Justifying significant XP loss in game
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I was just curious how some other players deal with interactions where one's character can no longer do something in game that could be previously done because of levels lost due to returning from the fugue.
I'm looking for something a little better to use in game than: "I've forgotten how…", but so far, I'm not getting any ideas.
The usual strategy I use to prevent this is to take any feats I consider "core" to supporting my concept at level 1 if possible. These are things that are very noticeable such as taking a caster class or armour/weapon proficiency. Things I consider hard for a character to "forget".
I'm especially interested in how well-established characters deal with this type of setback. How does a character in a leadership role for instance, retain the respect of their followers if they suddenly lose 4 levels or so?
How do characters you might have played that have had a certain goal represented by a new class or level ((ie, a ranger-turned-monk who has gone through all the RP necessary to become a monk, is no longer a monk... etc.)) react to having lost their abilities?
((Disclaimer: This is not at all meant as a complaint of any kind. I've always believed that a character is based on how you roleplay them, no matter what level they are. I'm really only interested in how large level drops are handled in game by different players.))
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I am a terrible mechanical player. I have never been above level seven, and I was only there for a few hours one time. I constantly played the "get a level 3 feat, lose it a week later" game. Like you suggest, I eventually started only taking noncritical feats at that time. I also tried to make my character less about any particular skill and more about a whole package. It helped.
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The typical, I'm still recovering from a wound is a good excuse too.
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I'm especially interested in how well-established characters deal with this type of setback. How does a character in a leadership role for instance, retain the respect of their followers if they suddenly lose 4 levels or so?
I think many people would say that Leadership is much more about "Presence" and "Inate Character" rather than direct skill. If you can only lead when you are level 10, you have probably failed. Lady Katelyn was leading her faction with level 4/5/6 at times, though she was generally a level 8/9 fighter type We followed her for who she was, not what she could do in battle.
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I'm especially interested in how well-established characters deal with this type of setback. How does a character in a leadership role for instance, retain the respect of their followers if they suddenly lose 4 levels or so?
I think many people would say that Leadership is much more about "Presence" and "Inate Character" rather than direct skill. If you can only lead when you are level 10, you have probably failed. Lady Katelyn was leading her faction with level 4/5/6 at times, though she was generally a level 8/9 fighter type We followed her for who she was, not what she could do in battle.
I usually try to find an excuse for it. A broken back, a terrible magical attack that left my soul torn, something specific. Fatigue is the one i most commonly used. I grow more easily tired etc.
As to the leadership… Honestly, I find there while there are benefits from being a high level, it presents alot of difficulties as well.
Being higher level usually means you have gained some equipment and wealth, making it easier for you to "pay" your followers. It is easier to spend 2000 on a fullplate for your newest squire when you dont have any real expenses and earn around 4-500 gold pieces a quest, than it is trying to pay for the same plate when at lvl 3, and only being able to pull in 150 gold pieces from Nada's.
It also makes it easier for you to help them. A high lvl cleric can raise, spend a few spells on low levels, etc.The problems however, come with the simple fact that it is hard as hell to bond through quests, and in general get in contact with new followers, when you have 8+ lvls above their own. It is also harder taking them with you to kill dragons when they can barely survive an encounter with a normal skeleton.
In short, if you wish to focus on the adventuring aspect, it can be hard to suddenly lose 5 levels in a day. However, in the intrigue department, who you are and who you know, is far more important than whether you have 2, 9, or 17/15 base ab.
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In regards to spells or class specific feats like Divine Might or Summoning Themes I think the casters have the nice and easy explanation of "My past actions have cost me the favor of my god and I must once again prove myself worthy of channeling his boons".
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"My past actions have cost me the favor of my god and I must once again prove myself worthy of channeling his boons".
I like. Will use!
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"My past actions have cost me the favor of my god and I must once again prove myself worthy of channeling his boons".
I used this when playing my cleric to justify spell loss.
As sorcerers you could say injuries or stress have lead you to lose control over your powers.
Wizards can blame lack of concentration or loss of spellpages in battle.
As physical fighters I usually blame injuries and time needed to recover.
Its not that hard, just use your imagination. -
In regards to spells or class specific feats like Divine Might or Summoning Themes I think the casters have the nice and easy explanation of "My past actions have cost me the favor of my god and I must once again prove myself worthy of channeling his boons".
My god, it's so simple and elegant, why haven't I thought of this before. You must be our new king.
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Wizard/ Sorcerer (headache)
Cleric/Ranger (favor lost from past actions/dieing)
Any Physical damaging class (My [Insert body part here] is still hurting from that time when [Insert death aka knocked out here]
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Say you put your intelligence/widom up once or twice, and lost those levels so you were back down, you could always say you have a concussion.