added a reroll function.
edit: here's a link for this page here
added a traits feature, not sure what to call it yet though. maybe Aspect, or something. I don't want to call it trait, because that feels lazy at this point.
First, I think this is a great idea. GM leveling seems much more reasonable than EXP based leveling for a few reasons (for me).
1. There is no penwork to keep track of EXP
2. Don't have to worry about PCs being underleveled
3. Replaces a fairly arbitrary system with something more deliberate.
However, I feel that connecting EXP awards to the system used for leveling just...replaces one thing with another. Instead of advancing with class abilities through straight EXP, you get "Boon" levels, effectively a free power-up. The awards should be separated from the traditional EXP Pathfinder uses, something that isn't based on how much you complete or kill so they are special, something worked for, not given.
Extra awards should require more effort. I'm probably going to steal the core idea of this, but I'd run it that ingenuity, superb roleplay, handling situations well and cleverness would give you "EXP" (probably in the realm of 20 xp per at lowest). And each 100 xp gives you the equivalent of a "boon" point to spend. The rewards would probably be larger considering the effort that would have to go into getting the points as well.
Of course, this is a lot less sure and variable, so there'd have to be a lot more player interaction and consideration of their actions for awards. Plus the whole "why're they getting more xp than me"... but that's a problem for later. I really like the idea, though I think it should go above and beyond the preset EXP structure. 2 cents given, again: great idea and thank you for posting it.
However, I feel that connecting EXP awards to the system used for leveling just...replaces one thing with another. Instead of advancing with class abilities through straight EXP, you get "Boon" levels, effectively a free power-up. The awards should be separated from the traditional EXP Pathfinder uses, something that isn't based on how much you complete or kill so they are special, something worked for, not given.
absolutely agree
Extra awards should require more effort. I'm probably going to steal the core idea of this, but I'd run it that ingenuity, superb roleplay, handling situations well and cleverness would give you "EXP" (probably in the realm of 20 xp per at lowest). And each 100 xp gives you the equivalent of a "boon" point to spend.
you know what I agree, and am going to change exp to Award Points (AP). I am going to make it even simpler and award AP on a 1 point basis and level as the following;
1-6, 10 points7-12, 12 points
13-18, 14 points
19 and 20, 16 points
The rewards would probably be larger considering the effort that would have to go into getting the points as well.
this we will have to disagree on, as I fear anything more powerful runs real risk of destabilizing the game. I would love to hear your ideas though, I am sure they will be pretty awesome.
Of course, this is a lot less sure and variable, so there'd have to be a lot more player interaction and consideration of their actions for awards. Plus the whole "why're they getting more xp than me"... but that's a problem for later. I really like the idea, though I think it should go above and beyond the preset EXP structure. 2 cents given, again: great idea and thank you for posting it.
Thank you very much for your input, it was very appreciated.
this we will have to disagree on, as I fear anything more powerful runs real risk of destabilizing the game. I would love to hear your ideas though, I am sure they will be pretty awesome.
I agree it runs the cost of destabilizing the game, but you should be able to counter the power/gift if they choose to abuse it. Of course, I'm much more in favor of flashy/potent low-use powers or basic passive ones.
One of my ideas for it was giving a spell-like/supernatural ability usable 1/day at a spell level = to 1/3 their level (for something like 2 Boon Points). And they can improve that to 3/day or 5/day by spending 2 more Boon Points per upgrade, eventually leading to At Will (for 4 Boon Points). So, to get an At Will Ability, based on this, you'd have to spend 10 boon points. (Which would be hefty, especially because I'm a complete stinge with praise...I try to be better, I really do! >.< ). Other than that, I haven't thought much on what prizes. It came down to I was going to set Tier levels for the points. 1 would be say...+2 to a skill, 2 = A reroll chance, 3 = Bonus feat or +2 Ability score (so on). And if the player had something specific they wanted, they'd have to work with the GM to find the right tier and cost.
To use one of your examples: The Contacts Boon. 1 gets you a common worker, 2 an expert, 3 a Master, 4 a grandmaster and 5 perhaps a figure of legend as a contact. Either way, I'd want it to be something that fills out the character, makes them truely unique and memorable. Might break the game a little, but we can always ramp up the challenges. The one worry I'd have is PC overshadowing.
Anywho, I'm rambling somewhat. I'm glad you found my nonsense useful, means a lot. ^_^ If I come up with any cool ideas for rewards, or ever stabilize the Boon Tiers, I'll post it up and perhaps you can give it a once over.
this we will have to disagree on, as I fear anything more powerful runs real risk of destabilizing the game. I would love to hear your ideas though, I am sure they will be pretty awesome.I agree it runs the cost of destabilizing the game, but you should be able to counter the power/gift if they choose to abuse it. Of course, I'm much more in favor of flashy/potent low-use powers or basic passive ones.
One of my ideas for it was giving a spell-like/supernatural ability usable 1/day at a spell level = to 1/3 their level (for something like 2 Boon Points). And they can improve that to 3/day or 5/day by spending 2 more Boon Points per upgrade, eventually leading to At Will (for 4 Boon Points). So, to get an At Will Ability, based on this, you'd have to spend 10 boon points. (Which would be hefty, especially because I'm a complete stinge with praise...I try to be better, I really do! >.< ). Other than that, I haven't thought much on what prizes. It came down to I was going to set Tier levels for the points. 1 would be say...+2 to a skill, 2 = A reroll chance, 3 = Bonus feat or +2 Ability score (so on). And if the player had something specific they wanted, they'd have to work with the GM to find the right tier and cost.
To use one of your examples: The Contacts Boon. 1 gets you a common worker, 2 an expert, 3 a Master, 4 a grandmaster and 5 perhaps a figure of legend as a contact. Either way, I'd want it to be something that fills out the character, makes them truely unique and memorable. Might break the game a little, but we can always ramp up the challenges. The one worry I'd have is PC overshadowing.
Anywho, I'm rambling somewhat. I'm glad you found my nonsense useful, means a lot. ^_^ If I come up with any cool ideas for rewards, or ever stabilize the Boon Tiers, I'll post it up and perhaps you can give it a once over.
can't wait :)
Each advancement should have an in-game prerequisite.
For some examples:
now i wanna borrow the spell-like ability thing, hmm maybe gain a spell-like ability for 2x cost of spell (0 level costs 1) caster level equals 1. you can buy a spell multiple times for increased times per day. thoughts, possible concerns?
bump for ideas
why not one more try.
does anyone see a problem with this system, as far as breaking the game goes? I am looking primarily at feats. I would really appreciate it, if any come to anyone's mind.
gonna bump cause i'm bored
The document could use a little clarification on how points are awarded. I had to come find this thread to figure out what '1 boon point at 10 award point increments' meant, and I'm still not sure I have it right.
like hero points, boon points are granted by the dm for doing exceptionally, and deserve rewards as a result. the boon points per level signify about how much boon to award the players at a given "boon level" think of it as a 2nd, but not required, progression for players to strive for. the boon is just a dumb'd down exp setup with alternate ways to use them.
btw added a few bits of clarification to the doc.