Should You Run Multiple Characters?
Summary
K.R. King and Dan Norton discuss the feasibility of running multiple D&D parties simultaneously, sparked by a player’s request to join a high-level campaign with a first-level apprentice character. They debate the logistical challenges of managing different power levels and the risk of metagaming, comparing this approach to traditional methods like retiring characters or shifting timelines. The hosts explore potential solutions, such as using Discord for high-level play while focusing in-person sessions on the new low-level group, and reflect on the emotional attachment players have to thei…
Topics discussed
Intro: K.R. King and Dan Norton welcome listeners
Player request to run a first-level apprentice character
Concept of multiple simultaneous party levels in one world
Traditional methods for retiring high-level characters
Historical approaches: time jumps and separate campaigns
The charm of early-level combat and danger
Narrative challenges of interacting with multiple characters
Options: joining at 4th level vs. 1st level apprentice
Role-playing differences between old and new characters
Metagaming risks and favoring one group over another
Playability concerns with mixed-level parties
Narrative complexity vs. starting a fresh campaign
Momentum and the 'Joe' effect in character development
Chicago Wiz's method of running simultaneous timelines
Time constraints and the desire for human connection
Historical context: multi-character play and troop mechanics
Debunking myths about early D&D character attachment
Personal experiences with character mortality and NPCs
Emotional investment in NPCs and the 'Holden' example
Outro: Resurrecting retainers and show credits
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