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3 years ago ::
May 21, 2010 - 8:41PM
#1
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When i play d&d we all track our exp as 1 number, we all lvl at the same time. I noticed however that our DM still rewards bonus exp to players tho. This got me thinking, I plan on starting a game soon and i was wondering how DMs can reward thier specific players without giving them exp?
At first I was going to go with GP, but i cant really think of a way to explain that ingame...
Since most loot is split up evenly, they cant just find it. It cant be profits from a business cause they might sidetrack and get distracted by trying to focus on boosting business. Yeah thats good RP, but it detracts from the main campaign, and can get rather broken.
Im thinking maybe action points or free rerolls might work, but im looking for more options i can use to keep things interesting.
How have you guys rewarded your players in the past? Points for creativity!
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3 years ago ::
May 21, 2010 - 8:46PM
#2
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Date Joined:
Jun 17, 2007
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Aside from exp, I also give them contacts if they made the NPC they talked to like them. They will be pretty useful in gathering information or if they want little stuff like having a free bedroom and the best wine because you are friends with the innkeeper. Attractive NPCs they like might turn into lovers or love interests.
As for in-party roleplaying, I only award them with exp. Can't think of anything to give to them except that.
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3 years ago ::
May 21, 2010 - 8:47PM
#3
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Date Joined:
Mar 21, 2010
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In combat, consider giving them small bonuses or alternate methods of attacking enemies (I throw my sunrod at the wraith!)
In a skill challenge, again, give them bonuses or alternate methods of achieving their goals (chasing someone through a busy street? I knock people out of my way with a Strength check!)
In other situations, story-based rewards work reasonably well. They can earn favours, gain respect, open up new areas for them to explore, etc.
Leaders are fifth wheels - the steering one.
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3 years ago ::
May 21, 2010 - 8:51PM
#4
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I eliminated XP from my game, so I did have to find some ways to give out bonuses for good ideas and roleplaying.
I do it in the form of bonuses to rolls. If you're doing a skill challenge and the PC describes his action well and it fits the scene, I may give that character an automatic success. At the very least, I'll give him a +2 bonus to the roll for good effort. In a roleplaying scene, good roleplaying from the character results in good response from NPCs without additional Diplomacy, etc. rolls. In combat, if they are going out of their way to describe actions and add to the drama of the scene, they get bonuses to their attack rolls, sometimes their damage rolls, depending on how well I receive the description.
In short, entertain me and be rewarded.
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3 years ago ::
May 21, 2010 - 8:57PM
#5
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Date Joined:
Apr 28, 2010
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While the above are good suggestions, you could go another route and literally reward the player with a cookie. Nothing motivates a man like the thought of free food and thus you guarantee continued good roleplaying. Do not however turn around and give the ladies healthy food like carrots or they may feel you are tyring to imply something. 
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3 years ago ::
May 21, 2010 - 9:16PM
#6
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I'd just end up giving them I.O.U.s for cookies...
I should clarify a tad. the main RP im wanting to focus on is keeping in character.
Im wanting to start a game where the players are 1940s heroes who suddenly find themselves dumped into your stereotypical d&d setting. I plan on having them draw character flaws, things varying from racist, male chovanist, overly patriotic, or my fave and possably the hardest, soviet spy. I do plan on adding more to the list, but thats what i got so far. lol
If they RP thier character well, including the flaw, then i want to give them a reward thats fitting.
If the male chovanist pats a womans butt in a tavern, reward, if the spy starts keeping a spellbook even tho hes not a caster, reward, the patriot goes out of his way to bring democracy to a tribe of kobolds... dude gets a fricken machinegun...
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3 years ago ::
May 22, 2010 - 1:05AM
#7
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Date Joined:
Nov 23, 2007
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Verbal praise is honestly what works best. My group and I RP because we enjoy it which is a pretty difficult reward to top, but being told your RP was awesome gives you a nice warm fuzzy feeling and encourages you to keep doing it in the future.
Its not the answer that matters, its the questions.
This is the sarcasm point ---> {.) the period can be substituted for whatever punctuation mark is appropriate. Use it so show sarcasm in written text.
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3 years ago ::
May 22, 2010 - 1:31AM
#8
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Date Joined:
Dec 18, 2007
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Action points.
Though you should remove the milestone AP if you do that. I did, because it's a major hassle to track (since not all encounters are combats)
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3 years ago ::
May 22, 2010 - 3:48AM
#9
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Date Joined:
Nov 19, 2009
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At first I was going to go with GP, but i cant really think of a way to explain that ingame...
The gods have awarded you with wealth, thy gold coins have multiplied.
You see something shiny on the floor, you pick it up and gain XGP
You pass Go! Cash in XGP
Your mom sends you money
You gain much gold from your roleplaying, therefore you can buy us Pizza tonight.
While the above are good suggestions, you could go another route and literally reward the player with a cookie. Nothing motivates a man like the thought of free food and thus you guarantee continued good roleplaying. Do not however turn around and give the ladies healthy food like carrots or they may fell you are tyring to imply something.
Hmmmm......I might try that....but it will get costly.
Most of the replies here are good and reasonable.
D&D Home Page -
The pen is mightier than the character builder. Copy this to your sig if you like 4e but don't use the CB.
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3 years ago ::
May 22, 2010 - 3:52AM
#10
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Date Joined:
May 13, 2009
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Consider awarding RP with the option of more RP. Give them magic items that are useless in combat but highly thematic, titles and/or land (I got one of my players to roleplay by promising her to rise in the ranks of the mercenaries they fought for, if she tried in character), favors from NPCs, or even just short roleplaying moments.
Roleplaying for most people is its own reward; rewarding it with more roleplaying options will often keep them happy.
Epic Dungeon Master Want to give your players a kingdom of their own? I made a 4e rule system to make it happen! Your Kingdom awaits!Update 5th Sep 2011: Added a sample kingdom, as well as sample of play.
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