When a character retires or dies, their player might decide to introduce a new character. Other times, the departure of their character aligns with the player’s departure from the table. Regardless of who is starting a new character –- the same player or a newcomer -– there are some aspects to consider when bringing a new party member into the fold. The first thing to consider is how they will fit into the party. Do they fill a skill gap? Are they someone whose goals align with the party’s? Do they have a pre-existing connection with one or more party members? Creating characters using the rules presented in Lifepath on page 4 is a great way to build your backstory with the lore of your campaign, and using the Connections table on page 31 can build a pre-established relationship with the party, avoiding any awkward integrations. Alternatively, consider using [[Allies, Contacts, and Rivals]] as a base to build on, as they will already have a relationship with the party. It’s important to remember that things change, and choices made in isolation during character creation may not feel like they were the right ones to make during play. It’s always okay to ask your GM if you can make adjustments on the fly or use the [[Forge a New Path]] Downtime Activity if things don’t work out how you thought they would. >[!note] A Level Playing Field? >When inviting a new character to your party, it’s worth thinking about the newcomer’s prior experience swinging swords, slinging spells, and dodging dangers. Are they new to the life of perilous adventure and in need of a tutor or protection as they get to grips with the rough and tumble life of an adventurer? > >Consider starting a new character at a lower level than the party, gaining levels quickly as they learn from more experienced party members. It can create some refreshing encounters when the party must protect the fragile newcomer while giving them opportunities to get to grips with their abilities! > >Alternatively, a player may bring a higher-level character to the table, acting as an expert in their field, with the understanding they will level slower than the party. How will the party react to a talented addition to the team? Will they look admirably upon their latest party member, or will jealousy and healthy rivalry spring forth from the newest arrival? >[!note] Upgraded to Protagonist >Two central problems when introducing a new character are how they meet the party and establishing why the party can trust this newcomer. You can overcome both by drawing upon the party’s supporting cast for an organic transition: [[Allies, Contacts, and Rivals]] the party already have can be the basis of a new player character who is already familiar with the party. > > If you don’t want to convert a pre-existing NPC into a player character, Allies, Contacts, and even Rivals can introduce the party to your new character. Perhaps they have fallen afoul of the same Sage as the party, or they have helped the party’s Witch ally in the past and come with a glowing recommendation.