XP is gained a number of ways. For the complete list, refer to the in game handout titled " XP Acquisition ", which is located underneath the character sheets. XP is awarded for great ideas, role playing your character, passing an alignment challenge (even if it means initially sacrificing something to maintain that important aspect), encouraging others to roleplay, pilfering if you're a thief, etc, etc, etc, etc. If you study the DM Session Log posts, you'll very quickly understand when and how those XP acquisition opportunities may be implemented. The area that most people are familiar with in gaining XP is over coming an encounter, and that is not just combat but also outwitting the adversary, out thinking the monster, or solving the puzzle. That is just one small part of gaining XP. If that is the only way that you receive XP, your character will not advance in level at the proper rate, and you will soon see other characters gaining much, much more XP by comparison. So how is this possible? Remember, that not every session is the same. Depending upon the situations that arise, or the danger that players find themselves in, some characters may earn more experience than others one time, and then not earn anything another time. That's just the nature of the game and shouldn't be taken personally. Most importantly, don't throw in the towel after experiencing that first proverbial "bump in the road", but rather emulate the activities of high XP earning players, live to fight another day, and play smarter. There is plenty of XP opportunities, so be patient, your time to shine will come if you only persist and persevere. All players can earn XP by utilizing their non-weapon proficiency skills, ONLY as long as it benefits the group in some way. In other words, randomly using skills for no apparent reason does not earn XP for simply exercising that ability. Table 4 in the PHB grants additional slots equal to the amount of additional languages due to a high intelligence. Table 34 grants each class initial NWP slots. For instance, if you took boat-handling and navigation, and made a successful skill check roll, you could not only be able to sail that particular boat but also earn XP in utilizing that skill. Be sure to either offer a skill during the course of an adventure (to create an XP opportunity), or quickly utilize a skill when an opportunity presents itself. Not being prompt to take potential XP allows other characters to claim it. So, stay engaged, pay attention, and take what is rightfully yours, otherwise someone else will ! THE Dungeon Master