Mercurius
Legend
Experience points and level advancement seem to be one of those rules sub-systems that is house ruled quite frequently - partially because it is so easy to do so. I personally
There seem to be three general variants:
1) Everyone gets XP individually, which may include individual awards.
2) Everyone gets the same number.
3) No XP are used and instead the DM levels everyone up when he or she thinks its appropriate.
In my last campaign, I started as 1, transitioned to 2, and then finally ended up in 3. While 3 was easiest, I found that something is lost - that there's something lost when you don't keep track of XP. Actually, it is somewhat similar to keeping track of rations or arrows or weight carried. Its a bit tedious, but adds a level of granularity that brings the game alive a bit more. So I'm voting for "individually."
There is also the matter of what XP is given for - old school GP value, monsters, quests, clever actions, etc. I personally don't give XP for GP, but do for combat (not just kills, but defeats, and even some for losses), specific actions (this is where individuals may get different amounts), and completion of a quest.
So as a DM, how do you prefer to give XP? I'm including a poll, but with only general answers - please pick the one that best aligns with your approach, or Other if you must, and explain in a reply.
There seem to be three general variants:
1) Everyone gets XP individually, which may include individual awards.
2) Everyone gets the same number.
3) No XP are used and instead the DM levels everyone up when he or she thinks its appropriate.
In my last campaign, I started as 1, transitioned to 2, and then finally ended up in 3. While 3 was easiest, I found that something is lost - that there's something lost when you don't keep track of XP. Actually, it is somewhat similar to keeping track of rations or arrows or weight carried. Its a bit tedious, but adds a level of granularity that brings the game alive a bit more. So I'm voting for "individually."
There is also the matter of what XP is given for - old school GP value, monsters, quests, clever actions, etc. I personally don't give XP for GP, but do for combat (not just kills, but defeats, and even some for losses), specific actions (this is where individuals may get different amounts), and completion of a quest.
So as a DM, how do you prefer to give XP? I'm including a poll, but with only general answers - please pick the one that best aligns with your approach, or Other if you must, and explain in a reply.