XP for non-challenging challenges

[Ridley's Cohort]

So should the PCs get less experience if the DM isn't as tactically minded as the Players? After all, all combats will become easier than the listed CR if the DM isn't playing them as effectively as their opposition.

Sure. If the DM is confident that the tactical advantage for the PCs is fairly consistent in its effect and can be estimated and weighed appropriately relative to other tangible advantages (fighting a dragon in its lair, fighting a Water Elemental underwater), I do not see why not.

Just keep in mind that sometimes "bad play" on the part of NPCs is really caused by "good play" on the part of PCs (and vice versa). I advise giving the players in benefit of the doubt when you are not sure.

 

[satori01]

Note that you wouldn't actually alter the CR, you would alter the EL, giving a +X% or -X% to the XP reward. Using percent changes allows more fine tuning for the XP rewarded.

EDIT: Oops Infinity already said that. That's what I get for leaving the browser open for 15 minutes then respond without refreshing!

While in theory you are right, I think many people including people at WOTC have eyeballed +/- for EL depending on circumstances. Red Hand of Doom has a couple encounters where the metagame thinking of an encounter is discussed.

 

[Diirk]

In my current game, the main fighter keeps a Gauntlet of Rust. Every Iron Golem they encounter goes: Melee touch (versus AC 8), Reflex save (Golem has a Ref save of around +3), then poof, a pile of rust.

"Gauntlet of Rust: This single metal gauntlet looks rusted and pitted but is actually quite powerful. Once per day, it can affect an object as with the rusting grasp spell. It also completely protects the wearer and her gear from rust (magical or otherwise), including the attack of a rust monster."

Last I checked, iron golems weren't objects, but creatures. Even if you allowed it to also work on creatures as per the secondary function of Rusting Grasp, it still wouldn't be an instant kill:

"Against a ferrous creature, rusting grasp instantaneously deals 3d6 points of damage +1 per caster level (maximum +15) per successful attack. The spell lasts for 1 round per level, and you can make one melee touch attack per round."

The fighter has been deluding himself.

 

[Infiniti2000]

Outfit your iron golems with gauntlets of rust and a ring of major electrical resistance.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Outfit your iron golems with gauntlets of rust and a ring of major electrical resistance.

Finally! A good reason to cast Dispel Magic on a object the enemy is wearing.