Combat Experience

[Hastifer]

(If the below isn't new, then it is likely one of those dead horses that got vaporized by the forum change)

From time to time, you'll see Combat Experience awards that are higher than usual

For example: 33 xp vs a 3+ to hit foe (should've been 1 xp right?). But later, when you fight the same combat with a lesser powered character, you get 39 xp.

The general thought seems to be that this is "oddly variable xp".

But, I see 32 + normal combat xp.

As in, the GM, whether due to the story effect of the battle or just pure whim, has put in a bonus xp that is included in the form of combat xp instead of as general xp that is separated (which we're also used to seeing).

This bonus xp, like all other bonus xp, is usually a multiple of 2, just like the other general xp bonuses we get elsewhere. 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128, etc.

So, if you know which "normal" combat xp value to expect from a battle, you can figure out which bonus you got.

Granted, in some cases, the bonus combat xp is just as variable as any other bonus, such as in BHC. But, at least we have a new perspective to investigate.

If the idea holds water, it gives us a more specific way to list combat xp in these special cases. Such as 32+normal combat xp, or the like.

[Elrond]

Dude, I'm with any suggestion that standardizes combat xp. I just hate fighting the same enemy type more than once and getting different xp rewards! I do not believe (strongly) that xp should be random.

[thingirl]

I'm fine with a small (1-5) combat XP difference. Because then it gives the feeling of "That was an easy one" or "That was a difficult one". Now getting 32 on one and 2 on the next, that I'm not so keen on.

[Joddelle]

If the variance in XP had anything to do with how difficult the combat was, I'd be all for small variances. But when you get top of range on a fight that didn't drop out of quick combat, and then bottom of range for a fight where you had to use a blessing of protection, then it's just random and aggravating.

[Elrond]

Good example of something where combat xp needs fixing is the CHR and the toy he drops after getting beaten. Logic would dictate that the CHR is more difficult than the toy; and thus his xp reward higher!

[wetheril]

You have some very interesting theories and insights on the game, Hastifer! Your inductive reasoning for how combat exp is accounted for really sounds like something the GM would use. Though, how would you go about proving that this is true? ;)

(Methinks you have something for Questions to the GM for this month.)

[thingirl]

There are only 5, closer to 4, days left in September. Most likely, it'll be next month. But yes, Questions for the GM is a good destination for this.

[Hastifer]

I wasn't so much suggesting that combat xp be changed, as curious as to what the 'hidden' bonus xp was, and the formula for determining it.

Which does indeed make me agree that I should 'ask the GM'.

Thanks all!