Size of character parties

[Lorne]

Greetings all,

After playing the current D&D ruleset for the past several months, I think I have a reasonable handle on how the game is played. One question I still have, though, involves the number of characters in a typical adventuring party.

Some of the out-of-print adventures in my collection include sample parties with eight or even ten members of the appropriate levels, and I can remember 1e/2e games where players ran multiple PCs or the DM ran multiple NPCs to have a larger party. In the two 3e groups that I currently attend, the parties number four and five characters, respectively. I don't know if this is a function of the personal tastes of the two DMs involved, or if there is a trend in adventure design under the current rules to have a smaller party (the DM of the 4-character party said it makes designing adventures easier; he cited that CRs are based on 4-character groups).

While I don't think that any specific number of heroes is 'ideal,' I thought that a poll on the forums would be helpful in shedding light on the subject. My thanks to anyone who votes or gives feedback.

 

[Firedancer]

Is there a poll, or do you just want replies?

One factor I feel is behind the CR on a 4 person party is because, IME, its difficult getting a much larger group of roleplayers able to meet regularly. Plus 4 is a good number of players, both for ingame time and development, and skill set (the classic rogue, ftr, mage and cleric combo).

My group has fluctuated in numbers; starting off with a core 6 (including DM). Peak was 8 players and that was difficult to handle. Low is 2 players, and that presents other problems!

I personnally really like 5 players as there's more scope for choice (people don't feel they have to take the rogue skill set), and you can cope well enough with the occasional absence.

 

[Firedancer]

Annnd, there's the poll! Ooops.

 

[Qaballa]

I have 4-5, but I can't vote for that option

 

[Thanee]

I would vote 3-5, so I went with 3-4.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Jeff Wilder]

In one game in which I play there are six PCs, plus a cohort, two animal companions, two familiars, four mounts, and a mule and cart. (Whew!)

In a second game in which I play there are five PCs.

In the game I DM there are five PCs.

 

[the shmoopie]

5 PC's 1 DM.

No cleric, two primary fighter classes... could really use that cleric right about now. :\

 

[Thad Enouf]

I think the "sweet spot" is somewhere between 4 and 6 PCs, depending on player experience, game edition, classes, and level. Currently, I am the DM of three PCs and one NPC and it's about perfect for our play style in lower level adventuring.

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

More than eight, and it is a huge detriment to the game.

 

[Hussar]

Got six victims right now.

They finally got themselves a wizzie. And a straight up cleric. 15 levels without a cleric or a wizard. Who'da thunk?