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20 Ways to Connect PCs

Tabletop RPGs are distinct among many kinds of games because the players work together cooperatively rather than working against each other competitively. But sometimes players tend to develop their characters in isolation, making it difficult to imagine a compelling reason that this group should stay together for longer than it takes to get a drink at the tavern.

Of course, we often hand-wave this issue, since we NEED to hang as a group to make the game work. Some campaigns can use an overarching organization to bind the PCs together, like the Harpers of Faerun or a military organization. My proposed Lost Clan campaign setting offers exactly that kind of group connection (the PCs are all dwarves on a mission to find a lost colony) but most campaigns don't have any formal ties connecting the PCs. So, I like to create them!

During character creation, each player either chooses two connections their character has to two other players in the group (or rolls 2d20 to determine them). They then either corporately decide with other characters share that connection or they can roll randomly to determine with which characters they are connected.

Once they know who they are tied to and the general nature of the connection, the players can discuss the details of that bond. Perhaps instead of just being siblings, they're actually twins. Perhaps the bet the warrior lost to the wizard has forced the warrior to travel with the wizard for one year. Perhaps the barbarian is an apprentice to the ranger's mastery of nature.

These discussions are important to reinforce the bond and to give the player agency over the connection's nature. As a DM, you can suggest how to better tie the character to the details of the story.

Below is a sample of potential connections that tie characters together.

  1. Is a sibling of...
  2. Was saved by...
  3. Served with...
  4. Protected by...
  5. Adventured with...
  6. Is a friendly rival of...
  7. Childhood friend of...
  8. Is magically bound to...
  9. Survived with...
  10. Escaped with...
  11. Apprentice of...
  12. Acolyte of...
  13. Idolizes...
  14. Drinking buddies with...
  15. Business associate with...
  16. Lost a bet to...
  17. Is indebted to...
  18. Was trained by...
  19. Dueling partner of...
  20. On the run with...

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