I got three new players coming into my game next session, all of whom are Level 1 PC's with 0 XP Points. Out of the two players that were there for the first session, one is Level 2 w/ 30 XP and the other is 30 XP off getting Level 2. Should I bring up the new players to the same XP level? Or will it not matter because of their low level combined with there only being 1 level difference?
In a lot of ways, this is a matter of preference, and nothing more.
There isn't really an intrinsic value to starting the new players behind the point of progression the already active characters are at, but some players will feel "cheated" if the new players are given the XP that they feel they didn't "earn", and some players will feel like they are being given something they don't "deserve" if you don't start their character at whatever starting level everyone else started at. You'll have to talk it over with your group to see if they have any particular leanings on the matter.
My group keeps all player characters at the same XP value, no matter what (late joining, missing sessions, doesn't matter) because our priority is on making sure each player feels able to meaningfully participate and contribute - nobody feels like they need to "take it easy" or "carry the new characters" or anything like that. And we always award equal XP to each player, even when giving out bonuses that a system normally suggests to give to an individual (i.e. AD&D 2nd edition has an alternate rule that says Warrior type characters gain (10 x their level x the monster's hit dice) XP for creatures they defeat without help from anyone else, and when we play that edition we use that rule but every character in the party gains that bonus when the warrior type takes out a creature without help) so that any attempt to strive for bonus experience isn't able to devolve into players fighting over session time in order to try and hoard as much XP for their own character as they can.
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Hey guys,
Just a real quick question:
I got three new players coming into my game next session, all of whom are Level 1 PC's with 0 XP Points. Out of the two players that were there for the first session, one is Level 2 w/ 30 XP and the other is 30 XP off getting Level 2. Should I bring up the new players to the same XP level? Or will it not matter because of their low level combined with there only being 1 level difference?
Cheers
Personally I believe they are close enough and your session will be fine.
Perpetually annoyed that Eldritch Knights can't use Eldritch Blast, Eldritch Smite, and Eldritch Sight.
In a lot of ways, this is a matter of preference, and nothing more.
There isn't really an intrinsic value to starting the new players behind the point of progression the already active characters are at, but some players will feel "cheated" if the new players are given the XP that they feel they didn't "earn", and some players will feel like they are being given something they don't "deserve" if you don't start their character at whatever starting level everyone else started at. You'll have to talk it over with your group to see if they have any particular leanings on the matter.
My group keeps all player characters at the same XP value, no matter what (late joining, missing sessions, doesn't matter) because our priority is on making sure each player feels able to meaningfully participate and contribute - nobody feels like they need to "take it easy" or "carry the new characters" or anything like that. And we always award equal XP to each player, even when giving out bonuses that a system normally suggests to give to an individual (i.e. AD&D 2nd edition has an alternate rule that says Warrior type characters gain (10 x their level x the monster's hit dice) XP for creatures they defeat without help from anyone else, and when we play that edition we use that rule but every character in the party gains that bonus when the warrior type takes out a creature without help) so that any attempt to strive for bonus experience isn't able to devolve into players fighting over session time in order to try and hoard as much XP for their own character as they can.