Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tempest7 04-20-04, 08:01 PM	Alright, so I've started up a brand new campaign with 5 of my good friends, and we've played 4 or 5 sessions so far... And a newer friend of ours really wants to get involved in my campaign. This kid already went out and bought a miniature, a set of dice, and the 3.5 PHB and has been reading it religiously. I let him sit in on one of our sessions to watch, and he was paying even closer attention than my regular players. I would love to have him in my campaign, but... When I started this campaign, I told myself that I would limit the number of players to a maximum of 5. This guy would make 6. What do you folks think, should I give this fellow a chance? Is 6 players too many? What do you think the ideal number of players in a group is, and how many do you have in your regular groups? Sorry for asking so many questions, but right now I'm not sure about what to do. :confused:
pres_man 04-20-04, 10:46 PM	How do the other players feel about him playing? If they are fine with it and you think he'll be a good player, I say go for it. I think 5-6 is probably a pretty good number. But then I play with a lot of people that choose flavor over power when designing their characters, so it's nice to have the extra help. I'd say that you should step the EL up 1 or 2 higher than normal (if you haven't already for the 5 players). The largest group I had was 7 players, and the biggest problem was keeping track of whose turn it is. I suggest a small dry erase board that you can write the order after the 1st round so that the players know who they are after.
Nom 04-21-04, 12:42 AM	I fob off initiative tracking to one of my players who likes that sort of thing. Actually, she also tracks damage to the monsters and other stuff. I just check her totals occasionally, compare them to my stat blocks, and let the players know how the opponents are doing. Remember that the DM is there to tell the story and adjudicate. Avoid being the chief scribe and logger if you can help it.
Geethree 04-21-04, 12:45 AM	5-6 is the limit for a "reasonable" party size. Anything beyond that steps into realms that, frankly, I never want to enter. I'd hate to DM a party of 7+ people. I think that if you haven't had any problems DMing 5 people, you shouldn't have too many DMing 6.
Ack'noth Necrom 04-21-04, 04:50 AM	Originally posted by Tempest7 Alright, so I've started up a brand new campaign with 5 of my good friends, and we've played 4 or 5 sessions so far... And a newer friend of ours really wants to get involved in my campaign. This kid already went out and bought a miniature, a set of dice, and the 3.5 PHB and has been reading it religiously. I let him sit in on one of our sessions to watch, and he was paying even closer attention than my regular players. I would love to have him in my campaign, but... Sounds like a great player. Originally posted by Tempest7 When I started this campaign, I told myself that I would limit the number of players to a maximum of 5. This guy would make 6. What do you folks think, should I give this fellow a chance? Is 6 players too many? I would say yes give him a chance, see how your and he like eachother in character. IMO no 6 players isnt too many. Too many players is when the DM cant keep up with the game because theres too much character interation going on. Originally posted by Tempest7 What do you think the ideal number of players in a group is, and how many do you have in your regular groups? I dont really have an Ideal number for group size. My group has 6 currently but I've DMed for a group of 13 before (it was hard but not impossible). For newer DMs i always recomend smaller groups of 3-4 people with simplistic characters. However for the experienced DMs i say go for what you can handle but no more. Originally posted by Tempest7 Sorry for asking so many questions, but right now I'm not sure about what to do. :confused: I suggest letting him into the game on a trial basis. Make sure that he understands it isnt a garantee, its a trial to see if he fits into the game you want to run. This way if you end up not wanting him (or to DM for 6 people) you can be honest and tell him without hurting his feelings. I hope that helps
AtmaWeapon 04-21-04, 04:52 AM	Yeah, I don't think there's going to be a terrible difference between a party of 5 and a party of 6. My only advice to you as you enter "larger party" territory is to start having a lot of reasonable challenge opponents in a group compared to 1 or 2 really tough one. Really tough encounters of that level end up being not a challenge, because the players simply start to outnumber it's actions.
Tzepish 04-21-04, 05:00 AM	I say let him in, even if 6 seems like too much, it's only fair to this kid. You may also consider splitting the group into two groups of 3, if you have the time to DM two groups.
Shadowmagyk 04-21-04, 11:17 AM	I prefer 5-6 characters, and would go as high as 8. This kid seems very interested in playing. I would give him the chance. He has gone out of his way to understand the game, dont mess it up for him by making him resentful.
Dragonteuthis 04-21-04, 11:46 AM	I'd have to agree in spirit here with the other players. I think the best thing to do is sit all the other players down and ask them candidly, What Do You Think, Guys? If you let him in, ask for support from some of the older/mature/experienced players. Ask them for help, and make sure everyone understands there might be some construction dust by adding a player. Hope it works out for you. Good luck.
mercurial67 04-21-04, 08:32 PM	Personally, I think 4 is the best number. It's easier to roleplay, it's easier to manage combats, and the CR system is based on parties of 4. With a party of only 4, if you have one person who can't play it makes it hard to play though. With a larger party, you will probably have someone missing every other game, but you don't have to worry about it as much since there will almost always be at least 4 players. Personally, I don't think there is that much of a difference between 5 & 6, so if he seems like he would be an enthusiastic player, go for it
Elrana 04-21-04, 09:23 PM	There is nothing better for a group than an enthusiastic and excited player. New blood brings with it new ideas and DMing for 6 is no different at all from DMing for 5. Personally I like playing and DMing for groups of 6-8 and will usually have an NPC thrown in there as well. You can use more powerful enemies and more exciting story lines earlier, there is a better chance for good character interaction and most importantly there should always be at least one divine spellcaster!
TheGogmagog 04-21-04, 10:43 PM	I like 5 for a group size also. But for a player so devoted, I would let him in in a heartbeat.