Playing two characters

[Treebore]

Obviously, it is Joe's fault.

 

[hunter1828]

I run a campaign with just two players.

We like it this way- Combat goes fast, experience flies, and they both feel a greater part of the game.

However, when the Half-Orc Wizard died (and was reincarnated as an elf), I realized that the campaign grew a bit weak with just one continuous character.

So I was pondering: What if each player played two characters?


Has anyone had any experience in this?

I have just three players in my game and each plays two characters (one actually plays three). There have been no problems with sharing character only info or equipment, as sometimes happens in these situations.

In a small group, I have always found it works well if each player runs two characters, as long as they feel comfortable doing so. One problem I have encountered in the past is that the multiple characters of one player don't often develop a unique personality. Luckily, my three players are very good role players and have given each of there characters very unique personalities and I usually know which character is "speaking" from the tone of voice, inflection, mannerisms, etc. Heck, one of the players is playing two characters that don't even like each other that much!

hunter1828

 

[Norfleet]

Obviously, it is Joe's fault.

Yes, Joe is obviously attempting to challenge Altalazar for the title of ENworld Necromancer.

 

[Sir Whiskers]

In OD&D, it was not unusual for one player to run multiple pc's (as many as 6 pc's, if there was just one player).

In AD&D, it became a bit much to run more than 2 pc's, unless they were all fighting types.

In 3E, we've tried running multiple pc's, or having a player run his/her character and one npc, and it's been difficult. In addition to the roleplaying problems inherent in running two characters, 3E is much more complex than the previous systems, with many more options. Only the most experienced players can do this well, and it should always be the player's choice, i.e., never force a player to play extra characters.

If your players can handle multiple characters, I would agree with those who've recommended giving them the Leadership feat for free and allowing each a henchman. If the primary character dies, and is not raised, give the player the option of creating a new character, or changing the henchman to a player-character - which could have interesting roleplaying possibilities.