Originally Posted by Tuco
BG2 also starts at level 7 minimum and ends up in the 20s (up to level 40 with Throne of Bhaal).
Level 12 is precisely the middle ground where AD&D/2nd Edition used to put the minimum threshold to even qualify as an Archdruid candidate.

I just added that part for completness sake.
Didn't druid leveling end with level 11 or so? Every other "level" would have to be gained by defeating one of the few people to have the special rank?
If I recall correctly, that was pretty high level for 2nd edition. ToB was rather gamey when it came to levels. But I think that is always a problem with epic campaigns. Throwing them into hell for the epic portion of the NWN campaign was a pretty good solution actually.