XP for "Items of worth"?

[idrahil]

Ok so, if a player pulls out a 250 GP necklace from the dungeon but gives it away to an NPC, does the player get xp for it? And with that in mind, should xp be only awarded for straight Gold Pieces? So if you're having issues fencing those rubies, no xp for you?

Or, do you give xp for the rubies even though they aren't "hard currency" yet?

[bestialwarlust]

The way I've always done it is if the player obtains the item through whatever means I give the xp value. As selling the item off my yield less that it's actual worth depending on the item and the buyer.

[Deleted]

IMC I award XP only for monetary value gained by the player-character (besides XP for monsters defeated, that is).

Giving treasure to an NPC is its own reward, that is, increased loyalty from the NPC (and increased XP awards to the NPC if a levelled type).

If the PC is taken for a fraction of a treasure's worth, then he is awarded XP accordingly. This makes dwarves and gnomes valuable party members IMC, since they are able to accurately assess the value of gems and jewelry.

[waysoftheearth]

Are you asking whether it's "unfair" to reveal a treasure's real worth by awarding XP equal to it's gp value?

It's really up to you. In my own games I usually give XP based on what the players' sell stuff for rather than some "intrinsic" value. After all, something is only really worth what the market will pay!

This kind of thing can work well if the players enjoy town intrigues, but on the other hand it can seriously delay getting back to the dungeon. You'll quickly find out how your players want to spend their time...

It doesn't really matter exactly how you award XP, so long as you're reasonably consistent and the players get to play their part in it. My advice would be simply to focus your effort where you're getting good returns in enjoyment; gloss over the other stuff.

[Koren n'Rhys]

I try not to over think this stuff. PC recovered and disposed of said treasure. They get the 250 XP. If they sell the thing or otherwise convert it to gold, it doesn't affect the XP value regardless of what they manage to get for it (whether more of less than the 250).

[Deleted]

Apologies. It never seemed that "over-thought" to me, but I've been using that method so long it is second nature. Sorry for the bad advice.

[Falconer]

I do what Cameron does (or similar). It actually seems like less work to me. I calculate XP from monsters. The players divide up the treasure. I add their figure to mine.

[idrahil]

Cameron, that seems a great way to run the game. I like that sort of thing. However, in this case.....my players are my kids so keep that in mind as this is what happened:

My son (who is 7) gave his mom a necklace worth 250 gp.
My daughter (Who is 12) tried to get him to sell it so they would get xp.

I felt the thought of giving his mom a gift was nice and decided they would all split the 250 xp for the worth of the item.

But, I had usually used fencing valuables as side quest adventure hooks......

[Deleted]

I agree, Idrahil ... a flat out XP award is probably more appropriate for younger players.

[machpants]

Give them double XP if they blow the GP on booze and ladies of negotiable virtue!

[Mike]

Simple for my game. A satchel of 250 gold coins is worth exactly the same number of XPs as a 250 gp necklace whatever the PCs do with it. It's recovered from the dungeon, it's worth XPs.

[idrahil]

Mar 28, 2013 9:58:48 GMT -6 Mike said:

Simple for my game. A satchel of 250 gold coins is worth exactly the same number of XPs as a 250 gp necklace whatever the PCs do with it. It's recovered from the dungeon, it's worth XPs.

That is basically what I switched to when playing with my kids.