You could end up with a 1st level ranger with 20 hp.
manikus, I believe, started with 12 or 13. Ah, those were the days - you did a whole gaming session and if the DM was in a good mood you might go up a level.
Versus today's computer versions and if you're not leveling every 30 to 60 minutes you are doing something wrong.
Um, the rumors about manikus going off to become a ninja are completely untrue - he went off to become a jedi.