At which level do you start your campaigns?

[Strigon]

Level 1, but not necessarily out of preference. I'm usually the DM, so we play in the campaigns I write - and out of habit, I start writing the opening locations for level 1 characters. Because that's what we play. Because that's what the campaigns are designed around because that's what I'm used to because that's what we play...

You get the picture.

[Yahzi]

What it says on the tin, at which level do you start your campaigns?

0. That's zero; or rather, 1st level commoner. You have to earn a real level.

[Milo v3]

"Generally" 3 or 4. Every couple of campaigns I want to do a game that starts at 11 or 15 though. Only ever start games at level 1 if it's someone's first time playing. My players and I would rather play as heroes rather than commoners

[Calthropstu]

I always start my games at level 1. I usually have a new player or a player that hasn't been in one of my games before, and it gives me a chance to see what the group dynamic is like before the stakes are too high.

When I have the chance to actually play a game rather than DM, it's usually level 1 or 3. I'm fine with it but it really sucks that most of them end up getting cancelled because I often play builds that don't get into their groove until level 6 or so.

Yeah, I hate that. Especially when it takes MONTHS to go from level to level.

[Elkad]

1. It's also where I prefer to start as a player.

The crit problem can be mitigated as the DM.
First, I use "death at negative con", not -10. Which gives basically everyone at least a few extra rounds before dying.
Second, I manage crits by managing monster weapons. Give those orcs simple weapons with smaller die, smaller multipliers, or both. Or just use goblins instead.
And I may even stoop to fudging critical rolls in extremis

I do kill PCs. But at level 1&2 they have to be foolish, not just unlucky.

[martixy]

4-6, not including the occasional free LA.

Allows people to take LA, write more interesting backstories.

I mean at some point you just get tired of elves and humans or their various derivatives and the whole zero-to-hero shtick.
Sometimes you just wanna get straight to kicking ass and chewing Devilweed. And sometimes you're all out of Devilweed.

[Zakerst]

Usually at level 3, it gives enough levels to have a different char than everyone else at the table but not so many that the char can't change with the game.

[Telonius]

If there are any players new to the game, I start it at Level 1. Otherwise, usually around 3 or so.

[Pugwampy]

I always DM campaigns from level 1 . I go very easy with level 1 dudes
My kid gloves come off from level 2 and up . Never taken a campaign beyond level 12 or 13 . I think noobs have it easier starting from level 1 . My first ever game was as a level 7 Orc Barbarian . I was beyond confused .


I usually play at level 4 and up . None of the other DM,s like to play level one .

[Wolfkingleo]

Depends on who is playing with me.

If there is an novice among us, then we don't see any problem in starting on lvl 1, otherwise lv 3 - 6. If I'm DMing, I like to set in lvl 4 so all the classes can start showing their true tricks and stuff.

Cheers

[Calthropstu]

I always DM campaigns from level 1 . I go very easy with level 1 dudes
My kid gloves come off from level 2 and up . Never taken a campaign beyond level 12 or 13 . I think noobs have it easier starting from level 1 . My first ever game was as a level 7 Orc Barbarian . I was beyond confused .


I usually play at level 4 and up . None of the other DM,s like to play level one .

I know guys that ONLY play lvl 1. No leveling, no major treasure, no special stuff. And when they get bored, they make a new character.

[Calthropstu]

1. It's also where I prefer to start as a player.

The crit problem can be mitigated as the DM.
First, I use "death at negative con", not -10. Which gives basically everyone at least a few extra rounds before dying.
Second, I manage crits by managing monster weapons. Give those orcs simple weapons with smaller die, smaller multipliers, or both. Or just use goblins instead.
And I may even stoop to fudging critical rolls in extremis

I do kill PCs. But at level 1&2 they have to be foolish, not just unlucky.

You should really look into pathfinder. That is literally what pathfinder does, and they made a lot of nifty fixes to combat. And nearly all super cheese has been removed.