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Message: <blockquote data-quote="WhimsyTheFae" data-source="post: 2715706" data-attributes="member: 8964">Add some roleplaying with the three R'sI find that the three R's give a DM the chance for some really good roleplaying, if some effort is put into it.  Yes, even with the RAW...The DM just has to consider the different aspects of what is happening.First, the caster has had to meet the necessary criteria to cast the spell (minimum level, components, time lapse, part of the body, etc.).Second, the caster retrieves the soul of the deceased and returns it to the material plane in a body (depending on the spell, this could be a different body).Third, the deceased is no longer deceased and can resume play.So, this appears to be fairly cut and dry, but looks can be deceiving.  With a little effort, this can be a much deeper experience without changing a single rule.  The DM has two targets to choose from, the caster and the deceased (if both are PCs, then the DM should look at both).Starting with the caster, the DM should take the opportunity for the Deity/Demon/Entity to discuss with the caster the ramifications of his action.  This discussion can, and probably would, be done through a servant of the Deity/Demon/Entity, in all but the highest profile cases.  Topics could range from morale or ethical consequences (some good entities) to messing with the balance of nature (some neutral entities) to stealing property (neutral or evil entities).  The entity may make it abundantly clear that the caster is making an enemy and that his future may be very bleak.  The entity may just warn the caster that his actions will be taken into consideration at the final judgement.  These options are all well within the rules and do not affect the casters chances of success or components necessary for casting.  For NPCs, the DM should consider how the NPC would react to said discussion and base his decision to bring back the deceased.Moving on the the deceased, the DM can have some real fun with this one.  Since the rules do not give a chance for failure, as long as the criteria for casting is met, the entity in control of the soul is going to lose that soul.  With that in mind, the entity may be desperate (depending on the importance of said soul).  Imagine, if you would, what a demon lord may be willing to do in order to retain the soul of a powerful paladin (this could be aimed at the caster as well).  Maybe he'll offer to send a hundred souls to the deity that the deceased worships if he would remain dead (remember, the deceased can decline a return to the living).  Maybe he'll threaten to target the family of the deceased if he returns to the living.  A good entity could discuss the morale implications of returning to the living (is he acting with greed, other good beings aren't allowed a second chance, etc.).  Neutral entities could have a whole range of responses, such as destroying the balance or not allowing chaos to work.So, for those who see it as the PC getting cheap extra lives, roleplay the situation and see if either the caster refuses or the PC decides to remain dead.  Even if the PC does come back, perhaps some additional roleplaying avenues will have opened up for you to pursue (and not necessarily vindictive ones either).In one of my campaigns, the player of a dwarven fighter/cleric decided that his character would decide to remain dead (this was despite the other players and I preferring that he return).  He was roleplaying correctly, of course, and his character remained dead.A little something to chew on...Choice: Elements of Magic - Mythic Earth</blockquote>

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