I've just completed a multi-session mission arc with "my" players. We're all new to Deathwatch but not RPGs, and certainly not 40K. As GM, I want to open up new skills (like demolition) without (yet) opening up the new weapons/gear from gaining the "respected" rank.

Our first mission had 5 objectives overall (1 primary, 3 secondary, and a tertiary). I want to give the players enough xp to move from Rank 1 to Rank 2 (to open new skills/ablities) BUT withhold renown so the players remain at the initiate level - after all, this was their first Deathwatch mission. But this would give the players around 4,000xp each. Under RAW, players would get about 1,500.

My concern is that the players will feel a lopsided advancement.....should I be concerned or can I rapidly advance them to Rank 2 without worry? (but thereafter use ROW suggestsions for xp)

Thank you

Ignore the suggested XP handouts. They almost always lead to incredibly lopsided advancement in pretty much all the games. I think the suggested XP for Black Crusade is 500xp per session. I give my players 150-200 per session, and I already get the feeling that they are advancing too quick compared to what they've achieved.

Sometimes I'd love to see what kind of sessions the FFG playtesters play before they set suggested experience advancements, because as listed, they'd go from scrubs to titans in within two months.

Advance as fast as you want. The golden rule is always "do what lets you have fun"

If you're worried about gear, you can always cut short their req points to limit what they can buy.

Renown advances in particular in DW do not necessarily need to advance at a pace equal to rank. Indeed renown can go up as well as down. In other words advance renown at the pace you want.

You have to be careful of the renown bonuses that your players can get as well. Picking the oath of glory, players not wearing helmets, etc... You can quickly find them increasing your renown handouts by 50 - 100%. Just remember that if players are getting 5 per session they are going to famed or heroic in 10-15 sessions. It's a tough balancing act to get right!