Changing One's Fellowship Focus

[Majestic]

I didn't want to sidetrack another thread, when Rich H wrote:

Also, with regard to friendships being established over time, does that mean a character's Fellowship Focus should be picked during the game more often than at character generation? I think we can have both and in my campaign both ways have been used.

It caused me to take another look at all the spots where the words 'Fellowship Focus' are used in the rules, and it doesn't really give us any other options (other than picking at character creation).

As LM, I've allowed players to select somebody else, during a Fellowship Phase, when the player of their Fellowship Focus isn't present. I've just felt it isn't fair for them to have to go awhile (perhaps multiple sessions), when their Focus isn't even around (to be harmed or saved). I guess I'd view the 'replacement' as a "Temporary Fellowship Focus', in most cases, until their original returned.

Has anyone else run into this issue? If so, how do you handle it?

[robert_pat]

One group for which I LM is quite large, and is marked with frequent absences. It's not uncommon for us to have several missing players but still have enough people available that we want to play. I don't want anyone to suffer just due to people's understandably hectic schedules, so I allow any player whose regular focus is absent to select a new one at the beginning of a session. We likewise treat these as "Temporary Fellowship Focuses". It does really take away the plot significance of Focuses though, so in my more regular group, I just have the players tough out an absence.

[Angelalex242]

Depends on how many good friends the character has.

In my online game, my High Elf will alternate between the Mirkwood Elf and the Dunedain. Both of which are valid excellent friendships. I default to the other elf cause he's newer and I figure I should protect him. But I'll go back to the Dunedain should the other elf miss a session.

[Wbweather]

My group has yet to choose fellowship focuses. I have encouraged them to do so several times, but they felt that their characters would need time to get to know eachother. We are now some 6 years into DOM and still no one has chosen one. I wonder if I should force the issue.

[Majestic]

I think you should (force the issue). My players picked at the start, not even really knowing the other characters (they were mostly familiar with the players, though).

Just tell your players it's a game mechanic, and just like they wouldn't hesitate to pick their Wits, or their Wisdom, it's something they should note. Then, when they end up recovering some Hope as a result, they'll realize it's a part of the game system they've been missing out on!

[Angelalex242]

It can also be a matter of who WILL be good friends...

I imagine Legolas's player and Gimli's player sat down together and said, "Wouldn't it be hilarious if our elf and dwarf were bros for life?" "Dude, that's awesome, let's do it."

'It was later written that Gimli was allowed to accompany Legolas to the west...though it was strange the Lords of the West should permit. He also went out of desire to see Lady Galadriel again (His Patron) and she, being mighty among the Noldor obtained this grace for him...'