[3.5 and or PF] Leadership Question

[Jhango]

So just a Question here...
I'm quite sure I'll have to talk to my DM about this however...


Does your Cohort have to be present to gain experience?

Like if I have my Cohort off doing something else like building magic items while the party goes killing dragons.

[Sylthia]

I think it's open to GM interpretation, since awarding XP is always the prerogative of the GM. However, I think your fame or what not increases as you gain levels, so you'd be entitled to stronger cohorts at a higher levels, though.

I'm not an expert at leadership and I usually ban it, though.