Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Misyrr 03-26-04, 04:39 AM	I've a Forgotten Realms (my favorite and most beloved campaign setting) campaign brewing and I'd like some input as to the manner I plan on running it. I like my campaigns to be very player and PC driven. That is, I layer dozens of plots and hooks for the characters to discover and which path they choose is up to them (though it is limited by what I am able to prepare, so I suppose it really is still up to myself). My upcoming campaign is to be more or less four simultaneous solo-campaigns. I'm allowing the PCs to be of any alignment, race (as long as they can be it at 1st-level), and from whatever region they so desire. This, of course, could cause some troubles with party cohesion... That is not an issue in this campaign. PCs can come together to form a party, yes, but it is not necessary. I will be creating several NPCs (equipped as PCs to make suitable allies) to join the ranks of the PCs, so they'll have a party be it run by other players or myself. I will jump from campaign to campaign, expecting the other players to either work on detailing and developing their characters or watching quietly in the meantime. This allows players a great number of options. They may be heroes, or villains, they could work together, or against each other... They may never even meet. The campaigns I run tend to be less combat oriented, so I don't see long waits while one group battles popping up too often. It is late, and I'm somewhat tired, so if any clarification as to how I'll be handling anything in specific is needed I can provide that information. What do you think?
CeresOfTerra 03-26-04, 05:11 AM	I think you have a lot of faith in your players not screwing stuff up. Best of luck.
Mr. VanderMeer 03-26-04, 05:33 AM	I understand why you are tired. Trying to run a campaign like this will be a bit mind-boggling and I do think it will be difficult to keep things clear and exciting for everybody.
Lord Crimson 03-26-04, 04:18 PM	I think that if you can manage it you will have a fascinating story to explore. But, I would definitely have the other PCs play the NPCs attached to the PCs in any encounter (takes the load off of you and keeps them occupied at the same time).
bahamut_0 03-26-04, 04:42 PM	A nice idea, but there is always the situation where the players who aren't playing can get bored. Maybe they don't want to advance their characters any more for the time being. If you know your players well however, this could work well for you. Good luck.
Autosponge 03-26-04, 04:43 PM	I will be creating several NPCs (equipped as PCs to make suitable allies) to join the ranks of the PCs, so they'll have a party be it run by other players or myself. Don't do it. As soon as an NPC joins the party (I don't care if it's a party of one) give control to the players.
Misyrr 03-26-04, 04:56 PM	Originally posted by Autosponge Don't do it. As soon as an NPC joins the party (I don't care if it's a party of one) give control to the players. Do you mean in any decision making or combat scenarios where the PC doesn't specifically say "What do you think (NPC name)" or are you suggesting that they simply say nothing at all and tag along only as body-guards and servants?
Misyrr 03-26-04, 05:10 PM	Originally posted by Lord Crimson I think that if you can manage it you will have a fascinating story to explore. But, I would definitely have the other PCs play the NPCs attached to the PCs in any encounter (takes the load off of you and keeps them occupied at the same time). I know it'd be annoying to have to wait as a player while the DM performed actions for all the NPCs, party and foes.
Autosponge 03-26-04, 05:46 PM	Originally posted by Misyrr Do you mean in any decision making or combat scenarios where the PC doesn't specifically say "What do you think (NPC name)" or are you suggesting that they simply say nothing at all and tag along only as body-guards and servants? I mean don't try to run a party member. As soon as an NPC joins the party, hand the character sheet over to the player.
Misyrr 03-26-04, 05:51 PM	Originally posted by Autosponge I mean don't try to run a party member. As soon as an NPC joins the party, hand the character sheet over to the player. Please explain why. You've say not to, but not why specifically. I'm all ready pretty certain that when it's not currently a players turn they'll be running the additional party members for the current players mini-campaign. That could solve some problems.
Phist 03-26-04, 07:26 PM	I find that you can manage without hooking your players to the missions, but it is almost always nessesary to hook your party together.
Lord Crimson 03-27-04, 01:23 PM	Phist, I think what Misyrr is trying for here is more of a freeform interaction, wherein the PCs can be each other's enemies if they choose because, really, who better to play a villain than a player who will be as creative as s/he can to keep his/her PC alive and successful?
Duel the Rider 03-27-04, 01:31 PM	Good idea. But I would think about making players who are not active in the immediate scene wait out of hear shot. If you don't you run the risk of players using OOC knowledge while playing there character. best of luck just my 2 cents, take it w/ a grain of salt.
pappabear5 03-27-04, 04:22 PM	This is a great idea for players who cannot get togerther at the same time very frequently. I started playing D & D 25 years ago but have spent huge chunks of time not playing because a bunch of 30, 40, and soon to be 50 year olds rarely can "play together." This idea can allow a regular system of solo or two player scenarios built to run concurrently. Why didn't somebody stick in front of me years ago? I can have my six players meet once a month (or two) but between time keep the game moving with solo (or small group) advntures. Can you imagine four "parties" entering the dungeon from four different routes to meet and discover they are each other's nemesis? I hope it is not five against one. Best wishes, Pappabear5