Pseudopsyche
First Post
It does suck when your character gets unlucky and dies, but for me, these risks are a part of the game. They are what make the character's actions heroic.
Even then, death does not have to be permanent. Even if the PCs are not powerful enough to cast Raise Dead, perhaps they can petition somebody for help, go on a side quest to revive their fallen friend, with the dead PC's player playing another character temporarily to help. Or the PCs could just drink a toast to the barbarian at every tavern, some shaking their heads sadly at his foolish headstrong charge and the halfling fiercely defending the friend who probably saved his life. Maybe he'll always wonder why it wasn't him who died, since he was every bit in the bad guys' power before the barbarian arrived. Ultimately, it's up to your players to decide how the party will react.
I do think it could be a good idea to have a group discussion with your players on how to handle death. Find out beforehand how they feel, and decide as a group what kind of game you're running, if you don't have any strong opinions about it. Just be aware if you have players who grow attack to their PCs but who use death-defying tactics while you use ruthless tactics, something's gotta give.
Even then, death does not have to be permanent. Even if the PCs are not powerful enough to cast Raise Dead, perhaps they can petition somebody for help, go on a side quest to revive their fallen friend, with the dead PC's player playing another character temporarily to help. Or the PCs could just drink a toast to the barbarian at every tavern, some shaking their heads sadly at his foolish headstrong charge and the halfling fiercely defending the friend who probably saved his life. Maybe he'll always wonder why it wasn't him who died, since he was every bit in the bad guys' power before the barbarian arrived. Ultimately, it's up to your players to decide how the party will react.
I do think it could be a good idea to have a group discussion with your players on how to handle death. Find out beforehand how they feel, and decide as a group what kind of game you're running, if you don't have any strong opinions about it. Just be aware if you have players who grow attack to their PCs but who use death-defying tactics while you use ruthless tactics, something's gotta give.