AD&D - Let's Talk about Training for New Levels

Highlights

• 📈 Experience Points Are Indicators: Experience points reflect progress but do not guarantee automatic leveling up.

• 🧩 DM’s Role: The Dungeon Master decides if and when a character gains a level based on performance assessments.

• 📊 Performance Ratings: Characters are evaluated and rated (E, S, F, P) based on their alignment and class behavior during adventures.

• ⏳ Training Time: Characters must spend a number of weeks training, determined by their performance ratings.

• 💰 Financial Requirements: Training incurs costs calculated by a simple formula tied to the character’s level.

• 🧑‍🏫 Need for Mentorship: Characters must train under a mentor of the same class, influencing their progression.

• 🚫 Self-Training Restrictions: Self-training has more stringent costs and time requirements, especially for lower-performing characters.

Key Insights

• 🎯 Character Growth Is Not Automatic: Gaining experience points is a prerequisite for leveling up, but it does not guarantee immediate advancement. This teaches players that consistent effort is necessary for character development, rather than merely accumulating points.

• 🔍 Role of the DM: The DM’s discretion in awarding experience reflects the subjective nature of role-playing games. Each character’s journey is unique, and the DM’s assessment ensures that gameplay remains engaging and fair, as it considers not just numbers but character depth and player actions.

• 📝 Performance Evaluation: The structured performance evaluation system allows for a nuanced understanding of character behavior. This approach encourages players to stay true to their character’s alignment and class, enhancing the immersive experience of the game.

• 📅 Training Weeks as a Game Mechanic: The concept of requiring a specific number of weeks for training adds a layer of realism to character advancement. It also introduces strategic planning for players, who must consider how their characters will spend time between adventures.

• 💸 Cost of Advancement: The monetary investment required for training emphasizes the importance of resource management in gameplay. Players must balance their treasure hoard with the need for character development, creating additional layers of decision-making.

• 👥 Mentorship Dynamics: The requirement for mentorship fosters a community dynamic among players. It encourages collaboration and interaction, as players may need to seek out others who can help them advance, enhancing the social aspect of the game.

• 🚧 Self-Training Challenges: The limitations on self-training, especially for lower-performing characters, highlight the necessity of seeking guidance. This element reinforces the theme that characters are part of a larger world where collaboration and mentorship are vital for success.