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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sir_Darien" data-source="post: 4230083" data-attributes="member: 62164">I've played and DMed games both with and without XP rewards in 2e, 3e, and 3.5. Here are a few of the reasons I like them:-They help keep the group from responding to everything with a quip and to take the game more seriously. This keeps the game on topic and running smoothly.-They give the players who do enjoy method acting and speaking in character a reason to do so.Here are a few reasons I dislike them:-They are very abstract. You can put in whatever system you like, but it still basically comes down to a DM judgement call. Since most DMs are not acting coaches, this creates a problem. I find it works much better if I "give" each player XP at the beginning of the night and take away a little every time they do something to be stupid or just act out of character. Then at the end of the night I actually give them whatever is left.-Oftentimes they give an in-game reward for an out-of-game talent. Certain players are simply more social, vocal, and talented when it comes to roleplaying. Why should I reward them for this natural talent any more than I reward players based on how many free throws they can make in a minute. Penalizing people for acting stupid is one thing, rewarding them because they are better at speaking middle english is another.Overall, I think that roleplaying XP is best left for games where EVERYONE in the group wants to play a very serious game in character. For dungeon-mashing groups it really doesn't make sense to implement it.If, as a DM, you want to reward a specific player for helping keep the game focused and staying on topic, especially if he is a strong roleplayer, work some of his characters storyline into your game. Let his character have a pivotal role to play in your world. This will make him happier than any amount of XP, and the monster-bashers of the group won't feel like they are getting screwed out of XP.My current group consists of 2 hardcore roleplayers, 2 guys who want to kill monsters and take its stuff, and one lurker who just seems to enjoy showing up. My last campaign went very well because its storyline revolved around the two roleplayers and I made sure the two others got some bada$$ gear. Basically DMs, just give your players what they want and your games are enjoyed by all. Wow this post got preachy fast. Thats it for me.-D</blockquote>

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