Experience for defeat?

[Shallown]

does anyone else give experience to a party when they get thier buttocks handed to them. I do. I give like 50-75% of the trap/monster etc. for being beaten. I figure they learn from thier mistakes and are a bit wiser, especially wise enough to run away. If they go back I give them the remaineder plus perhaps a little bit depending on how much the first defeat prepared them for the next. Ie do they know/suspect the monsters weakness/advantages now.

I was just wondering if I was the only one.

Later

 

[Airwolf]

You are not the only one. I do that as well. Generally they get 50% of the encounter value if they get their butts kicked and run away.

IRL I have learned some of my most valuable lessons when I have tried and failed.

 

[Tonguez]

IMC I give XP for reaching an objective - so whether they beat up a line of monsters, are defeated by a single goblin or even entirely avoid the full cast of beasties they get XP once they have reached their next objective

 

[Aeris Winterood]

Losing Encounters

I like to set up my players at times in no-win situations.... it does a coule of things for them (and yes, most times I give them experience for this)...

If they are cocky or think they are all that...it will bring them down a notch.. makes them feel "mortal".... and it shows that there is always something meaner.. tougher.. etc... that not all battles end with them cleaning their swords of the blood of the fallen....

 

[Chronosome]

Ooo...it's nice when a thread looks all unanimous n' stuff.

I also come from the "mistakes equal experience" school of thought. A rough fight, trap or social encounter is definitely something the characters would learn from.

 

[arbados]

As long as they play intelligently! If they just rush in to battle an obviously overpowering oponent I don't give them much unless they retreat in a resonable time. I think xp's should be awarded from learning mistakes as long as they make resonable decisions and seem to learn while doing it.