Playing one-off games with higher level wizards?

[Ozreth]

Does anybody build warbands at higher levels? How would you go about doing this? Or would it be too cumbersome?

[Coenus Scaldingus]

Doesn't have to be cumbersome at all. Plenty of possibilities, but a few simple limits can easily make for a good game. Set a number of levels (at least 10 to really make a difference), to be spent on the wizard, limiting stat increases and spell casting value decreases to 2 probably (new spells don't seem necessary). Gold depends a bit on whether you want a mix of cheap and better troops, or mostly elites. I personally like the idea of 1000-1500 gold to be spent on both soldiers and magic items, which allows for some or quite a bunch of magical gear depending on the soldiers picked.

[Ozreth]

Doesn't have to be cumbersome at all. Plenty of possibilities, but a few simple limits can easily make for a good game. Set a number of levels (at least 10 to really make a difference), to be spent on the wizard, limiting stat increases and spell casting value decreases to 2 probably (new spells don't seem necessary). Gold depends a bit on whether you want a mix of cheap and better troops, or mostly elites. I personally like the idea of 1000-1500 gold to be spent on both soldiers and magic items, which allows for some or quite a bunch of magical gear depending on the soldiers picked.

These are some good starting points, thanks. So, it seems like this isn't something people usually do? I get the feeling that one-off games are usually done at 0 level, otherwise people are generally playing in campaigns.

[Connectamabob]

I don't see any reason why it couldn't or shouldn't be done. You'd just have to make sure everyone starts with the same level and resources, but that's easy.

If people generally do one-offs at level 1, I'd guess they're either trying to keep things as KISS as possible for a one-off, or they're thinking that if the one-off is a hit, then they'll have the option open to continue it as a campaign later.