[hcobb]

To help out starting characters I'd rather word the table this way.

For each added talent/spell slot or attribute XP cost
1st and 2nd 100 XP
3rd and 4th 200 XP
5th and 6th 400 XP
7th and 8th 800 XP
...

With a note at the end that each talent/spell slot costs no more than 500 XP each, with three slots per spell for heroes and most talents taking double the heroic number of slots for wizards.

This way starting characters aren't completely fnorded over if they need to learn a new language or adapt when the campaign suddenly turns nautical, etc.