A lot of ink has been spilled about Adversarial DMing in #DnD or any #ttrpg, the concept of DM vs Player, and I don't want to retread those arguments. I'm vehemently against the practice, but I think we can learn something from it at the same time. Thread Inc. 1/7
My biggest motto is to be a fan of the players. This means that I should share in their triumphs and feel for their downfalls. I should be with them through it all and be their lens into the world. I should give them relevant info and help them understand what's around them. 2/7
I take this job at the table seriously. If you were to play with me, you would see me celebrate their crits and feel genuine remorse for a lost ally. This instills a mutual trust with the players. Adversarial DMing at the table favors acting as a harsh or direct opposition. 3/7
Where that kind of mindset can be helpful is actually in construction of your BBEGs. What I mean is that within the mindset of an adversarial DM lies the core of a good villain. They can be uncaring, driven by their own motivations, and relentless in their assault. 4/7
If you think like an adversarial DM during your prep of the characters, you can get into the mindset of wanting to win at all costs. I've found this quite useful as I build traps, lairs, and things of that nature. If the BBEG is observant, let them learn from the players. 5/7
After they have seen enough of the characters in action, craft encounters with the BBEG or their minions using adversarial DM knowledge. If they know the party is heavy on casters, bring in anti-magic fields. If they are melee reliant, get flight and mobility. 6/7
Thinking as an adversarial DM can let you more easily get in the mindset of a plotting BBEG that learns from the actions of the party and the defeats their minions have suffered. Use that to your advantage, then drop it for game time. 👍 7/7
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