Experience Through Self-Mastery: A New Approach to Growth in Celestial Ascendance - Adventures in Xiūxiān

In the world of Celestial Ascendance - Adventures in Xiūxiān, adventurers carve their path not only through the exploration of ancient ruins and battling fearsome monsters but through their own journey of self-enlightenment. Drawing inspiration from OSR and classic D&D but embracing the core themes of xiūxiān (the pursuit of immortality through spiritual development), we've reimagined experience and advancement. Gone are the days of financial hoarding and treasure-counting for XP. Instead, players gain experience through meaningful personal growth, deep introspection, and disciplined practice, all essential aspects of the mystical fantasy genre.

Let's take a look at how this exciting new system works and why it's perfectly tailored to the philosophy of Celestial Ascendance.

The Philosophy of Growth: 

Beyond Treasure In most classic tabletop systems, adventurers gain XP either through slaying enemies or hauling away treasure troves. While this system works in traditional settings, it doesn't reflect the themes at the heart of Celestial Ascendance—a world where true power derives from inward mastery, discipline, and spiritual harmony. In this game, experience comes not from hoarding wealth but from investing that wealth into self-improvement. The more you pour yourself into the pursuit of enlightenment—whether through martial training, alchemical experimentation, or meditative reflection—the more you progress on the path to immortality.

This approach brings with it new opportunities for storytelling, roleplay, and strategy. Players will find themselves not just seeking external rewards but exploring meaningful avenues of self-investment, deepening the ties between character and world.

How It Works: 

 The Experience Through Self-Development system introduces downtime activities as the primary means of gaining experience. Whether your character is a fierce warrior delving into martial enhancement or a mystic sage unlocking the secrets of existence, their growth depends on dedicated effort and resources.

1. Downtime Requirements: 

   1. Spend a significant amount of time (usually in weeks).

   2. Invest gold coins into equipment, practice spaces, and master instructors. 

   3. Brewing potions, scripting scrolls and wards, forging or merging magic items, etc.

2. XP Conversion: Characters gain ½ XP of gold invested with a minimum of 100 gp per week. At the end of the week, characters roll 3d6 and add their relevant Prime Requisite modifier. The roll determines how much XP is gained, with results ranging from no noticeable advancement to a doubling of XP earned. A tiered chart below ensures that practice feels rewarding while retaining the potential for failure.

3. Maximum XP Gained: The XP gain for any given downtime period is capped at 10% of the XP needed for the next level, ensuring balanced progression.

4. Environments and Bonuses: Training near sites of immense natural or spiritual power (mountains, sacred springs, sect halls) may grant bonuses to advancement rolls, rewarding players for seeking out and preserving these environments.

Example: 

A Warrior and a Sage on Their Path To illustrate, let's follow two PCs: Shen Bao, a level 3 martial practitioner, and Mei Lian, a level 4 mystic adept. Both return to their sect after a harrowing dungeon crawl where they uncovered rare resources and treasures worth 1,000 gp each. Here's how their training plays out:

1. Shen Bao uses his wealth to undergo a rigorous two-week spiritual retreat at his sect's mountain temple. He invests 800 gp into resources for 400 xp gain or 200 xp per week. Rolling 3d6 +2 (for his high Strength, his Prime Requisite), he scores a 14 on his roll for week 1 and a 16 for week 2. According to the XP table, in week 1, Shen Bao gains 25% extra XP or 250 xp. In week 2, he gains 300 xp. Netting him 550 XP toward his next level.
   
2. Mei Lian, meanwhile, retreats to her personal workshop to refine a Level 4 elixir. She spends 1,000 gp on rare herbs and alchemical components. After three weeks of careful preparation, she successfully crafts the elixir, earning 4 × 100 = 400 XP. However, her work doesn't go unnoticed—local sect rivals have caught wind of her success, setting up future complications.

Both characters have advanced meaningfully and in ways that reflect their personal goals, all while creating new story threads.

Why This System Fits Celestial Ascendance

 The advancement system was designed from the ground up to immerse players in the world of Celestial Ascendance. It emphasizes the themes of growth and perseverance central to xiūxiān fantasy while providing clear mechanical benefits that reward investment in your character's development. Gold still holds value, but not as a mere measure of wealth—it becomes a key ingredient in forging your path to immortality.

Additionally, this system rewards creativity and encourages players to engage deeply with their characters' philosophy and goals. Each period of practice represents more than just downtime; it's an opportunity to weave personal and party-wide narratives, introducing rivalries, alliances, and quests specific to a character's chosen path.

Start Your Journey Today! 

 Celestial Ascendance - Adventures in Xiūxiān is more than a game of exploration and combat—it's a journey of self-improvement, discipline, and mastery. With the Experience Through Self-Development system, growth becomes an adventure in itself. Whether you're mastering combat techniques atop sacred mountains or inscribing talismans under moonlit skies, every step brings you closer to transcendence.

Will your character ascend the celestial ranks, or will worldly attachments hold them back? The choice is yours—begin your spiritual journey today!"