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Should a player be allowed to keep a character they used for part of a campaign a year ago?
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I have an interesting predicament. One player just entered my campaign after claiming that a year ago, he had leveled this character up to level 2. It's not that bad, but wait. He also claimed that he had found a bunch of potions that had permanently increased his fighter's max HP to 55 that same year, and somehow had an initiative bonus of +7 with a DEX of only 14. What should I do?
My first instinct is just to make his character level one again and get rid of the buffs, because we just started, but I'm not sure what he will think.
dnd-5e problem-players
asked 6 hours ago
TheCentaur
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TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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up vote
1
down vote
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I have an interesting predicament. One player just entered my campaign after claiming that a year ago, he had leveled this character up to level 2. It's not that bad, but wait. He also claimed that he had found a bunch of potions that had permanently increased his fighter's max HP to 55 that same year, and somehow had an initiative bonus of +7 with a DEX of only 14. What should I do?
My first instinct is just to make his character level one again and get rid of the buffs, because we just started, but I'm not sure what he will think.
dnd-5e problem-players
asked 6 hours ago
TheCentaur
524
New contributor
TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Is it safe to assume you're not playing in Adventurers League (AL)? (I'm guessing you're not, since that doesn't sound like an official item.)
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I'm not. I'm just doing it for a small club. I'm not some big leagues gamer, I'm just looking for fun.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
I have an interesting predicament. One player just entered my campaign after claiming that a year ago, he had leveled this character up to level 2. It's not that bad, but wait. He also claimed that he had found a bunch of potions that had permanently increased his fighter's max HP to 55 that same year, and somehow had an initiative bonus of +7 with a DEX of only 14. What should I do?
My first instinct is just to make his character level one again and get rid of the buffs, because we just started, but I'm not sure what he will think.
dnd-5e problem-players
asked 6 hours ago
TheCentaur
524
New contributor
TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I have an interesting predicament. One player just entered my campaign after claiming that a year ago, he had leveled this character up to level 2. It's not that bad, but wait. He also claimed that he had found a bunch of potions that had permanently increased his fighter's max HP to 55 that same year, and somehow had an initiative bonus of +7 with a DEX of only 14. What should I do?
My first instinct is just to make his character level one again and get rid of the buffs, because we just started, but I'm not sure what he will think.
dnd-5e problem-players
dnd-5e problem-players
asked 6 hours ago
TheCentaur
524
New contributor
TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 6 hours ago
TheCentaur
524
New contributor
TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 6 hours ago
TheCentaur
524
New contributor
TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 6 hours ago
TheCentaur
524
asked 6 hours ago
TheCentaur
524
524
New contributor
TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
TheCentaur is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Is it safe to assume you're not playing in Adventurers League (AL)? (I'm guessing you're not, since that doesn't sound like an official item.)
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I'm not. I'm just doing it for a small club. I'm not some big leagues gamer, I'm just looking for fun.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
1
Is it safe to assume you're not playing in Adventurers League (AL)? (I'm guessing you're not, since that doesn't sound like an official item.)
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I'm not. I'm just doing it for a small club. I'm not some big leagues gamer, I'm just looking for fun.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
1
1
Is it safe to assume you're not playing in Adventurers League (AL)? (I'm guessing you're not, since that doesn't sound like an official item.)
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
Is it safe to assume you're not playing in Adventurers League (AL)? (I'm guessing you're not, since that doesn't sound like an official item.)
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I'm not. I'm just doing it for a small club. I'm not some big leagues gamer, I'm just looking for fun.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
I'm not. I'm just doing it for a small club. I'm not some big leagues gamer, I'm just looking for fun.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
Only if they are equivalent to the new party.
In general you should only allow a player to bring in an existing character if they are on par with the other members of the party.
Character Level
As a DM that uses the milestone leveling system I dislike my players being a different levels. I wouldn't suggest allowing him to join a level one party at level two as it will permanently imbalance your party. Either level up the others to match or make him return to level one.
Max HP
This is the bit that sounds fishy. I wouldn't allow a player to join with any bonuses from a different campaign. Recalculate his max hit points based on class and constitution and tell him that in this world his potions didn't exist.
Initiative Bonus
The +7 to Initiative sounds like they have taken the Alert Feat from the Player's Handbook. The feat states:
- You gain a +5 bonus to initiative
- You can't be surprised while you are conscious
- Other creatures don't gain advantage on attack rolls against you as a result of being hidden from you.
The only way they could have this feat at level 2 would be by being a variant human however so check that.
Continuing Story
Player's who like to play the same character often encounter this situation. It's possible he became attached to this character and didn't get to continue his story, either make his previous story cannon or not. Up to you and what will suit your world. You can rule that this is an alternate reality and while he is the same character he doesn't have any of the experiences he had previously.
Make it equal
In general, you can allow players to play anything you like so long as the party is even and fair. Make sure he is playing a character created within the rules and is even with the other players.
answered 4 hours ago
linksassin
591115
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
It sounds like you have a classic 'power gamer'.
You may want to address the problem early by talking with your player about just what he wants to get out of the game. If maximizing abilities and bonuses is his thing then you have to decide how disruptive this character will be to your game.
Alternately you could take a consensus from your gaming group. Would anyone mind? How would it effect play? the group may make the decision for you.
Ultimately as GM you have the final word in what you'll allow in your game but this is more of a personality problem then a rules question.
answered 6 hours ago
Marlond
743322
1
From your linked article: "They have intimate knowledge of all the mechanics of the roleplaying system, and use them to build characters with broken power-combos and min-maxed abilities." It sounds like this player doesn't understand the rules work or that there's no expectation the same character will be able to be transferred between totally different campaigns... so it's not really a matter of "power-gaming". OP does need to make it clear what is and isn't acceptable in his game, though.
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I have asked exactly how he got these stats, he said he had "enchanted some potions". I don't think he's a power gamer, but I'm unsure if he really understands the concepts of these buffs.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
Only if they are equivalent to the new party.
In general you should only allow a player to bring in an existing character if they are on par with the other members of the party.
Character Level
As a DM that uses the milestone leveling system I dislike my players being a different levels. I wouldn't suggest allowing him to join a level one party at level two as it will permanently imbalance your party. Either level up the others to match or make him return to level one.
Max HP
This is the bit that sounds fishy. I wouldn't allow a player to join with any bonuses from a different campaign. Recalculate his max hit points based on class and constitution and tell him that in this world his potions didn't exist.
Initiative Bonus
The +7 to Initiative sounds like they have taken the Alert Feat from the Player's Handbook. The feat states:
- You gain a +5 bonus to initiative
- You can't be surprised while you are conscious
- Other creatures don't gain advantage on attack rolls against you as a result of being hidden from you.
The only way they could have this feat at level 2 would be by being a variant human however so check that.
Continuing Story
Player's who like to play the same character often encounter this situation. It's possible he became attached to this character and didn't get to continue his story, either make his previous story cannon or not. Up to you and what will suit your world. You can rule that this is an alternate reality and while he is the same character he doesn't have any of the experiences he had previously.
Make it equal
In general, you can allow players to play anything you like so long as the party is even and fair. Make sure he is playing a character created within the rules and is even with the other players.
answered 4 hours ago
linksassin
591115
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Only if they are equivalent to the new party.
In general you should only allow a player to bring in an existing character if they are on par with the other members of the party.
Character Level
As a DM that uses the milestone leveling system I dislike my players being a different levels. I wouldn't suggest allowing him to join a level one party at level two as it will permanently imbalance your party. Either level up the others to match or make him return to level one.
Max HP
This is the bit that sounds fishy. I wouldn't allow a player to join with any bonuses from a different campaign. Recalculate his max hit points based on class and constitution and tell him that in this world his potions didn't exist.
Initiative Bonus
The +7 to Initiative sounds like they have taken the Alert Feat from the Player's Handbook. The feat states:
- You gain a +5 bonus to initiative
- You can't be surprised while you are conscious
- Other creatures don't gain advantage on attack rolls against you as a result of being hidden from you.
The only way they could have this feat at level 2 would be by being a variant human however so check that.
Continuing Story
Player's who like to play the same character often encounter this situation. It's possible he became attached to this character and didn't get to continue his story, either make his previous story cannon or not. Up to you and what will suit your world. You can rule that this is an alternate reality and while he is the same character he doesn't have any of the experiences he had previously.
Make it equal
In general, you can allow players to play anything you like so long as the party is even and fair. Make sure he is playing a character created within the rules and is even with the other players.
answered 4 hours ago
linksassin
591115
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
Only if they are equivalent to the new party.
In general you should only allow a player to bring in an existing character if they are on par with the other members of the party.
Character Level
As a DM that uses the milestone leveling system I dislike my players being a different levels. I wouldn't suggest allowing him to join a level one party at level two as it will permanently imbalance your party. Either level up the others to match or make him return to level one.
Max HP
This is the bit that sounds fishy. I wouldn't allow a player to join with any bonuses from a different campaign. Recalculate his max hit points based on class and constitution and tell him that in this world his potions didn't exist.
Initiative Bonus
The +7 to Initiative sounds like they have taken the Alert Feat from the Player's Handbook. The feat states:
- You gain a +5 bonus to initiative
- You can't be surprised while you are conscious
- Other creatures don't gain advantage on attack rolls against you as a result of being hidden from you.
The only way they could have this feat at level 2 would be by being a variant human however so check that.
Continuing Story
Player's who like to play the same character often encounter this situation. It's possible he became attached to this character and didn't get to continue his story, either make his previous story cannon or not. Up to you and what will suit your world. You can rule that this is an alternate reality and while he is the same character he doesn't have any of the experiences he had previously.
Make it equal
In general, you can allow players to play anything you like so long as the party is even and fair. Make sure he is playing a character created within the rules and is even with the other players.
answered 4 hours ago
linksassin
591115
Only if they are equivalent to the new party.
In general you should only allow a player to bring in an existing character if they are on par with the other members of the party.
Character Level
As a DM that uses the milestone leveling system I dislike my players being a different levels. I wouldn't suggest allowing him to join a level one party at level two as it will permanently imbalance your party. Either level up the others to match or make him return to level one.
Max HP
This is the bit that sounds fishy. I wouldn't allow a player to join with any bonuses from a different campaign. Recalculate his max hit points based on class and constitution and tell him that in this world his potions didn't exist.
Initiative Bonus
The +7 to Initiative sounds like they have taken the Alert Feat from the Player's Handbook. The feat states:
- You gain a +5 bonus to initiative
- You can't be surprised while you are conscious
- Other creatures don't gain advantage on attack rolls against you as a result of being hidden from you.
The only way they could have this feat at level 2 would be by being a variant human however so check that.
Continuing Story
Player's who like to play the same character often encounter this situation. It's possible he became attached to this character and didn't get to continue his story, either make his previous story cannon or not. Up to you and what will suit your world. You can rule that this is an alternate reality and while he is the same character he doesn't have any of the experiences he had previously.
Make it equal
In general, you can allow players to play anything you like so long as the party is even and fair. Make sure he is playing a character created within the rules and is even with the other players.
answered 4 hours ago
linksassin
591115
answered 4 hours ago
linksassin
591115
answered 4 hours ago
linksassin
591115
answered 4 hours ago
linksassin
591115
591115
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
It sounds like you have a classic 'power gamer'.
You may want to address the problem early by talking with your player about just what he wants to get out of the game. If maximizing abilities and bonuses is his thing then you have to decide how disruptive this character will be to your game.
Alternately you could take a consensus from your gaming group. Would anyone mind? How would it effect play? the group may make the decision for you.
Ultimately as GM you have the final word in what you'll allow in your game but this is more of a personality problem then a rules question.
answered 6 hours ago
Marlond
743322
1
From your linked article: "They have intimate knowledge of all the mechanics of the roleplaying system, and use them to build characters with broken power-combos and min-maxed abilities." It sounds like this player doesn't understand the rules work or that there's no expectation the same character will be able to be transferred between totally different campaigns... so it's not really a matter of "power-gaming". OP does need to make it clear what is and isn't acceptable in his game, though.
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I have asked exactly how he got these stats, he said he had "enchanted some potions". I don't think he's a power gamer, but I'm unsure if he really understands the concepts of these buffs.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
It sounds like you have a classic 'power gamer'.
You may want to address the problem early by talking with your player about just what he wants to get out of the game. If maximizing abilities and bonuses is his thing then you have to decide how disruptive this character will be to your game.
Alternately you could take a consensus from your gaming group. Would anyone mind? How would it effect play? the group may make the decision for you.
Ultimately as GM you have the final word in what you'll allow in your game but this is more of a personality problem then a rules question.
answered 6 hours ago
Marlond
743322
1
From your linked article: "They have intimate knowledge of all the mechanics of the roleplaying system, and use them to build characters with broken power-combos and min-maxed abilities." It sounds like this player doesn't understand the rules work or that there's no expectation the same character will be able to be transferred between totally different campaigns... so it's not really a matter of "power-gaming". OP does need to make it clear what is and isn't acceptable in his game, though.
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I have asked exactly how he got these stats, he said he had "enchanted some potions". I don't think he's a power gamer, but I'm unsure if he really understands the concepts of these buffs.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
It sounds like you have a classic 'power gamer'.
You may want to address the problem early by talking with your player about just what he wants to get out of the game. If maximizing abilities and bonuses is his thing then you have to decide how disruptive this character will be to your game.
Alternately you could take a consensus from your gaming group. Would anyone mind? How would it effect play? the group may make the decision for you.
Ultimately as GM you have the final word in what you'll allow in your game but this is more of a personality problem then a rules question.
answered 6 hours ago
Marlond
743322
It sounds like you have a classic 'power gamer'.
You may want to address the problem early by talking with your player about just what he wants to get out of the game. If maximizing abilities and bonuses is his thing then you have to decide how disruptive this character will be to your game.
Alternately you could take a consensus from your gaming group. Would anyone mind? How would it effect play? the group may make the decision for you.
Ultimately as GM you have the final word in what you'll allow in your game but this is more of a personality problem then a rules question.
answered 6 hours ago
Marlond
743322
answered 6 hours ago
Marlond
743322
answered 6 hours ago
Marlond
743322
answered 6 hours ago
Marlond
743322
743322
1
From your linked article: "They have intimate knowledge of all the mechanics of the roleplaying system, and use them to build characters with broken power-combos and min-maxed abilities." It sounds like this player doesn't understand the rules work or that there's no expectation the same character will be able to be transferred between totally different campaigns... so it's not really a matter of "power-gaming". OP does need to make it clear what is and isn't acceptable in his game, though.
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I have asked exactly how he got these stats, he said he had "enchanted some potions". I don't think he's a power gamer, but I'm unsure if he really understands the concepts of these buffs.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
1
From your linked article: "They have intimate knowledge of all the mechanics of the roleplaying system, and use them to build characters with broken power-combos and min-maxed abilities." It sounds like this player doesn't understand the rules work or that there's no expectation the same character will be able to be transferred between totally different campaigns... so it's not really a matter of "power-gaming". OP does need to make it clear what is and isn't acceptable in his game, though.
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I have asked exactly how he got these stats, he said he had "enchanted some potions". I don't think he's a power gamer, but I'm unsure if he really understands the concepts of these buffs.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
1
1
From your linked article: "They have intimate knowledge of all the mechanics of the roleplaying system, and use them to build characters with broken power-combos and min-maxed abilities." It sounds like this player doesn't understand the rules work or that there's no expectation the same character will be able to be transferred between totally different campaigns... so it's not really a matter of "power-gaming". OP does need to make it clear what is and isn't acceptable in his game, though.
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
From your linked article: "They have intimate knowledge of all the mechanics of the roleplaying system, and use them to build characters with broken power-combos and min-maxed abilities." It sounds like this player doesn't understand the rules work or that there's no expectation the same character will be able to be transferred between totally different campaigns... so it's not really a matter of "power-gaming". OP does need to make it clear what is and isn't acceptable in his game, though.
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I have asked exactly how he got these stats, he said he had "enchanted some potions". I don't think he's a power gamer, but I'm unsure if he really understands the concepts of these buffs.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
I have asked exactly how he got these stats, he said he had "enchanted some potions". I don't think he's a power gamer, but I'm unsure if he really understands the concepts of these buffs.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
TheCentaur is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
TheCentaur is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
TheCentaur is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
TheCentaur is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
Is it safe to assume you're not playing in Adventurers League (AL)? (I'm guessing you're not, since that doesn't sound like an official item.)
– V2Blast
5 hours ago
I'm not. I'm just doing it for a small club. I'm not some big leagues gamer, I'm just looking for fun.
– TheCentaur
5 hours ago