What is the preferrable option after a PC death?

[Nightfall]

Lanefan,

Yeah well it's also said god's decision too.

 

[Tsidkenu]

Though the conventional means are useful for an already taxed DM, I enjoy throwing in unique parallel options for raising a character--say, if he dies from a blast of pure evil or negative energy, he might regenerate as an undead or vile creature (the Corpse and Corrupted templates from BoVD make this a fairly easy translation)...or, other scenarious based on the environment, religious background of the PC, etc etc. Just anything that makes the results and consequences memorable, engaging, and thought provoking (such as, "What happens now that I'm tainted with evil?")

...This relies on knowing your players and their attatchment to the characters. This method works best with a fairly "loose" group who loves to roll with the punches and relishes for the absurd, abnormal, or mind-bending.

Even the tradition means can become a path of enlightment into the character or adventure, depending on where you place that level 9 priest with raise dead (It's a tough choice when he happens to be NE and wants something more "substantial" than gold...but that's another story altogether.).

 

[Quasqueton]

So a new nth-level character popping up out of nowhere and ready to join the party is less of a "problem" or obstacle to suspension of disbelief than bringing a character back from the dead?

Quasqueton

 

[Tsidkenu]

So a new nth-level character popping up out of nowhere and ready to join the party is less of a "problem" or obstacle to suspension of disbelief than bringing a character back from the dead?

Quasqueton

Guess it would depend on where you party lost a character and the ability of the DM to "read" his players and do a bit of storyweaving. On the fly, that could be really tricky, but with a little thought (and a crafty use of grease) a new character can find a niche within even a veteran group of adventurers (I've personally been a part of the said "off da cuff" intro).

 

[the Jester]

As a player: get raised if not cheesy; if it is, bring in a new pc. I can handle more cheese that way.

As a dm, bring in a new pc; if there must be cheese, it's gonna be there. If the option of resurrection can be handled without cheese, then that's ok too.

 

[EyeontheMountain]

Wow, amazingly flat responses. (If youtake outthe 'other' option)

For me, as ap layer, I prefer to play till I die and then play something else. To do otehrwise is too Video-gamy for me.

But as a DM I like the consistency of having the same characters together as it builds teamwork, and a shared history.

So I'm inconsistent. Shoot me.

 

[blargney the second]

Where's the "Loot the body" option?
-blarg

 

[Arashi Ravenblade]

I allow PC's to be brought back so long as they can find a cleric of the appropriate level, and they have the funds. I use my own set of house rules to determine the availability of NPCs capable of bringing back the dead.
As a player my guy better be brought back dangit!

 

[Desdichado]

So a new nth-level character popping up out of nowhere and ready to join the party is less of a "problem" or obstacle to suspension of disbelief than bringing a character back from the dead?

Yes, absolutely.

And heck, rather than an impediment to roleplaying as is being claimed, it's an excuse and opportunity to actually stretch those roleplaying muscles and do some.

 

[Set]

New character, definitely.

One of my GM's sole pleasures in life was to take your character sheet out of your hand and write DEAD across it in red magic marker. We eventually started hanging them in our game room, but there were too many, and we needed the space for other stuff.