As a DM, what would you do in this situation?

[Campbell]

Option A is the closest to how I would handle the situation, although I might discount his XP total so that it was slightly less than the lowest XP player. After all, the retired character most likely hasn't been in the thick of things. I would offer the caveat that any levels that the character gained be reflective of his development of the 'burgeoning psionic ability' he possesses.

 

[schnivelbiv]

I say A. And make sure the rules questions that made him change characters were fully and without a doubt worked out. There is no need at all to justify how he got the exp from when he left the party to when he met back up with them. This is a game where PCs can go from level one to level 15 in under a years worth of game time. It is not unreasonable for any PC to have gained exp from something.

 

[der_kluge]

When I GM, I don't even use XP. The concept has no place in my game. And the CR math works out better if everyone is the same level. It just makes it easier, IMHO.

I would bring him back as the same level as everyone else. And everyone (in my game) would always be the same level.

 

[el-remmen]

I would have him come back at his old level, with a chance to earn some of what he missed out on by means of one-on-one RP via email (or messageboards or IM) about some of the stuff his PC has been doing and why he suddenly had to come out of retirement. . . i.e. remember to use this as an opportunity for more plot hooks and DM Rat Bastardry. . .

 

[CronoDekar]

Definitely A -- IME having characters too far behind diminishes fun, especially when one of the reasons for changing chars is "isn't having fun". I do like el's ideas too.

 

[Asmo]

C.

Asmo

 

[Romnipotent]

D: but he's been studying, deduct costs and such then apply a couple new feats for his burgeoning psionics.

edit: And raise his XP half way between where it was and the next level, just to factor in lifestyle (so if he's 11th you take his current XP, the level 12 xp... and find the middle)

 

[greywulf]

Go for C, then have the existing character + party have to rescue him from prison or somesuch. This gives the player the choice and a decent crossover point for the switch to take place.

 

[Ycore Rixle]

A, but his items and gold haven't changed since his initial retreat/retirement. Additionally, he might have gained some interesting foes, formed new friendships, or incurred debts of gold or favors that you could exploit for plot hooks.

 

[Darth K'Trava]

C. The price of indecision about what character you are playing is not getting xps.

On the other hand, this means that he'll gain xp faster and eventually catch up.

A 2-level gap isn't too big of a deal ime.

Nope. It's not. We've had parties with a 2-3 level gap between the highest level PC and the lowest. But giving the character XP for "sitting around and doing nothing" isn't fair to the rest of the group, who've played their characters straight on through.

If he brings in a new PC, the character should come in at the lowest level of the group, the starting XP for that level character.