| name | level-up |
| description | Handle character advancement when XP reaches the level-up threshold. Use this when a character levels up or the player asks to level up. |
Level Up
Handle character advancement when XP reaches the threshold.
Table of Contents
Workflow Checklist
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
1. Load Character
Read the character file. Verify:
- Current XP ≥ XP threshold for next level
- Current level and class
- All current stats for reference
If XP is insufficient: "You need [X] more XP to reach level [N]. Keep adventuring!"
2. Announce the Level Up
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]!"
3. Apply Core Improvements
Hit Points
Roll the class hit die (or take the average, player's choice). Look up the hit die in rules/classes.md:
- d12: Barbarian | d10: Fighter, Paladin, Ranger | d8: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Rogue, Warlock | d6: Sorcerer, Wizard
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).
Proficiency Bonus
Update if crossing a threshold:
| Levels | Bonus |
|---|
| 1–4 | +2 |
| 5–8 | +3 |
| 9–10 | +4 |
Hit Dice
Gain 1 additional hit die of the class type.
4. Skill Proficiencies
At certain levels, some classes gain new skill proficiencies or expertise:
- Rogue: Additional Expertise at level 6 (double proficiency on 2 more skills)
- Bard: Additional Expertise at level 10 (double proficiency on 2 more skills)
- Bard (Lore): 3 additional skill proficiencies at level 3
No other class gains new skill proficiencies on level-up (proficiencies are fixed at character creation).
5. Class Features by Level
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.
6. Ability Score Improvements (Levels 4, 8, etc.)
When an ASI is earned, the player chooses:
- +2 to one attribute (max 20)
- +1 to two attributes (max 20 each)
- A Feat (special ability in place of stat increase)
See feats.md for the full feat list.
7. New Spells (Casters)
If the character is a spellcaster, they gain new spells at the new level:
- Wizard: +2 spells added to spellbook (any level they can cast)
- Cleric/Druid: Access to full class spell list up to new max spell level (prepare WIS mod + level)
- Bard/Sorcerer: +1 spell known (can swap 1 old spell for a new one)
- Ranger: +1 spell known at levels when new slots appear
- Warlock: +1 spell known (can swap 1 old spell), Pact Magic slots upgrade
- Paladin: Access to full paladin spell list up to new max spell level (prepare CHA mod + half level)
Present appropriate spell options and let the player choose.
8. Update XP Threshold
Set the new XP target for the next level per the XP table in RULES.md.
9. Present the Updated Character
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").
