Handling PCs Splitting Up

by John Kim

         This is one of a series of essays on techniques for emulating common genre conventions in RPGs. My assumption here is that you have a given genre -- such as "superhero comic book" or "period martial arts movie" -- and you want to adapt it from its original medium into the medium of RPGs. This is similar to the problem of adapting a novel into a film, or any other change of medium. For more on the meaning of genre in RPGs, see my essay on "Understanding Genre in Roleplaying".

         In many genres, it is common for the main characters to split up to deal with multiple problems. The action then jumps back and forth between the different groups. This is problematic for an RPG session, though, simply because it means some of the players are sitting around watching.

         There are several ways to make this more workable.

• Cut between the different groups at tense, decision-making points -- i.e. "cliffhangers". Ideally, the players should not only be passively wondering what will happen -- but they have some time to consider new information and prepare to make a decisive response. For example, in combat you might have the PCs just winning against knife-wielding thugs when suddenly a machine-gun-toting gangster steps around the corner. Cut!
• Allow action to be done independently while the GM is interacting with another group. For example, some PCs could talk amongst themselves and plan while others are engaged in independent action. Another option is "blue-booking", a term from Aaron Allston in his Champions supplements. Each player has a small notebook in which he can write extended notes to the GM. While other action is going on, he can write in the blue-book. The GM can then read and respond to this during lulls in the action.
• Allow players who are not there to affect the action of scenes. This could be by using Plot Points or Whimsy Cards, as mentioned in my discussion of generating Unusual Events. Various other mechanisms could be used to allow them to have meta-game input.
• Allow players to take on alternate characters as PCs. Thus, when the PCs split up, they could take on the roles of minor characters who are with another group.