The first round of experience points has been announced. Expect something in the 30-40 point range. Unspent points from additional contributions can add to this pile o' points. Here's how I'm tentatively planning on handling things.
Players should all make a list of things they like to spend experience points (EPs) on and submit it to the GM when the first round of EPs is announced. This list should be ranked in order of preference. Specify if you are willing to take bad stuff for each item and how much. (Remember the 15 point limit.) Put good stuff in the list the same as anything else. Pay attention to prerequisites for powers. Advanced powers are now available. Increasing attributes is explained below.
Here's my general algorhythm for processing these lists:
You may put "dump all my remaining point into [whatever]" at the bottom of your list. I won't dip into your good stuff for this.
No one is under any obligation to spend their EPs if the don't want to. Less work for me, so I don't care.
First or First and a Half: That is, the character with first in a stat and everyone else who has paid the same number of points. (There are several way ties for "first and a half" rank in all but Warfare.) Deadlines for the single round auction will be announced and you should get mail telling you which attributes you qualify for.
Since the number of actual ranks is only about half the number of players, I've decided to have a single round (blind) auction in an attempt to spread things out. Everyone in this category who wishes to increase their stat should submit a bid of the number of points you wish to increase and so long as you have that many points available, it's your. First rank may bid or not as they like. Either way, they will have the option of matching the top bid and retaining their first rank. If they opt out, the highest bidder is the new first in that stat. After EPs are awarded, all the new ranks will be added to the top of the ranks chart.
Everyone Else: May increase their attributes as much as they like up to the current first rank.
Advanced power are now available for purchase. You may now have more than five power words.
Artifacts and creatures may still be purchased; you'll need to come up with/ negotiate with me for some rational for where they came from.
Personal shadows are also available to player characters now. Again some rational may be required. Some reasonable time stay in said shadow is certainly going to be likely. I will spit on anyone who thinks they can steal a shadow away from another player or npc, simply by dumping points into it. (If you want to dump points into it and have some good reason why you have some reasonable amount of influence over it, that's another story. Examples of good reasons: You found it. You have an advanced power (see Advanced Pattern and Logrus) which let's you manipulate a shadow and have spent some time using it.)
Allies are also still available. Try to restrain yourselves.
Status is likely not to be available in general. Negotiate with me privately if you think you should be able to get more.
Any fool who wants to make a construct better not complain if it runs wild.
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