Most who play Avalon will develop more than one character, either at different times consecutively (better known as a "next" persona) or - more controversally - at the same time concurrently (rightly termed a "second" character).
There are guidelines to be followed and pitfalls to be avoided for both the persona playing the second and those coming into contact with "new but seemingly experienced" persona.
The contents of HELP ROLE apply most stringently here, especially in the case of second characters played at the same time as active main persona.
Nine times out of ten, though, a "second" would be more rightly called a "next" character, i..e.. the prior roles are sidelined or shelved completely. The "next" character should avoid abusing their headstart in experience and Avalon ability e..g. don't go around bullying fellow LWs and should make doubly certain HELP ROLE is kept sacred.
Do not mistake a "second" for a "next" character. Do not be a hypocrite.
Those playing alongside a suspect "next" or "second" should only have a concern if there is suspicion of abuse of knowledge (e..g.. spying for a 'main' character) or genuine concern over abuse of trust (e..g. being played for some future 'betrayal' without backlash). See HELP ACCUSE if this is the case. There are ways to deal with this eventuality.
The "next" persona is far less of an issue than a "second" for the person playing him/her since he/she can be played without keeping separate personalities and knowledge-backgrounds. The "second" persona must not mix roles and must be independent, i..e. no playing a second simply to gather inside info by pretending to be somebody else, funnelling the info back to the main character.
Unless there is a REAL complaint about abuse of "next" or "second" persona play, i..e. cheating or main character nest feathering, there is NO RESTRICTION on either character type. Abuses of HELP ROLE or guidelines above should be reported and will be dealt with.
Avalon is a roleplaying game and there is NO OBLIGATION for a "next" to reveal links with prior personalities nor should there be pressure or penalties for the "next" or properly played second, if he/she declines to step OOC ("out of character") or to talk about PP ("prior persona").
Far more prevalent, especially at times of mediocre player quality, is abuse of the accusation/existence of "next" or "second" characters to try to avoid one's own shortcomings or - ironically - attempt to turn competence and early intelligence of a developing role/character into a criticism ("you know too much about the gamesystem!") or to dodge having to work on self-improvement ("you only won that fight because you're a second!").
Fact is: second, third, fifth or tenth, if you are beaten by another Avalon player then blame and solution all lie with you alone. Blaming a next/second persona is just an excuse, unfair to the person beating you or unwilling to talk OOC; and what is more it is against the guidelines set out here and in HELP ROLE. Avoid it. The Gods will NOT look favourably on those who harass a "next" or properly played "second" character IC or OOC and won't let the status of an opponent be an excuse for defeat in some competitive area of Avalon - like a fighting challenge.
See HELP ROLE, HELP HONESTY and HELP ACCUSE for companion guidelines and commands.
