Algolei
Explorer
Hey, there are plenty of ways and plenty of reasons to treat missing PCs in different ways: Have them fade into the background, have them played as second PCs by other players, having them played as NPCs by the DM. Each method has its charms.
But if the player knew his character was still in play, and knew he was still gaining XP, he can't really complain if the character dies! That's something that can happen. It's no one's fault.
In campaign terms, this can be a great opportunity: If the player doesn't want to make a new character (hey! you're at sea! how about a sea elf or something! or a member of the ship's crew! or a captured pirate! or a flying creature like a kenku [wait can they fly?] or a half-celestial!), the DM can put together a side adventure to bring him back to life (find someone who can cast the appropriate spell, or seek out a scroll or magic device to do it). The player could even make a temporary character to play until his original is raised.
But if the player knew his character was still in play, and knew he was still gaining XP, he can't really complain if the character dies! That's something that can happen. It's no one's fault.
In campaign terms, this can be a great opportunity: If the player doesn't want to make a new character (hey! you're at sea! how about a sea elf or something! or a member of the ship's crew! or a captured pirate! or a flying creature like a kenku [wait can they fly?] or a half-celestial!), the DM can put together a side adventure to bring him back to life (find someone who can cast the appropriate spell, or seek out a scroll or magic device to do it). The player could even make a temporary character to play until his original is raised.