Is this a fair way to give out Hero Points?

[Uchuujin]

So, I realize the guide says to give out about one per hour, but with hero points being so crucial to the system now I find it unfair to only give one at a time. So, I generally go with the assumption that each PC should earn one at some point in the game.

Therefor, just to keep things easy, I give one out to each PC at either the halfway point of the scenario, or the two hour mark, whichever comes first. Then if things are running long I give one more each at the four hour mark.

Does this sound like a fair system? Is it giving out too many Hero Points, or not enough? Any input is appreciated.

[roll4initiative]

I think it's just fine. Awarding hero points for heroic actions, funny in-game jokes, or great role playing is a good way, too.

[GM Wageslave]

I left the option there for neat stuff at GenCon, but also did an hour-mark sort of thing.

Past play experiences with a different type of Hero Point in a different campaign left me horribly jaded about 'great roleplay'.

History:

...The amount of folks who would dance on the head of a pin to justify their 'in-combat actions described with about two minutes of description for 'shooting the person' to try to get their Force Points back (SW/WEG) was disgusting.

[Uchuujin]

GM Wageslave wrote:

I left the option there for neat stuff at GenCon, but also did an hour-mark sort of thing.

Past play experiences with a different type of Hero Point in a different campaign left me horribly jaded about 'great roleplay'.

** spoiler omitted **

On the other hand just such descriptive actions made the Stunting in the Exalted game great fun to me. Then again that was a casual home game too, not organized play.

[GM Wageslave]

Exalted, Fate, Amber, and a few others require such things as part of the mechanics.

It really doesn't work for Organized Play -- if anything, it's detrimental in a good chunk of situations.

[Pirate Rob]

That sounds like somewhere between double to triple the expected hero point count. That said you're the GM and get to choose how to hand them out.

[trollbill]

I am still trying to train myself to give them out.

[Dragnmoon]

For me I give out a Hero point after every encounter to the player that had the most impact in that encounter. I never give out a hero point again to the same player. So each player can expect 1 hero point from me each scenario.

[Gary Bush]

I used the same method except I don't limit giving 1 to a player. But that second one has to be extraordinary.

[numbat1]

I ask the players to nominate others during the game. I also look for inspiring acts by either character or player. I have occasionally given more than one at a time when the situation has warranted it.

[Ascalaphus]

The Guide says 1 per hour of the scenario, which would be about 4 while there could be 6 people at the table. That means either not everyone gets one, or you go over that limit.

How do you feel about that?

[schattenstern]

My solution is simple, after 2 or 3 encounters (halfway through the scenario) everyone gets a heropoint (this way everyone gets the point and there are no discussions about favoritism.)

[Uchuujin]

Lau Bannenberg wrote:

The Guide says 1 per hour of the scenario, which would be about 4 while there could be 6 people at the table. That means either not everyone gets one, or you go over that limit.

How do you feel about that?

I tend to think that as the scenarios are written for four PCs now, I assume the baseline rules are written for four PCs as well. So a typical session (four hours) of play each PC should get a Hero Point. If the session goes long, beyond the four hours, I give another each to help them hurry up an finish and keep things on track.

[Sebastian Hirsch]

I give out another point to everyone at the table after about 2/3s or 3/4 (usually before the boss fight or a big challenge) of the scenario and I tell that to my players in advance. That way players dare to actually spend the points.

[Xathos of Varisia]

The players always start off with one HP. Depending on how things go during the first two encounters, I usually hand out another HP to them. I prefer not to have them use the HP casually, but as a ace in the hole type thing for emergencies. There are other factors that influence how many I hand out and when I hand them out. Particularly tough challenges may merit more use of the HP and more need of them.

So far after 30 some sessions, I have found that players like to gut it out if they can and hold onto a HP for the final encounter. I make sure that they have one HP each going into the final encounter. Generally, I haven't had any issues with HP during sessions. The players are already familiar with rerolls from our RIP and product displays, etc. What I do like is that the use of HP in 2e allows for the building of scenarios that are more challenging than what I perceived in 1e.

[Dragnmoon]

Lau Bannenberg wrote:

The Guide says 1 per hour of the scenario, which would be about 4 while there could be 6 people at the table. That means either not everyone gets one, or you go over that limit.

How do you feel about that?

I hate you name stealer!!!!

Wait... what do I think about your question?...

Ehh, 1 per encounter is about 1 per hour.

[zeonsghost]

I give out about 1 per 2 encounters. If they have a struggle with a fight or solve a problem or encounter in a unique way, I'll give out another. It gives me a good way to balance out issues with party composition. This early on, I'd rather give out extra while people are still learning than be stingy and lose players.