06:26 AM, said:

*shakes fist at Darius* Don't mess with the board zither man.  Board zithers kick out some major and minor sounds.  ORIENTAL PRIDE!!!

D