Can I start multiple local games?

[hans219]

I've selected Play Single Player and started a game. Could I start another Local game with a different character? What would happen to my Single Player Game if I join a server based game. It seems like there should be a Change Character option which would then lead to the game that character has been playing. I understand why characters shouldn't be able to move between games but I'd really like to try some different characters and starting areas but I'm afraid I'll lose my current progress.