Starting character level and level cap

New characters will always start the game at level 4, including replacements and temporary substitutes.

No PC or NPC in the game can be higher then level 10. Gaining power beyond level 10 is achieved through accumulating equipment, magic, wealth and influence.

The majority of adventuring and combatant NPCs are level 3, with mundane civilian type NPCs being level 2. Elite and veteran combatants, influential civilians and seasoned adventurers are typically in the level 4-7 range.

Monsters with an effective level higher then 10 do exist, and they are creatures feared by all - sometimes opposed by massed armies lead by the bravest of heroes.


Some of the reasoning behind the idea

A few games feature a character level cap (and an implied character level distribution with in that cap) as a one of setting an overall power level and scope within the campaign setting, the most common I can think of is Eberron.

I obviously like the idea myself, it helps set a lid on power level inflation and stops a forgotten realms type scenario where there are over 100 NPC/monster spell casters with an effective caster level over 20. It also defines a typical region of character abilities and magic spells that will be typically be in play.

I think it also helps a player see his potential place in the world as he increases in level. If powerful NPCs are always 5 or more levels higher then the characters this signifies they will never truly be powers in their own right. Having a player see himself approach (or even overtake) some of the more important characters in level, gives him the opportunity to feel like a truly important part of the campaign setting.

A maximum character level of 10 is quite low for a D&D game, but I think it will work well when combined with a slightly higher then normal PC death rate and the chance to begin epic / leadership-based adventuring a lot earlier then normal.