But the main thing I want is what I treasure the most of the original games, specifically BG1. When you start out with your non-pregenerated custom character, you are a nobody with no power or skills or abilities whatsoever and can barely stand up to a wolf. That is what it means to be level 1. You are more capable than the average peasant, and certainly more knowledgeable, but that is it. And this same thing should be true for your level 1 companions.
I like this idea.
And that is why in the end, being a level 9 Wizard conjuring Lightning Bolts and Cloudkills feels so good. Because you still remember being scared of wolves in the wilderness.
Larian are trying so hard to make you and your companions badass and amazing at level 1. Flying on a spaceship chased by dragon riders, killing Mind Flayers and Cambions in Hell. The baseline is so epic you're not going to feel any different at level 5, 10 or 15. No dynamics. Just more of the same with more abilities.
