While spontaneity is one of the more engaging and fun aspects of any goodDungeons and Dragonsgame, it can quickly devolve into an unmanageable mess of internal conflict, long gaps between actual play for ever-increasingly dissatisfied players, and a new DM left pulling out their hair. Luckily, there are some new tools available for use and inspiration in the newest addition to the core ruleset forDungeons and Dragons' fifth edition.
Many have encountered events where, after something like a slippery rogue kills someone who is seemingly innocent, the party falls apart. Some of the group leave in disgust, some run to inform the authorities, and one other incredulously decides to stay and deflect any suspicions with the murderous rogue. As the party quickly splits into multiple distinct groups, the DM is left, mouth agape, wondering where it all went wrong. This story is all-too-familiar to even the most veteranDungeon Masters inDungeons and Dragons.
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Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything is the newest expansion for the fifth edition version ofDungeons and Dragons, and its 192 pages are packed with new tools for players and DMs alike. Players are treated toeven more character option forDungeons and Dragons, and DMs are gifted plenty of new magic items and some interesting new puzzles to add to their game. But one of the newer additions that stands out as a great tool for DMs looking to stabilize their party composition can be found in “Chapter 2: Group Patrons.” It provides examples, templates, and inspiration for groups, organizations, or powerful individuals that might have employed or recruited the PCs as a whole.
Types of Group Patrons
The second chapter inTasha’s Cauldron of Everythingoutlines several types of organizations and then offers tools to help flesh them out. Each type of patron isn’t tied to any type of character either, so the groups can incorporate any type ofPlayer Character background or class.
These templates are great jumping off points for creating a Group Patron in a campaign and can helpDMs create truly memorable adventures.
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What Makes Up the Group?
The players would need a reason to join the group, and the second chapter ofTCoElays out the framework and benefits of the different Group Patrons alongside tools to build an organization step-by-step. The different options help to flesh out and populate an organization in a way that’s organic and makes sense to players. For example, it wouldn’t make much sense tofind aDungeons and Dragonsartificerworking for a Religious Order obsessed with an ascetic way of life. Here’s a quick summary of the components to build a Group Patron.
Why It Matters
Player choice is paramount toDungeons and Dragons, as the players spend a lot of timecustomizing theirDnDCharacter’s feats, background, and playstyle. The Group Patron rules are a great way to help solidify a common goal for the party in the campaign without truly limiting player choice. The individual Player Characters are still free to make their own choices within the group, but they share a common direction. Doing anything so radical as to be ousted by the Patron would result in loss of very valuable perks that it can help rein in even the most stubborn rogue.
But more importantly, it helps keep the party together in a way that is natural and (most importantly) fun. There is still plenty of room for internal conflict, which can be a fun and engaging facet of a greatDnDgame, but the party has a reason to stay and adventure together.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everythingis available now both in physical and digital format.
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