The end of a campaign

[Dr. Bidlo]

In my case, with COVID, we switched from a hybrid in-person and remote game format to fully remote. The frequency of games actually increased, but the campaign still fizzled with the larger group. However, out of the ashes, I was able to identify a smaller core group of players and we have been playing different campaigns (Star Wars and Warhammer Fantasy) with much greater frequency.

For a campaign to have a clean ending, I think you can go one if two routes:

1) Establish the campaign as limited in scope from the onset and create a stable of playable characters from which the players can choose based on the current game or scene. Players will be less attached to these characters, but may also feel more free to use them less cautiously, which can be great fun. Friendships need not be terminated over the Death of a beloved character. Also, everyone knows the story arc from the beginning and is looking forward to the big finale. When it ends, surviving characters might even be able to show up in a future similar campaign (a sequel!).

2) Play a long-term campaign, but break up the larger ongoing storyline (if there is one) into major chapters. After a series of game sessions, there should be some major event or development of the storyline that creates a natural stopping point. Ideally, it would be a point where there is a sense of closure if the campaign is permanently retired or where it could be resumed if the GM and players ever wish to do so.

My most beloved character from many years ago was a rodian pirate leader named Bidlo (surprise). The major campaign dated back to high school and had around two dozen players that filtered in and out based on availability each game session. The campaign fizzled out as the oldest of the group graduated and moved on, but years later another friend tried to resurrect the old characters by jumping forward in time the same number of years as had really passed - about 20 years. This gave a good opportunity to dust off and rebalance the old character stats (how did some of the skill dice get so high???) and to introduce new characters in a general reboot that is both familiar and new at the sane time. Unfortunately, the infamous pirate leader Dr. Bidlo's return only lasted one very short and uneventful game session. It was a good idea, just not the right person or time to do it.