---
{"title": "Manage multiple player characters for tabletop DMs", "description": "A plain guide for tabletop dungeon masters: what to have ready, the steps to manage multiple player characters, and what to check.", "url": "https://desertislandchallenge.com/how-to-manage-multiple-player-characters-at-once-for-tabletop-dungeon-masters/", "date": "2026-10-20"}
---
A plain guide for tabletop dungeon masters: what to have ready, the steps to manage multiple player characters, and what to check.

Pick a method that keeps each character separate, with clear sheets for stats, gear and notes. Tavern Bag is one option: it lets you build a character step by step and search a library of spells, monsters and magic items, in any browser. [^1]

| Option | Price as stated | What it does for multiple characters | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tavern Bag | Free plan keeps 3 characters; Tavern Bag Unlimited costs $3.99 a month and lets you keep as many characters as you like. [^1] [^1] [^1] | Builds characters step by step and works in any browser, with characters that follow your sign-in. [^1] [^1] | Whether the free character amount is enough for your table and what the sign-in requires |
| Other character tools | Check the tool page | Check that it lets you keep more than one character sheet | Browser play, the free offer and account rules |

## What you need before you start

You need a way to hold more than one character sheet at the table. Paper works, but it can become harder to manage when every player character has its own details and the numbers change during play. A device with a browser and a stable internet connection covers the basics if you want to track characters digitally. Close heavy tabs first, because a long session keeps the page open for a while and a crowded browser can slow it down.

Decide what you want from the tool before you search. Managing multiple characters means tracking ability scores, spells, gear and hit points for each one separately, so look for a method that keeps each sheet clear and easy to find.

Have a short list of questions ready:

- Does the tool let you keep more than one character at the same time?
- Does each character get its own sheet with stats, spells and gear?
- Is there a free option, and does the page say what that covers?
- Does it run in a browser, or does it ask for a download?

Keep a note of the answers. They make it easy to compare tools without entering the same data twice.

## Step by step

These steps work for any character tool or method.

1. **Search with the right words.** Use the task and the type of game together, for example tabletop character manager multiple sheets. The same words help you read a tool page quickly.

2. **Read the tool page before you sign up.** Look for the character limit, the sheet features and the price line. Skip pages that do not say what the tool does.

3. **Confirm the free offer.** A page that calls a tool free should be clear about what you get. If the wording is vague, treat the price as unconfirmed and check again before you spend anything.

4. **Open the tool in a fresh browser tab.** Give it the whole tab. If something fails to load, try again and check whether a browser setting is blocking the page.

5. **Sign up only if the tool asks.** If an account is needed, use an email you are happy to keep for games. Read what is saved to the account.

6. **Build the first character slowly.** Go through the choices one at a time. A clear first sheet makes it easier to notice how the tool handles more characters.

7. **Add the next character.** Create it separately and check that the first sheet stays unchanged. This shows whether switching between characters is simple during a session.

8. **Switch between sheets.** Open one character, check its details, then move to another and check those details. The process should keep each character ready when needed.

9. **Decide after one session.** If the sheet layout and workflow suit the table, keep going. If not, compare the next option on the list.

## Tools that can do it

Tavern Bag is made by the team that publishes this site. [^1] The facts available for this page cover Tavern Bag in detail, so the list below is short on purpose. For other tools, use the checks above rather than relying on a claim you cannot verify.

**Tavern Bag.** It lets you build a character step by step and search a library of spells, monsters and magic items, in any browser. [^1] You can build a character step by step through class, background, species, ability scores, subclass, feats and gear. [^1] The free plan keeps 3 characters, with no trial and no card required. [^1] Tavern Bag Unlimited at $3.99 a month lets you keep as many characters as you like. [^1] It is the one paid plan, for keeping more characters. [^1] It works in any browser, on a phone or a laptop, and your characters follow your sign-in. [^1]

**Other character tools.** Any other tool you find can be judged with the same list: multiple character support, separate sheets, browser play and a clear free offer. Check each point on its own page, and write down what the page actually says.

## Common mistakes to avoid

**Assuming free means everything is included.** Read what the page says free covers before you plan a long campaign.

**Skipping the character limit.** Some tools may have limits on how many sheets you can keep without paying. Look for that information before you enter all your data.

**Judging the tool from the first sheet.** A tool that handles one character may feel different when several characters are needed. Add another character and switch between them before you decide.

**Running the session with too many tabs open.** A long session in a crowded browser can stall. Give the tool its own window.

**Using a main email or reused password for a new account.** Make a separate login for a tool you have only just met.

**Forgetting to save between characters.** Check that each sheet is saved before moving to another character.

**Trusting a claim you cannot see on the page.** If a tool page does not say a feature exists, check it in the tool instead of assuming.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many characters can you keep for free in Tavern Bag?

The free plan keeps 3 characters, with no trial and no card required. [^1] If more characters are needed, Tavern Bag Unlimited at $3.99 a month lets you keep as many characters as you like. [^1] Read the page to see what the free plan covers before choosing a setup.

### Does Tavern Bag work on a phone and a laptop?

Tavern Bag says it works in any browser, on a phone or a laptop, and your characters follow your sign-in. [^1] That means a character can be opened from another device without copying the data over. Check that the browser you use is current.

### Can you build a character step by step in Tavern Bag?

Yes. You can build a character through class, background, species, ability scores, subclass, feats and gear. [^1] When a magic item is put on, the numbers change, with a note saying why. [^1] This can help keep each sheet updated as gear changes during a session.

### What should you check before choosing a character management tool?

Check four things on the tool page: that it lets you keep more than one character, that each character gets its own sheet, that it runs in a browser, and that it has a clear free offer. Then see whether an account is needed before you use it. Write the answers down so you can compare tools without entering the same data twice.

### Does Tavern Bag let you make your own items and classes?

You can make your own items, species, classes and backgrounds. [^1] Tavern Bag says they work exactly like the published ones. [^1] This lets custom content sit alongside other character details on the same sheet.

The free plan keeps 3 characters, with no trial and no card required. [^1] - [Visit Tavern Bag](/go/start-tavernbag)

## Sources

[^1]: Tavern Bag's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher) (/go/start-tavernbag)