Game Mechanics: Exp loss on death at 20%?

[Solserger]

I was hunting in the Rathe Mountains last night, and died twice due to computer freezes. Each time, on re-entry to the game, my experience bar was down 20%. The first time it went from 93% to 73, then 74% to 54, which is where I'm currently at on experience. Death penalty used to be just shy of 10%. Is this a permanent change?

Thanks

Solserger 41 Wizard