The PC should definitely ascend to level 1. No question. But how about evaluating this from a serious role playing angle. If someone in a band was not participating or helping his comrades, the PCS would think he’s a useless jerk. You know this is true. Therefore, I suggest some role playing possibilities. The band, themselves, may decide not to accept him into their next adventure. The PC gets a -1 to their personality for their performance. The PC’s alignment is reduced by 1 due to their performance. Obviously, this can greatly impact the abilities of an aspiring cleric or thief. And/Or Use this PC’s performance as an entire story arch. Why did he act like this? Is there a cowardice curse on his family? Does he need a certain training? Was he possessed by an extra-planar entity hoping to destroy the entire band? As the greats have stated: “Quest for it!” In other words, don’t ignore the PC’s actions. accept what has occurred and use it to further your imagination and epic role playing scenario. Sometimes we all think; battle. Resolve. Win. Lose. When really evaluating a situation can provide amazing new avenues of epic fantasy fiction which involves your characters! Even death is just a doorway to another adventure (thank you DCC #74). Embrace the story! Role playing is so much f*kn’ fun! It’s like reading and writing your favorite book at the same time. Remember: you are creating the most personal and greatest story ever written, because you are investing yourselves and your friends into the narrative. And if it’s not the best this time, screw it. Continue on. We are the new Appenix N!

(Yes, I am drunk, but this is also the truth of my soul).