OMG Help I Have 9 Players!

[Aplus]

so after one session with 7 players which was already a bit rough in terms of turn length, i have 2 more players that want to join. i can only run games once a month, so splitting the group doesn't seem reasonable. besides, we're all friends and we all want to see each other. any tips for building manageable encounters for a group this large?

 

[TarionzCousin]

Tell the two new players to start their own game.

Seriously. If you have too many people, it will detract from the fun for everyone.

 

[MerricB]

Agreed. Nine players for D&D 4E is hideous. It isn't good for earlier editions, but it's hideous for 4E.

 

[Aulirophile]

Find two more people. Of the 12 total, pick one to DM. Have two five person groups in a concurrent storyline. Have them cross paths every so often when the whole group wants to get together.

It'll be way more fun.

 

[Kingreaper]

You don't even need two more people, just find some way to split the groups. Have a meal/chat together first, then split into two for gametime. 4 players is a lot better number than 9.

 

[Aulirophile]

You don't even need two more people, just find some way to split the groups. Have a meal/chat together first, then split into two for gametime. 4 players is a lot better number than 9.

Well, it is optional. I prefer 5 person groups for 4e.

 

[Fridayknight]

One of my DMs is doing a 13 man game (its a bit NOISY). I think splitting should be a good idea, find those who want to try a new character or class and swap these for the hard-set ones.

 

[radja]

if you do decide to run with the entire group, ask for one of the players to be your co-DM. that way, you cut out 1 PC, and the extra DM makes things flow just a little smoother.

 

[Jhaelen]

Well, my 3e group also has nine players. However, in the 6+ years we've been playing I think we only had a single session where every player was actually present. Most of the time 'only' five to seven players show up.

In our 4e group we started with seven players which worked relatively fine. Sure, combat is going to take a long time, but it doesn't take nearly as much time as it does in 3e.

Anyway, I'd ask around if there's someone else who might be interested in DMing and split the party. Since DMing in 4e is less work (and more fun) chances are, someone is willing to give it a try.

 

[Ferghis]

Well, my 3e group also has nine players. However, in the 6+ years we've been playing I think we only had a single session where every player was actually present. Most of the time 'only' five to seven players show up.

This is what I expect to happen. However, asking someone who will be consistently present to coDM the game is a good suggestion. Most games will probably have 5 or 6 players.