How long should magic items be kept for XP?

[treant_on_fire]

I was thinking a week, during which it's used at least once. The C&C books leave it vague but I was wondering if some previous D&D books were more specific on the subject and/or how other DMs handled it.

[slimykuotoan]

I give them the x.p. immediately upon obtaining them, provided there was some challenge to get them.

After that, they may do as they wish, without losing the x.p. they gained.

[alcyone]

I was thinking a week, during which it's used at least once. The C&C books leave it vague but I was wondering if some previous D&D books were more specific on the subject and/or how other DMs handled it.

Ok, I say I do everything by the book, but I confess whenever I try to do XP for magic weapons it works very badly.

The rule says "possesses and uses the item for a period of time". For me though, it would have to be real, convincing use; it couldn't just be something you swatted a fly with to get the XP and then flip it for the gold (which wouldn't give you xp). The amount of time isn't as important I think, but unless your game notes are very complete, it should be short enough that out of sight, out of mind isn't a factor. If that's a week for you, fine. I'd suggest not codifying the time period, then you are just telling your party "Hang onto it for a week and flip it, may as well put it in your pack for the XP until then." Even the best players do what your rules make them do.

But the whole thing doesn't work for me. One magic weapon can put a character way ahead of the others, and the character gets a magic item in addition to that. Though I suppose people who don't do this can't complain that leveling is too slow. Also, if you don't award immediately, you need pretty good notes and need to go back and check them regularly.

For reference, AD&D 1e says this:

The suggested experience point (x.p.) values are for characters who keep
the items. Gold piece sale values ore the usual sums which characters will
be paid for magic items, and if so sold, the x.p. award should be based on
the selling price of the items, not the x.p. value. Also remember that a
character is assumed to retain an item, thus getting the low x.p. value for
it, if he or she sells it to another player character. (See EXPERIENCE.)

[treant_on_fire]

Good points. I'm seriously over-thinking this. I know it and I still can't help it! xD

[Treebore]

I just ask my players, "Is your character keeping that?" If yes, I award them the XP. If they plan to sell it, I don't give XP. They usually keep magic items until they get something that does the same thing, only better.

[Buttmonkey]

I don't give XP for magic items recovered and kept. If they sell the item, they get XP based on the sale price. If they keep it, use of the item is its own reward.

[Captain_K]

Unless somehow the MI teaches the PC something, no experience..

[Rigon]

I don't typically include exp for magic items. Not that I think it's a bad idea or anything, I just usually forget to add it in.

R-

[serleran]

One day per XP awarded by the item.

Not by the book.

[Arduin]

Unless somehow the MI teaches the PC something, no experience..

Yep.

[alcyone]

Unless somehow the MI teaches the PC something, no experience..

So at the end of the session, the music starts up in the background, while the character writes in a diary, chewing on their pen and looking thoughtfully off in space:

"Dear Diary, I think I learned a lot about life, love, friendship, responsibility, honesty, and fireballs today. This wand taught me I didn't need to make up stories to impress my friends, that all I had to do was believe in myself, and point the wand at things and say "Xyzzy!" and watch their heads explode. And I am so thankful for this deck of many things. It showed me, no matter what cards life deals you, if you persevere, keep a stiff upper lip, and have at least 450 hit points and some way to stop time, you can make it in this world."

[Arduin]

I forgot to add: My players always have to pry the magic items out of the hands of their adversaries. Well, almost always. If an items was used against the PCs in the process of defeating the "monsters" (in any capacity) then I add the item XP amount into the total pool of XP distributed at the conclusion.