Mastery instead of XP or Milestone in D&D

2023-11-12

A few weeks ago I realized that I have been using Milestone progression in a way that could be improved. I have been using it to roughly emulate Experience Points only without needing to closely track it. But really what I should be tracking, as the DM and as the teacher, is whether or not the player/student has mastered their current level’s abilities. In other words, can they handle their current abilities and are they ready to add new abilities and feats yet?

For each level of each class and subclass there should be a checklist of abilities that the DM can use to track when the player has mastered them. The higher level checklists should include the items from the lower levels so you know that the player is retaining the knowledge and usage of their abilities. Of course some of the higher level abilities are simply improvements on a lower ability, so the checklist should reflect that.

For example, someone playing a Rogue who never uses Sneak Attack has not mastered level one. The same goes for a Bard that never uses Bardic Inspiration.

So for a level one Rogue, you might expet them to have 1) used the skills they have Expertise in at least once or twice, 2) used Sneak Attack several times, including at least once where they didn’t have advantage but used other criteria to qualify, 3) made Savings Throws using at least two different attributes, 4) made d20 rolls using advantage and disadvantage, and 5) taken both short and long rests. Once they have done all those things they could be considered ready for level two.

At level two it would be good to have them at least do all the things for level one plus they should have 1) used Cunning Action to do at least one each of Dash, Disengage, and Hide, 2) have used a hit dice to heal during a short rest, and 3) have used cover during a combat.

I’m thinking that at each level it might be good to include all the things specifically required for the previous level, but not necessarily any particular ones from earlier levels. To extend this example, a Rogue would then be required to use Cunning Action at third level but not at fourth, fifth, etc. Some abilities aren’t needed all the time, so if they have proven they know how to use them for two levels, they have probably mastered that ability but might have better options.

I asked ChatGPT (version 3.5) about XP vs. Milestone, and followed it up with questions about my Mastery idea. It was very helpful.

ChatGPT:

In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), the choice between using experience points (XP) or milestone advancement is ultimately a matter of personal preference for the Dungeon Master (DM) and the players. Both systems have their pros and cons, and the best choice often depends on the style of the campaign and the preferences of the gaming group. Here are some considerations for each:

Experience Points (XP) System:

Pros:

1. Granularity: XP allows for a more granular approach to character advancement. Players earn XP for overcoming challenges, defeating monsters, and completing quests, which can be rewarding for those who enjoy tracking progress.
2. Player Agency: Players may feel a greater sense of agency and control over their characters’ growth as they actively contribute to earning XP.
3. Traditional Feel: XP has been a part of Dungeons & Dragons since its inception, and some players prefer the traditional experience of gaining levels through accumulating XP.

Cons:

1. Bookkeeping: Tracking XP for every encounter can be time-consuming and may require more bookkeeping, both for the DM and the players.
2. Inequality: If players miss sessions or if the party is not balanced in terms of participation, some characters may fall behind in levels.
3. Focus on Combat: The XP system often leans towards rewarding combat encounters, potentially overshadowing other aspects of the game.

Milestone System:

Pros:

1. Simplicity: Milestone advancement is simpler and requires less bookkeeping. The DM decides when characters level up based on narrative milestones rather than tracking XP.
2. Narrative Control: DMs have more control over the pacing and progression of the story, ensuring that character levels align with the narrative structure.
3. Equal Progression: All party members advance at the same rate, avoiding imbalances that can arise with the XP system.

Cons:

1. Lack of Granularity: Milestone advancement can feel less granular, and some players may miss the incremental progress of gaining XP.
2. Less Player Agency: Players have less direct control over their characters’ advancement, as it is entirely at the discretion of the DM.
3. Risk of Disengagement: Some players might feel disconnected from their characters’ growth if it’s not tied to specific in-game achievements.

In conclusion, the choice between XP and milestone advancement in D&D 5e depends on the playstyle and preferences of the gaming group. Some groups might prefer the detail and player agency of XP, while others might appreciate the simplicity and narrative focus of the milestone system. Ultimately, it’s essential to communicate with your players and find a system that enhances the overall enjoyment of the campaign.

Me: What about using Mastery instead? This would be where the DM tracks which abilities the players are using, and how well they use their abilities. When the DM is satisfied that the player has mastered a level, they gain a level and get new abilities.

ChatGPT:

The concept of using a “Mastery” system in D&D, where players gain levels based on the mastery of their abilities rather than traditional XP or milestones, is an interesting and potentially innovative approach. This method puts a strong emphasis on character development and encourages players to explore and master their abilities in a more nuanced way. Here are some potential pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Customization: The Mastery system allows for a highly customized and tailored approach to character progression. Characters can advance based on the specific abilities and skills they use most often.
2. Narrative Integration: This system encourages the integration of character development into the narrative. Players are rewarded for actively engaging with and mastering the abilities that make sense for their character’s story.
3. Dynamic Progression: Character progression becomes more dynamic and tied directly to the character’s actions and choices during the game, potentially leading to a more immersive experience.

Cons:

1. Complexity: Implementing a Mastery system can add complexity to the game, both for the DM and the players. It requires a clear and consistent method of tracking mastery, which might be challenging to manage.
2. Subjectivity: Determining when a player has “mastered” a level is inherently subjective and may lead to potential disagreements or perceptions of favoritism.
3. Balancing Challenges: Ensuring that characters progress at a relatively balanced rate and that all players have equal opportunities for mastery can be a challenge. Some abilities may naturally lend themselves to more frequent use or mastery.
4. Learning Curve: Players and DMs might need some time to adapt to this system, especially if they are more accustomed to traditional XP or milestone-based progression.

Considerations:

1. Clear Guidelines: Establish clear guidelines for what constitutes mastery. This might involve setting benchmarks, thresholds, or specific achievements for each level.
2. Communication: Open communication between the DM and players is crucial. Players should have a good understanding of how the Mastery system works and what is expected of them.
3. Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust and tweak the Mastery system as needed. It may take some time to find the right balance and ensure that character progression feels fair and satisfying for everyone.
4. Player Engagement: Encourage players to actively engage with their characters and the game world. This system relies heavily on player agency and investment in character development.

Overall, the Mastery system offers a unique and potentially rewarding approach to character progression in D&D. If the group is interested in a more nuanced and narrative-driven experience, it could be a great fit. However, it’s essential to carefully manage the potential complexities and ensure that the system enhances, rather than hinders, the overall enjoyment of the game.

Me: I teach D&D to preteens and teens in a school-like setting. Most of them are new to D&D, so I hope that using Mastery will help them learn better how to play well. For each campaign I keep a document of the abilities that each character has, and when a player uses their character’s abilities I note it in the document.

ChatGPT:

Using a Mastery system in an educational setting with preteens and teens who are new to D&D is a creative and potentially effective approach. It can provide a more tangible connection between their in-game actions and character development, making the learning experience both engaging and educational. Given your documentation approach, it seems like you are already taking steps to track their progress effectively. Here are some additional tips:

1. Clear Guidelines: Establish clear and simple guidelines for mastery. Make sure the players understand the criteria for gaining mastery in a particular ability or skill.
2. Visual Aids: Consider using visual aids or charts to track each player’s progress. This can be a great visual reinforcement and help them understand their character’s growth.
3. Regular Updates: Provide regular updates on their mastery progress. This could be done at the end of each session or at specific milestones in the campaign.
4. Encourage Reflection: Encourage players to reflect on their character’s development. Ask them how their character has grown or changed based on the mastery they’ve achieved.
5. Group Discussions: Facilitate group discussions about the importance of different abilities and how they contribute to the success of the party. This can help players understand the collaborative nature of the game.
6. Reward System: Implement a reward system tied to mastery. This could be in-game rewards like special items or additional story elements, providing further motivation for active engagement.
7. Feedback Sessions: Periodically hold feedback sessions where players can share their thoughts on the Mastery system. This can help you make adjustments if needed and ensure the system is meeting its educational goals.
8. Integration with Lessons: Integrate lessons about the game mechanics and character abilities within the Mastery system. This way, learning about the game becomes a seamless part of playing.
9. Encourage Creativity: Emphasize the creative aspects of the game. Prompt players to think creatively about how to use their character’s abilities in different situations.
10. Flexibility: Be flexible and adaptive. Every group is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If certain aspects of the Mastery system aren’t resonating with the players, be open to making adjustments.

By combining the Mastery system with your documentation approach, you’re providing a structured and hands-on learning experience for your students. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the game mechanics, encourage critical thinking, and foster a sense of accomplishment as they see their characters grow and develop over the course of the campaign.

I have been using my Mastery system now for a few weeks and so far I am liking it a lot. I don’t think it is necessarily better for more experienced players, but for those still learning how to play Role Playing Games I think it is definitely helpful.