Handle character advancement when XP reaches the level-up threshold. Use this when a character levels up or the player asks to level up.
Handle character advancement when XP reaches the threshold.
Copy this checklist and mark each step complete as you go:
- [ ] 1. Load character and verify XP threshold
- [ ] 2. Announce the level up
- [ ] 3. Roll HP increase and update proficiency bonus
- [ ] 4. Apply new skill proficiencies/expertise (if applicable)
- [ ] 5. Apply class features from class-features.md
- [ ] 6. Handle ASI or feat selection (levels 4, 8)
- [ ] 7. Select new spells (if caster)
- [ ] 8. Set new XP threshold
- [ ] 9. Present updated character sheet and save
Read the character file. Verify:
If XP is insufficient: "You need [X] more XP to reach level [N]. Keep adventuring!"
Open the scene with a header banner (see RULES.md § "Display Formatting — Scene Banners") using the ⬆️ LEVEL UP scene type, showing the level change and current day.
Narrate the level-up dramatically: "Experience courses through you like fire. Battles fought, lessons learned, secrets uncovered — it all crystallizes into newfound power. You are now Level [N]!"
Roll the class hit die (or take the average, player's choice). Look up the hit die in rules/classes.md:
Show the roll: 🎲 HP roll: [result] + CON mod [mod] = +[total] HP → New max HP: [new_max]
Minimum HP gain per level: 1 (even with negative CON modifier).
Update if crossing a threshold:
| Levels | Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | +2 |
| 5–8 | +3 |
| 9–10 | +4 |
Gain 1 additional hit die of the class type.
At certain levels, some classes gain new skill proficiencies or expertise:
No other class gains new skill proficiencies on level-up (proficiencies are fixed at character creation).
Look up the character's class in class-features.md for the full feature table (levels 1–10). Apply all features gained at the new level.
When an ASI is earned, the player chooses:
See feats.md for the full feat list.
If the character is a spellcaster, they gain new spells at the new level:
Present appropriate spell options and let the player choose.
Set the new XP target for the next level per the XP table in RULES.md.
Display a level-up summary (see RULES.md § "Display Formatting — Level-Up Summary") showing the HP roll, new max HP, and all features gained at the new level.
Then display the full updated character sheet showing all changes highlighted. Save the updated character file.
End with: "You feel stronger, sharper, more capable. The road ahead holds new challenges worthy of your growing power."
Close with a status footer (see RULES.md § "Display Formatting — Scene Banners").