Item Creation: Sharing the load

[Merkuri]

I always thought it was unfair that only certain classes (namely spellcasters) had ways to spend XP. Theoretically, these classes can fall behind non-spellcasters if they create lots of items or cast lots of spells that use up XP, and it's usually more fun for everyone when all the PCs are around the same level.

Has anyone used a house rule that allowed fellow PCs to take some of the XP burden off of the spellcasters? Something like allowing one or more extra PCs to participate in the item creation process by contributing psychic energy (or something like that), effectively splitting the XP cost with the spellcaster.

How has this worked out? What rules specifically did you use? Do you limit the number of extra PCs involved or increase the net XP cost based on the number of people involved? Were the characters okay with helping the casters make items?

 

[Drowbane]

I agree that the Wizard (or whatever) shouldn't have to be the only one falling behind on XP.

I allow a non-crafter PC (not: summoned critter, cohort, follower, or any other type of NPC) to donate XP (any amount he wishes) into the Item Creation process.

 

[javcs]

Er, well, not really, since what with the XP award system, the slightly lower level casters will be gaining more XP than the higher level non-casters. Teh net effect will be that casters who are regularly casting stuff will wind up being behind about half a level.

Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with such a house rule.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

My current DM lets other party members pay the XP and/or gold to make an item, which has always been a case of: "You want x? I'll spend the time making x free of charge, if you pay all the gold and XP." I doubt he'd accept use of cohorts or other methods to cheat the houserule (he doesn't allow Leadership, so we couldn't test his patience anyway), nor would I. But thus far, it's worked out without a problem, and seems fairer this way. It also helps that our current party is 4 out of 5 primary or "2/3" (bard) casters, so falling behind even just one level relative to the group has a noticeable effect in combat and thus we're all very antsy about falling behind in XP at all. For the longest time, my character has been 1-2 levels above the dedicated blaster of the party, and mangages equal or better damage output, for example.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

I use a conversion ratio and a GP trade..

Non-crafters can add XP to the crafting pool at a ratio of 3 spent to 1 added.

You can also spend gold on better parts/equipment/supplies, essentially paying for the XP at a rate of 5gp per 1xp.

But, I haven't really had anyone get into the whole crafting thing yet.. so who knows. It would probably help if I was calculating XP awards with my current game instead of SWAGing the level-ups

 

[robberbaron]

In one of our campaigns the Dm had the person wanting the item made pay the XP cost instead of the maker. I think he did it to limit the amount of kit we had. Worked as well, we were well below DMG guidelines.
In my current campaign I would be happy to agree to it if the requester wanted to save money at the expense of XP. In fact, I don't see any reason why not to allow it.