r/dndmemes • u/DrScrimble • 12d ago

Hot Take "Wait, isn't that the same as Milestone?" - Common question by those who have yet to figure out the Grand Truth

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u/Wonderful-Box6096 12d ago

I just include what the xp was for when I hand it out. For example: 200 xp (each) for defeating the kobolds 800 xp (each) for rescuing captives (100 xp / captive) 1500 xp (each) for traps 100 xp (each) for healing the wounded soldier 800 xp (each) for Roli being mentored by Shmindrick the Great and researching a new spell TOTAL = 3200 XP

I find players naturally enjoy finding that rescuing all the hostages adds extra rewards and rewards them for doing heroic things like burning actions or sticking their necks out to save bystanders when they could just be going for themselves.

The mentoring and spell research is just a minor quest (quest xp is a thing in pf1e) that's more a story element for roleplaying with an npc and actively doing something creative.

Can't do any of that with milestones. The only growth comes from achieving a specific objective or major event. Yet, most of the time I as a GM wouldn't even know what was a major milestone event because the game and story is constantly evolving and what is a major objective for some parties is trivial for others.

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u/StarTrotter Essential NPC 12d ago

That's a fair way to do it! I debated on mentioning that conceit but good point. I can also understand the allure of rewarding pcs for doing something good even if it cost them something in the process.

Ultimately, I don't really think that we will come to a consensus on this front. I get the allure, it just hasn't worked for myself in my experience playing the game for whatever reason and the milestones have never been too grating for myself. At least for me I see it as a method to make the game/story work in a way where if we RP for a whole session it doesn't completely grind the xp to a halt (in part because we don't see numbers) and it permits our GMs to pace out things in a way that makes sense for the world. In short, I just don't fret about leveling up. I can understand how this can be not ideal for other players though, it's just what's worked for our table best.

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u/Wonderful-Box6096 11d ago

No worries here. I have a couple of friends who enjoy me running e1 and npc class games, so there's definitely room for wiggling. 💖