I recently ran across this blog post, in which the author suggests a simplified method for handing out experience points.

http://www.paperspencils.com/2...e-experience-points/

Basically, experience is handed out in single-digit increments. 1 point for an easy fight, or a level-appropriate noncombat challenge (like a trap, or diplomacy), or even for knowing when to run from a difficult fight. 2 points for a level-appropriate fight, or a difficult non-combat task. 3 points for boss-level fights, and for major story awards (like saving a kingdom).

It costs 30 points to gain a level. It doesn't matter how high, it's just 30 points to level-up. (That's the 'medium' rate. 'Fast' costs 20 XP; 'slow' costs 44.)

The author also suggests linking XP with Hero Points, if that option is being used. Using a Hero Point costs the same amount of XP. Actions that give extra Hero Points instead give extra XP (and probably would anyway).

I'm going to try this out in my own game. What do you think of it?
This message was last updated by a moderator, as it was the wrong forum, at 14:41, Wed 15 Apr 2015.

I dislike burning experience as a mechanic, personally.  Aside from that, it has merit.  I generally just have folks level up whenever I feel like it or it fits the story, personally.

I agree, burning xp is bad.

Less likely for a player to use Hero Points if they lose XP. Same true back in 3.x when crafting magic items required XP.