Aaron L
Hero
No, I dont require seperate training to level. I consider adventuring itself to be enough practical experience to justify getting better (levelling up.) After you learn the basics, you typically get better at things by doing them. Now, learning new techniques, like certain feats, I can see requiring training. But I always imagine that characters are in a constant process of learning and studying to improve thier skills without them specifically describing it.
I dont require characters to take time off when they earn enough XP to level up because I assume theyve been training, studying, and learning the whole time theyve been earning that XP.
Just as with a Wizard who picks up 2 spells when he levels, if Bob the Fighter levels up to 10th and picks up the Whirlwind Attack feat I assume hes been studying, reading up, and/or practicing to learn that technique since level 9 (or even earlier) during his free time. Most of the people I play with would actually specify that thier characters were doing just that. I certainly do. And even if they dont specify, I'll just retroactively assume it as a convenience.
Of course, I also require downtime training. If characters dont continue training in thier off time, I give out temporary negative levels if they go too long without any practice. If you go a year or 2 without practice in something, you get rusty. I give a negative level for every 3 months without practice at least twice a week. (down to 1st level), but a month of solid practice for each negative level will fix it.
Of course, this is only for a characters current class. If they want to pick up a new class, and havent already created a backstory to explain having the basics covered (such as having a character start out in one class but planning to multiclass after a few levels, explaining that the character had already completed training in multiple classes but had to choose one to start out in as a matter of game mechanics), I require them to go through an apprenticeship and initial training.
This doesnt include such classes as Wilder and Sorcerer, of course. I also allow easy multiclasing into a races favored class, assuming that the races basic schooling and cultural learning already covers the foundation. I allow any elf to pick up levels in Wizard because I assume all elves learn a bit of the basics of magic as children. The same with dwarves and Fighter,
Ack, sorry for the novel I just wrote. (painkillers and lack of sleep, you understand) But basically I assume a character to be in a constant process of training, and dont usually require a character to pause after earning enough XP to level, and just allow it as soon as they get enough XP.
Now, if itd make for a good story for a character to have to seek out an aged master to learn some special technique, I might work that into the campaign.
But I dont think Id actually restrict a character from levelling, even in that case.
Dang, again, I apologize for the long post. Im on hefty painkillers and Ive been up for about 27 hours straight. (pain keeps one awake, especially when you have a leaky wound over your spine!)
I dont require characters to take time off when they earn enough XP to level up because I assume theyve been training, studying, and learning the whole time theyve been earning that XP.
Just as with a Wizard who picks up 2 spells when he levels, if Bob the Fighter levels up to 10th and picks up the Whirlwind Attack feat I assume hes been studying, reading up, and/or practicing to learn that technique since level 9 (or even earlier) during his free time. Most of the people I play with would actually specify that thier characters were doing just that. I certainly do. And even if they dont specify, I'll just retroactively assume it as a convenience.
Of course, I also require downtime training. If characters dont continue training in thier off time, I give out temporary negative levels if they go too long without any practice. If you go a year or 2 without practice in something, you get rusty. I give a negative level for every 3 months without practice at least twice a week. (down to 1st level), but a month of solid practice for each negative level will fix it.
Of course, this is only for a characters current class. If they want to pick up a new class, and havent already created a backstory to explain having the basics covered (such as having a character start out in one class but planning to multiclass after a few levels, explaining that the character had already completed training in multiple classes but had to choose one to start out in as a matter of game mechanics), I require them to go through an apprenticeship and initial training.
This doesnt include such classes as Wilder and Sorcerer, of course. I also allow easy multiclasing into a races favored class, assuming that the races basic schooling and cultural learning already covers the foundation. I allow any elf to pick up levels in Wizard because I assume all elves learn a bit of the basics of magic as children. The same with dwarves and Fighter,
Ack, sorry for the novel I just wrote. (painkillers and lack of sleep, you understand) But basically I assume a character to be in a constant process of training, and dont usually require a character to pause after earning enough XP to level, and just allow it as soon as they get enough XP.
Now, if itd make for a good story for a character to have to seek out an aged master to learn some special technique, I might work that into the campaign.
But I dont think Id actually restrict a character from levelling, even in that case. Dang, again, I apologize for the long post. Im on hefty painkillers and Ive been up for about 27 hours straight. (pain keeps one awake, especially when you have a leaky wound over your spine!)
He did have some of the greatest trainers and tutors ever though.
