Fair Starting Level

I'm a PC I bow to the wisdom of the GM

I intend to keep the starting level of party members at level 1 until the average party level is 6. Then the starting level will be bumped to level 5. I feel levels need to be earned but starting players at level 1 in a mid-level game s a recipe for disaster.

Actually I might make it level 3 at average party level 5... I have to give it some more thought.

I personally think that the starting level should either be 2 levels lowest than the highest person, or 2 levels lower than the CR of the group.

wow me and that comment above agree with each other. at least they wont be completly useless.

Agreed not 5th. This was tried in the past and players had nothing to loose. They die and only loose a level or even gain one??

Yes I want player to be able to survive their first encounter but levels need to earned to be appreciated.

(Max level-2) seems too genrous
(Average level-2) might work.

yes, i like the average -2. that would be fair.

*Bump*