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XP is handed out for combat (in most cases). It is also given for problem solving, roleplaying, overcoming obstacles, and more. In many ways I use it the way inspiration is described in 5th edition (I don't particularly care for inspiration as written). Where another DM might award inspiration...

Let me point out what might not be clear: Inter-party conflict of characters is absolutely allowed in my games. You'll notice my rule applies to the group of players, not characters. What this means in practice is that if for instance your rogue wants to steal from party members, you must get...

Not a lot here, but sometimes it is unavoidable. Players in my games typically will pull in one of their other characters if the story will allow, or play one of the party's NPC henchmen for the rest of that session otherwise.

Dealing with troublesome players has nothing to do with handling XP with regard to players who miss the occasional session.

Like I said, I'd recommend talking to the player first and figuring out what is going on. Missing out on rewards is a next step if the behavior continues. The final option is to boot the player from the game. I've rarely had to go that far, but it has happened. My personal opinion is that if...

I would start with asking the player what's going on and explain the problems their lateness is creating. If it continues, you should simply start without them and they miss out on things/loot/XP that happened while they were absent. Either they will correct their behavior or drop out of the game.

I was just chiming in on that particular discussion. I fully believe in the use of individual XP outside of this, thankfully rare, circumstance of dealing with problem players. Because my players have multiple characters, not all active at the same time, it only makes sense that they would not...

Believe me I do not take interfering with player agency lightly. What I am speaking of is override in the case of players exceeding the bounds of fair/fun play. Yes, booting is at the extreme end of DM intervention, but there can be lesser forms. For instance, if the party is split and a player...

That is only true to a point. Some player/character behavior is disruptive to the game as a whole and should be subject to DM override. I believe I know what Lanefan means. There are players who hang back and let other players risk their characters because they are afraid their character might...

You're characterization is wrong. You obviously believe not awarding things to absent players is punishment. I reject that notion. Nevermind that a D&D session isn't a self-contained game and has implications for later sessions in a way your analogy doesn't reflect. If someone fails to show...

That seems unfair...or do you mean blind characters? :p

Ugh, that's exactly my point. Where is the sense of accomplishment if you can miss five sessions only to be told your PC has gone from level 2 to 5 and also, here's a bunch of treasure, and a magic sword, and you are now the mayor of a small village? Whee! At that point everyone should just...

Where did I say it was? I didn't. No it isn't. Yes it is. We disagree. Leave it at that.

Exactly. Being able to see/control that individual progression of your character is what sets RPG's apart. Making all advancement automatic and linked to a group regardless of what you actually do in the game (or even if you show up!) turns it into something akin to those other experiences...

The parties in games I run are all over the place with regard to XP. No one in my games has ever identified a need for everyone to be at the same level. Maybe it worked that way in 3rd/4th...I don't know because I never played those editions and they hold no appeal for me. Limiting XP to party...

In my games, the player has a choice: 1) The character fades into the background. He sits out the session safely at an inn if possible. If that can't happen e.g. due to the party being trapped in a large dungeon complex, then they tag along, not contributing, but at no real risk unless the...

I sometimes let players see rolls, and sometimes I don't. It depends on the situation. I am not always consistent in my behavior so as to keep players wondering why I might be hiding rolls. Sometimes there is an ominous reason which the players are unaware of and sometimes there isn't. In my...

Man, you had me up until you dissed the Negative Material plane. Seriously, who can forget all those classic adventures set on...um...wait a minute...checking...Nevermind, it seems no adventure of significant impact has ever taken place there...carry on. In all seriousness, I love the planes...

Correct, I require training in 100% of cases. @Arial Black You are discussing what you think the rules to be, not what they are. Training to advance is just as much a part of the game rules as written as feats and multiclassing are. Training to advance is a variant rule in the DMG...so it is...

That's why I use much slower advancement, and require training between levels before gaining any new abilities. The default pace of advancement in modern D&D is insanely silly. Characters go from nobody to world-shaking demi-god in weeks of game time unless the DM throws on the brakes to...