For the Umpteenth Time: Demi-Human Level Limits

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This Again? Demi-Human Level Limits

We've seen the debates. We've heard the sides. We've even heard this is an artifact of the past, dead and buried. We've moved on. No more demi-human level limits. We've found better ways to "balance" things out.

But is balance really what these level limits were about in the first place? If so, why do halflings pretty much get the shaft when it comes to level limits? Do we really think they would take over the game if not for such tight limits? And why, if it's so important that we don't allow Elves to level endlessly over their thousand year lifespan, are they allowed limitless advancement as Thieves?

One thing I've seen missing in the arguments is the idea that "classes" are social constructs. And in a humanocentric world, those social constructs tend to be mainly human social constructs. And so it only makes sense that demi-humans would face limitations. No matter how much an advantage the orc's strength, the elf's dexterity and ambush abilities, or the dwarf looking like a viking may be to the skills of a fighter, it does not overcome the "glass ceiling" imposed by human dominance. Notice where demi-humans are not limited. As thieves. Thieves operate outside the established order, and so in this case they are the exception that proves the rule, that if it weren't for social limitations, there'd be no limitations at all!

Notice, this is a reversal of the common argument that if humans didn't have this advantage, demi-humans would take over. Nay. It's because humans ARE the dominant species that class level limits follow as a logical consequence. The bottom line reason is flavor and flavor alone. You don't have to like the flavor. You can prefer a different flavor. But what's presented is a flavor of its own nonetheless. It's not broken or antiquated. You can't fix it.

Comments

  1. LAST CRUSADEROctober 13, 2017 at 4:59 PM

    I and all of my friends have always ignored the level limits. They never really mattered anyway, It takes so long to level up, that no campaign we played ever lasted long enough for anyone to get past 18th level in anything.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dave FolgerOctober 13, 2017 at 6:02 PM

      I use the original level limits which are a lot more stringent than that. But my experience is the same. We often don't get to high enough level for it to matter very much. Still, I think it helps create a richer world to consider how this stuff works. Classes as social constructs is not something I really see anyone giving much thought to, so I felt it something was worth writing about.

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