ABSENT PLAYERS

<h1>ABSENT PLAYERS</h1>
<p>
  We all have busy lives, and sometimes this means one or more people will be
  unable to take part in a session.
</p>
<p>
  When this happens, the simplest option is often to reschedule the session for
  a different date. Just pick another day to meet — in the meantime, you can
  play another game with whoever is present!
</p>
<p>
  On the other hand, if you are determined to run a session even if one or more
  participants are absent — and you should do this only if whoever's missing is
  okay with it — each absent Player chooses one of the following for their
  character:
</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    <strong>I'll join you later.</strong> Your character will remain in town (or
    somewhere safe) and carry on some kind of task. This is a good chance to
    gather information, purchase items, and work on Projects. Discuss what your
    character does with the Game Master.
  </li>
  <li>
    Your character will join the rest of the group at the beginning of the next
    session; describe how you got there.
  </li>
  <li>
    <strong>I'll be in your care.</strong> For this session, your character will
    be controlled by the rest of the group as a whole (excluding the Game
    Master). While controlled by the group, your character cannot spend Fabula
    Points and will automatically surrender if reduced to 0 Hit Points. The Game
    Master should be cautious when applying consequences to characters belonging
    to absent Players, and everyone else should do their best to protect them.
  </li>
</ul>

<p>
  Regardless of which option you choose for your character, the following apply:
</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    Your character will not gain Fabula Points while absent from a session.
  </li>
  <li>
    Your character will gain Experience Points as normal at the end of the
    session. This might cause your character to level up (see page 226).
  </li>
</ul>

<p>
  As soon as you take part in a session again, you will be able to gain and
  spend Fabula Points as normal.
</p>

<p>The nature of this world is not one of absolutes.</p>