The optimal number of participants (player AND DM)!

[Decamber]

I know this kind of poll has been up before, but since I'm not (yet) a community supporter, I can't search.
Anyway, my group is considering getting more people to join. So I'd like to know what number of players (including DM) you find being optimal for a good group. If you'd like to, please tell my why also!

Note that DM is included in the number of players!

Thanks!

 

[Eternalknight]

I voted four, but four or five is optimal for me (including DM).

 

[Garmorn]

I like six so there is room for the character concepts/classess. For example you could add a druid or bard and not hurt the needed four (cleric, combatant, arcane spell user, trap/lock fixer).

The real deciding factor is just how much lime light each player needs. If every one in your group is heavy into character delvelpment then most groups need to be smaller. If your group is pure hack and slashers then a larger group is possible. Both groups can increase in size if one or more player are like me. I like a little character developement but prefere to act a lot more as a support/side kick type character, getting a very small amount of the limelight. I also known a hack and slasher who enjoyed watching others intereact with NPC's as long as they got a little of combat every session or two so they felt that they were contributing to the party as a whole.

 

[nsruf]

I prefer 3-6 players and a smaller group above a larger one, so I voted 4. IMO, more players is a crowd, and fewer ones have a hard time adventuring, unless you tailor the adventure so that abilities missing in the party don't come into play often.

 

[Fenes 2]

I consider 2 to 3 players the ideal group size. Less overlap, more time for individual PCs, more options for me as the DM to let them interact with NPCs, and to play NPCs.

 

[diaglo]

the Original D&D (1974) booklets suggest 20 as the optimal number.

 

[Agback]

G'day

I voted for four, figuring that you don't consider the GM to be a player. I do consider the GM to be a player, and on that basis my answer is 'five'.

Perhaps you ought to edit your initial post to make the question clearer.

Regards,


Agback

 

[Rune]

I voted 4, but I also think the game works best with anywhere between 3-6 players (not including the DM, of course). Any less players than 3, and the game lags, as it's harder for the players to be innovative. Any more than 6 and the game gets unwieldy.

 

[Quickbeam]

I'm rather partial to having five players plus the DM. Here's why:

** Our group generally plays in locations where the table(s) comfortably hold six people and their gaming gear.
** This number incorporates the four basic classes plus one wild card/jack of all trades PC.
** We can get by without too much trouble if someone has to miss a session.
** Sheer habit .

 

[Deadguy]

Well, I admit I'm the chap who said 'Two or Less'. I admit I like a small game, where there's plenty of opportunity for role-play interaction without worrying that other people are getting bored. It makes running adventures a little harder - and it is really demanding on player(s) and DM - but the results can be fantastic!

Just so you have another point of view.