Certainly, this isn’tuntrue.

Sometimes being stubborn pays off.

Regardless, chances are you clicked on this if you fall somewhere in the latter.

A party of adventurers in a wood terrified by something unseen from Dungeons & Dragons.

Heroes of Horror by David Hudnut

Here are some tips for implementing a backup character into your game.

What Are Backup Characters?

Why Make A Backup?

Elephant pirate in a crown standing on a tropical beach

Icewind Dale Art by Jedd Chevrier

Backups can be very practicalin the event of a character’s death, whether in afatal campaignor not.

you might give them reasons to know x, y, and z without creating a sizable knowledge gap.

But if not, consider, at creation, what the party may miss.

Adventurers travelling through an icy forest with torches lit from Dungeons & Dragons.

Icewind Dale Art by Jedd Chevrier

If you’re going to be down a paladin, think about creating a barbarian or fighter.

If you’re down a healing druid, consider a cleric.

Dungeons & Dragons parties are nothing if not adaptable.

A group of adventurers facing off against a horde of enemies in D&D

Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide Cover Art by Tyler Jacobson

Be prepared to play them very little, if ever.

The primary character may live throughout the campaign!

It’s not ALWAYS about the sword, believe it or not.

The pictures is from the point of view opening a book inscribed with runes and magic.

Wizard’s Spellbook by Iris Compiet

A halfling using Blur in D&D.

Blur by Dave Greco

Descent into Avernus by Clint Cearley paladin standing on a ledge while wielding a sword and shield

Tabletop

d&d