Zero Level

Fourth-edition Dungeons & Dragons is scaled to a higher starting level of power than third — or, for that matter, than any previous edition.  First-level characters are no longer fresh off the farm — they’re already skilled adventurers and even heroes in their own right.

Personally, I like this.  I enjoy a more heroic style of play in fantasy, even when I’m running with a low-magic setting.  I like proactive characters who aren’t afraid to take risks and try cool things, and who’ve learned a couple of tricks, and who won’t die of a scratch.  I used to start most of my campaigns at third level.  In fourth edition, first level feels good to me.

But some people enjoy playing at a lower power level, and watching those farmboys — the ones who survive, at least — develop into heroes.  This can be a fine idea for a game, but it’s not something that 4e as-written really serves.  4e is a flexible system, though, and by borrowing a little from the game’s past, it can be made to suit.

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Alignment Explained via Superheroes

These motivational posters are surprisingly apt.  I like the conceit here:  the superheroes (and villains) are, for the most part, pretty well-known figures, which makes this an easy encapsulation of the D&D alignment system.  The one prior to fourth-edition, at any rate.

My favorite part is the quote chosen for each one.  He’s a superhero; he’s a political philosopher.  They Fight Crime.

It’s kind of an old post, but I just stumbled upon a link to it.