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Am I the only GM who finds it difficult to play Multiple NPCs in the same scene difficult. Jumping from character to character (particularly at a big feast or party).
It's even more complicated if you have to NPCs disagreeing with each other (it gets to a point where I end up arguing with my self and that's never a good sign). So do you guys have any tips to running multiple NPCs at once?
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It is definitely a problem. One of the easiest ways to do it is to give each NPC a specific voice pattern (e.g an accent, a lisp, a rhythm, etc). Not only does this make your NPCs more memorable, but it makes the conversation easier to follow. NPC A has a French accent, B has a lisp, C speaks very slowly, D speaks very quickly, and so on. The trick there is not mix them up...
Another way, though somewhat visually absurd, is to use miniatures and touch or bob each miniature in turn as they speak, like a child playing with toys. It sounds stupid, and your players will laugh at you to start, but it is a simple way to make it clear who's talking.
I don't find it terribly difficult, but maybe because I argue with myself all the time anyway. (Don't point and stare... it's a good way to think things out.) Just be sure to indicate you are somebody else, a manner of sitting, of speaking, stand up and move around the gaming table if you can. Use sock puppets even. Your players might laugh, but they'll also be able to identify an NPC in a big situation easier.
I usually lean to one side or another, I change voices, facial expression, I give the classic silent movie treatment to certain reactions (ie bigtime overacting... is that ham I smell?). Bigger is better when it comes to being a single person playing several parts. Tiny little hints are lost on some people, and sometimes are lost simply because of how many there are. But if NPC A speaking with a deep booming voice and NPC B stutters on every third word, they know the difference.
The way you hold yourself also helps, for a prideful, bombastic lord with awesome mutton chops, sit up straight, puff out the chest and pull your head back. For the suspicious old lord, lean forward, squint a little and point a lot. Make gestures, over do it if you must.
Also, biggest point, be consistent. Take notes on your NPCs beforehand, and during the game, take more. If Lord Codswallop has a nervous tick, write it down. If Lady Bucket hiccups frequently, write it down.
I have always prefered running games for very small groups (3 players maximum), so I have had to manage multiple NPCs often.
The above suggestions are spot on. Use different voices and different mannerisms. I have even had portraits of each NPC and held it up while speaking.
I am running games for a group of 2 players now. That means I have 2 NPCs to make a solid 4 man group. I try to tailor my NPC's personalities to make it less intensive for me. For example, I may have 1 NPC who is outspoken and 1 who is quiet and reserved.
It can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Just make sure you have a solid background in mind for each NPC. This way, you feel like you know them, and you know how each will react to different situations.