That's a really interesting mechanic. That "1/2 DP purgatory period" would be like apprenticing and learning a new profession. Once you've gotten the hang of it, you start to use the DP at normal rate again because you're spending less time studying and learning and more time hands-on doing. Very interesting, very cool.
Thanks. I found it worked well, and tended to limit level changes to the lower levels where it might make more sense (what tenth level mage is going to want to change to fighter and spend 9 levels at half DPs?). And since skill costs reset to the new Profession, it tends to limit development in older skill areas. Again, it's not going to work for everyone, but if you don't view Profession as life way it tends to hit a nice balance. It's also a mechanic I use in ALL my non-magic settings.
