XP for Missing Players

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I give missing players three options:

1. The character "guards the horses", or something. No XP, but no risk of death, either.

2. I run the character as an NPC. They get 25% of the experience of the rest of the group, and the risk of death is minimized (though not eliminated).

3. Another player runs the character. The character earns 75% XP (and the player running two characters gets a small amount of bonus XP for the primary character), but runs full risks.

Players normally take option 1 or 3. They pay a penalty for not making the session, but with 3 they at least don't fall too far behind, and the group benefits from having them around.

 

[Arnwyn]

Yeah, I am decided. If you miss, you miss. Its the price for standing me up. Legitimate excuses are fine and all, but you still aren't there.

That's our group's current policy, and it works fine for us. Not there = no XP.

 

[BiggusGeekus@Work]

100% of group exp with no role-play bonuses.

I like keeping the party at roughly the same point. The missing players will fall behind on gear, which is bad enough. The spellcasting players can make magic items during this downtime, so that can explain their absence if they wish. Also, I have magic tattoos in my game that chomp exp, so even the warriors can use the time and "bonus" exp to improve their characters.

I view RPGs as more of a group project. So most of my meta-game rules focus on group rewards/penalties rather than individual rewards/penalties (tangent: this is why I use 25-point buy, to keep the individual PC power down and encourage grouping).

Just my two cents.

 

[Wraithdrit]

I think with the death penalties, penalties for bringing in new characters, and my no play no xp thing all fall in the same lines. Not everyone is guaranteed to advance every session. Bad dice rolls, bad luck, or bad karma can make you meat, so don't feel that advancement is the end all be all of the game.

That being said, in 3.5 as level disparages come up, adjustments enter the system to keep players 'catching up'. I also sometimes run solo sessions to help characters get started or catch up. That is something I usually reserve for characters far behind the rest.

- Wraith

 

[Djeta Thernadier]

Hmmm. I'm torn. I suppose the character did take risks and contribute but the player did not. The player recognizes XP. The character does not.

I would say it depends on the circumstances too, as to why they didn't show up. Could they have shown up to play? Or was it out of their control?

I'd say maybe give them 25% or something. If there was some sort of tragedy or other unforseeable event that caused them to miss the game, maybe give them full, if their character was played by the DM or other player.

But you don't want to get them in the habit of think, if I blow off the game, I'll still always keep up in XP. That seems unfair to those who DO show up.

Also, you might want to actually charter whatever you decide to make your rule up in writing. That way, no one can say you aren't being equally fair to everyone. This of course, depends on your players.

Although, then, such rules might make for a less fun gaming environment.

 

[Veander]

If you let a character get too far behind, though, that's a perfect reason for them not to show up. Who "blows off" a session though? Is this with a younger crowd at a game store or something? I honestly couldn't imagine my old folks game (28 to 45) to not show up thinking they were going to get XPs anyway.If they are only playing to advanc their character, and I find that out, they aren't coming back to the game. I might let them borrow Neverwinter Nights as that would fill their need.

Sincerely,

Veander

 

[Celtavian]

re

If someone players the character, they get full xp minus roleplaying. Otherwise, the character is ghosted and gets no xp.

 

[Wraithdrit]

It has been my rule in the past not to award XP for abesent players, but in those cases we had ways of the characters not being involved. In this case the party was hip deep in the Underdark from start to finish of the session, so there was no time for them to step out. I played them VERY conservatively, with the cleric using healing and one blade barrier, then his bow the whole time, and the rogue doing a lot of hiding, and one use of his fireball wand (Use Magic Item rocks!) to no real effect.

Neither got hurt badly, nor did either take huge risks (unlike some of the players that were there! )

Again, my players expect no XP for no participation, I was just curious what others did and the opinion on what I SHOULD do.

And lastly, the net effect is that the two that missed are STILL higher XP wise than the rest of the party, because neither have died, neither are replacement characters, and both are original party members.

- Wraith

 

[Wraithdrit]

Two completely different reasons for not being there last night.

One player had a death in his wife's family over the weekend.

The other player had a business deal to close, shoulda been to the game an hour late. Never showed. Found out this morning that when he went home to grab something to eat an old friend was there. He decided to play catch up and did not call as he did not know my number. He lives a block away.

I'll keep my opinions to myself. Though I think they are obvious.

- Wraith

 

[Veander]

I don't think their is a "should." You HAVE to discuss this with your group and come to a diplomatic/democratic solution. I allow what I do because I know and am friends with the two usually tardy players. I do have one fella who doesn't show and he gets nothing. I have no clue if he wants to play and communication isn't so good with him.

V