XP per Session: Session Length

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

On page 45 of In the Labyrinth, it suggests awarding 25 to 100 XP per session.

What is the ideal session length for purposes of awarding XP?

Asking because my group is new to The Fantasy Trip. Also, we don't get to play often, but when we do, it might be over a 2, 3, or 4 day weekend.

[Skarg]

It's just a rough guideline about what typical amounts might be. I don't think there is one ideal.

I would tend to give a different amount of XP based on what actually happened and and what PCs did in the game, and what it felt right that would be worth as experience.

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

Thanks, Skarg. Much appreciated.

[TippetsTX]

I believe advancement pacing is a factor as well. This is also extremely variable, though. Players want to see their characters progressing so if my game sessions are infrequent (say monthly) I might be willing to grant a bit more XP than I would if we were playing weekly.

But this really depends on the group. If you're just starting out (and playing infrequent, but unusually long sessions) choose a baseline you are comfortable with and then increase by 10, 20 or 30% for above-and-beyond actions. This could be something like 10 or 20 XP per hour played (plus bonuses, if applicable). This will allow your players to experience several bumps in ability over the course of a long weekend.

[larsdangly]

I give 100 XP per hour of active, exciting play and 50 XP per hour of blathering, dithering play. I know this is higher than recommended, but it also keeps my players happy and looking forward to the next developments in their characters, and I think obviates pretty much every criticisms I've heard about experience and advancement in legacy edition. That is a lot of value from one tiny departure from the official recommendations.

[Shostak]

I typically give out 10-20 XP per hour of play as a base, with bonuses for great role playing, creating spotlight opportunities for other players, critical rolls, etc. If the characters are achieving a big objective, that's usually worth at least 50 points by itself.

[Axly Suregrip]

Originally Posted by larsdangly

I give 100 XP per hour of active, exciting play and 50 XP per hour of blathering, dithering play. I know this is higher than recommended, but it also keeps my players happy and looking forward to the next developments in their characters, and I think obviates pretty much every criticisms I've heard about experience and advancement in legacy edition. That is a lot of value from one tiny departure from the official recommendations.

Brilliant.