XP for PC versus PC battle?

[theoremtank]

There are two PC's in the party that will end up in combat with each other (to the death). How much XP would you give the winner of this encounter?

For example:
PC#1 - a 4th level wizard
versus
PC#2 - a 5th level bard

Are there any official rules on this?
How about a generalized formula for level x versus level y?

 

[Crothian]

Okay, we have 4th level person verse a 5th level person or a level 4 person fighting a CR 5 challenge, and a level 5 person fighting a CR 4 Challenge. So, that's who I would award the XP.

 

[theoremtank]

OK, so the PC's effective character level is their CR.

Use this and go by the normal XP table.

right?

 

[Crothian]

That is correct, sir

 

[GuardianLurker]

OK, so the PC's effective character level is their CR.

Use this and go by the normal XP table.

right?

Bingo.

You may wish to award an Ad Hoc adjustment based on the PCs plans and disparity in equipment. But I wouldn't bother unless the combat seems overly one-sided.

 

[theoremtank]

Thanks again everyone.

 

[hong]

A situation where two PCs duel to the death, with the approval of the DM and the other players (presumably), is something outside D&D's design guidelines. I'd award no experience for this sort of thing.

I mean, there's nothing wrong with killing monsters and taking their treasure, but just because the other PC is a combat monster, that's not quite the same thing.

 

[theoremtank]

I agree. PC's that fight each other for no reason should not get XP. However, the only reason these PC's are fighting is to ammuse a dragon whose lair they foolishly stumbled upon. They do this at his demand for entertainment or they will die by his hand (claw).

As the DM this was set up for an ironic twist and the dragon will not actually allow any PC's to truly die (he is a good brass dragon), but he feels these foolish humanoid (PC's) need to be taught a lesson.

Thanks again

 

[Oni]

Honestly I would just ad hoc something (small, a couple hundred), equal for both parties, because even the one that "dies" will have learned something having not actually done so.

 

[Destil]

Honestly I would just ad hoc something (small, a couple hundred), equal for both parties, because even the one that "dies" will have learned something having not actually done so.

Agreed. Roleplaying bonuses for all!