Each player is permitted a total of three characters on From the Cradle. This does not include any short-term characters that may be used for plot purposes; however, if such a character is retained beyond a short period of time, that character will be considered one of the three.

You may not use your alternate characters to benefit each other in any way. Indeed, your alternate characters should not come into contact with each other or, so far as is possible, know that they each exist. This includes taking logical precautions to prevent interaction: if you are playing an ambassador, you should not also create the ambassador's aide, and if your two characters seem to be heading on a collision course you should take steps to either divert the path or recuse one of your characters from the scene.

Administrators are permitted to, on a temporary basis, play more than three characters and/or have characters that may come into contact with each other. However, this should not be a long-term condition, and administrators are expected to list any "regular" characters in their +fingers to avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest.