Brennan Lee Mulligan Lets Players Choose Their Level Up Moment

Brennan Lee Mulligan introduced a table rule on December 19, 2025 that separates the mechanical preparations of leveling from the narrative moment players mark as their level up. Instead of characters automatically advancing after a long rest, players may now complete required mechanics such as hit point rolls and feature selection in advance, then choose a narratively meaningful scene to announce the level up. Mulligan has used a similar device before on the Worlds Beyond Number podcast, but Campaign 4 gives players primary agency over timing rather than the DM.

The change addresses practical needs of a very large live table of 13 players while sharpening storytelling payoff. Allowing mechanical steps to be completed outside of the scene reduces interruptions and keeps pacing steady during session peaks. Saving the narrative reveal for a poignant moment concentrates spotlight time and ties mechanical growth to character arcs, which can make a level feel earned and memorable rather than procedural.

For DMs and groups looking to try this approach the core components are straightforward. Agree in advance which mechanical elements can be finalized ahead of time. Clarify whether temporary benefits apply immediately or only after the narrative announcement. Set boundaries for how long a level up may be postponed and whether consequence free delays are permitted. Communicate expectations so players coordinate timing with key story beats and each other.

This technique also scales well for streamed or recorded play where pacing and dramatic visuals matter to an audience. Reducing mid session bookkeeping keeps momentum and lets the table play into a satisfying reveal. It does require record keeping to avoid confusion about abilities and resource availability, so log the prepared mechanics and update character sheets when the narrative moment occurs.

The practice is not a rules change, it is a table adopted convention that blends mechanical clarity with narrative flexibility. Verify how this fits your table and spell out limits before trying it. When handled cleanly, delaying the narrative moment of level up can boost drama, ease pacing, and give players a clearer claim on their growth.