My one issue with the game is how Hit Points per Level are handled.
(I will assume that you get half of the hit die type as hit points per level, I know the average is 0,5 higher, however, I decide to ignore this to avoid confusion)
My problem is, that the hit dice of the first level are maxed out. This leads to imbalancing the game.
Let's say you want to play a Barbarian/Wizard. If you take the Barbarian at first level and the wizard at second level, you get 12+3=15 hitpoints. However if you take the Wirzard first, you get 6+6=12 Hitoints. This is a 3 hitpoint penalty just for choosing your first level "wrong".
There are a number of workarounds:
Highest hit die:
Once you choose a class with a higher hit die than you already have, you gain hitpoints equal to the difference. (Just as if you had taken that one at first level)
Disadvantage: Presige Classes like die d12-Dragon Disciple can't be taken at first level anyway.
Higher average hit points per level:
You don't get the higher Hit Points at first level, however each levels hit points are raised by a fix number (as if you had higher Constitution)
Disadvantage: Your Hit Points at first Level are either too low or the hit points at later levels are too high.
Constant Hitpoints at "Level 0":
Assume each charakcter starts with a fix number of Hitpoints (lets say 5) and then at each level (including the first) you add the average hit points.
Disadvantage: Depending on how you choose the number some character gain a minor advantage or disadvantage at first level. The Barbarian 5+6=11 woul loose 1 Hit Point, while the Wizard 5+3=8 Would gain two Hit Point, if you choose 5 hp for Level 0.
I just give everyone 10 at first level, then average rounded up for every class level including first. Slightly more beefy at first which isn't a problem.
You're building a Barbarian/Wizard, yet you worry about optimal allocation of resources? :)
Smug jokes aside, I don't see your concern affecting a whole lot of people. Those who have a concept in mind are unlikely to worry about losing out on 3-4 HP due to their first level choice, and those who optimize will... well, optimize, whether they have a concept in mind or not. After a few levels, those few hit points won't make that big a difference after all.
If it really bothers you, just hand out maximum HP at each and every level, for PCs and NPCs both. This way nobody is ever cheated out of his meaty hit points. The downside is, fights will last longer this way.
EDIT: And why is this topic in the Mythic playtest subforum?
jop, that mythic subforum thing was my misktake. If a mod reads this, please move this thread properly.
You're worried about max hit points at first level? We used to roll for that too. Google the song "Always the First To Die".
You're worried about max hit points at first level? We used to roll for that too. Google the song "Always the First To Die".
Yep. Was a suggestion in AD&D 2nd Edition (might not even have been in the PHB or DMG), and earlier editions didn't even touch it. 1st level wizard with 1 hit point had a 25% chance of happening (d4 hit dice, and it was a rare wizard who had 15 or more in Con).
[Edit to correct bonus hp from Con threshold]