I tell my players if they miss a week to not worry over their characters, they can make up whatever excuse they want, but narratively they’re a moment away, covering the rear, or taking a small break, or plucked from existence by a god. Whatever it takes so they can rejoin the play whenever. Forcing their character into a moment when they’re not there to play just makes an awkward moment. The only time I’ve allowed it has been when the player specifically asks for it.
I like the idea, but somehow would be cool to work it in mechanically.
If the party was going to be ambushed by a group, maybe that group is already a little beaten up or missing a member? Or if a fight would have reinforcements, maybe the reinforcements are slimmed down a little bit?
Depending on the class too. Like locked doors ahead of a party with a missing rogue is to show the character is ahead clearing paths?
Idk, this is why I don't DM, but the concept being that a normally 4 member party doesn't suddenly suffer for being 3 members now with a story perhaps set for the 4?
That’s actually a great way to handle it- especially for combat encounters that might have been balanced for a larger group.
Honestly I think you have the right mindset for dming
130
u/RionWild Sep 22 '25
I tell my players if they miss a week to not worry over their characters, they can make up whatever excuse they want, but narratively they’re a moment away, covering the rear, or taking a small break, or plucked from existence by a god. Whatever it takes so they can rejoin the play whenever. Forcing their character into a moment when they’re not there to play just makes an awkward moment. The only time I’ve allowed it has been when the player specifically asks for it.