experience

[punkorange]

My group of five, 2 level nines, 2 level sevens, and a level 5 defeated a level 15 orc barbarian in a fight. ACcording to the DMG none of them should get experience because this situation should never arise in game. How would you handle the situation?

 

[Jdvn1]

... I thought nines, at least, would get experience for this. Anyway, I'd go to the highest CR thing they could defeat, calculate the experience based on that, then award extra.

 

[punkorange]

I was almost worried my group was too powerful, but thinking about it I don't really think that compensates for such uneven odds.

If the ER was 15 due to two CR 13's rather than a single CR 15 more than one would have fallen unconcious and the group would have been in more trouble. They are good group though, and play togather well.

 

[Jdvn1]

Well, sometimes the dice just go that way. Maybe the Orc was caught by surprise. I think a bunch of weaker dudes are more powerful than one big dude anyway.

 

[Philip]

Well, sometimes the dice just go that way. Maybe the Orc was caught by surprise. I think a bunch of weaker dudes are more powerful than one big dude anyway.

Your typical 15th lvl Orc fighter can easily go down to a 3rd lvl Cleric's hold person. If he's alone, he's immediately toast.

That said, I would award XP if it was a challenge overcome. If it was just a random dude they attacked for kicks: no XP. If it helped them reach their adventure goals, XP for CR 10 or 11, figuring that was about the real challenge to them. The CR of high level NPC's is overrated. Just compare your typical Eldritch Giant (MM3, CR 15) to a CR 15 NPC, the giant would be a MUCH greater challenge to your typical party. I even wager that the giant would pose a greater challenge to the party than a typical CR 20 NPC.