[Lune]

Originally Posted by Estu [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Here is the relevant article: http://wiki.project1999.com/Game_Mec...perience_Works

Basically, it's all based on total EXP. The more total EXP you have, the more of the EXP from a monster you take. The net effect is that when a bunch of people group, they will generally level at about the same speed: the people with EXP penalties will take more EXP, and the people without EXP penalties will take less EXP, and so essentially the EXP penalty people slow down the EXP gain of the other people, and vice versa, so everyone's leveling at about the same speed.

This is probably meant to combat exactly the kind of thing you described in the original post, where one player would quickly overtake another. With the mechanics the way they are, you can do a dedicated duo (or whatever kind of group) with a bunch of different characters with different EXP mechanics, and still level up at the same time. It's nice if you have a friend you want to rise through the ranks with, without getting separated from each other EXP-wise. It's nice if you're a troll shadowknight and you group up with a bunch of rogues and clerics who make your EXP penalty less harsh. It's not so nice if you're a human cleric and group up with five rangers and a paladin.

This is mostly true, but there are some quirks that keep it from panning out exactly like that, especially in the mid-late 50's.