PvP action may sound like a fascinating way to exercise the freedom allowed byDungeons & Dragons, but deciding whether to allow it in a campaign can be complicated. While combat will likely play a major part in mostD&Dcampaigns, the vast majority of encounters will feature NPCs and enemies controlled by the dungeon master. Player-versus-player fights are less likely to occur, and if they do, they can bring several complications to the game.
Whether players are champing at the bit to brawl among the party or simply examining their options, there’s no way to guarantee that the PvP conversation won’t come up, andit’s best to lay out a plan ahead of timewhenever possible.In-character party arguments could turn violent, or an evil party might be full of members with backstabbing schemes at the ready. Any approach you choose to take will be better than simply shrugging your shoulders, but one decision is a lot safer than the other.
Benefits Of Allowing PvP In A D&D Campaign
Another Avenue For Roleplaying Opportunities
To start with the good, PvP can be a great representation of how much freedomD&Dbrings to the table. While party infighting at the player’s initiative simply isn’t allowed in many video games, there’s no overarching rule determining that it can’t occur inD&D, andthe idea that no characters are exclusively protected makes the world feel more like a true sandbox. In many parties, officially allowing PvP won’t actually lead to it happening, as players and characters on good behavior may not see it as an invitation to brawl.
In a roleplay-heavy campaign,PvP can feel like a natural extension of character conflicts, as seasoned fighters with major disagreements might feel naturally inclined to decide things in a violent manner. It can alsolend authenticity to evil campaigns, which don’t always provide compelling arguments for why self-serving characters shouldn’t turn on each other. WhileD&Dtypically skews toward heroic fantasy, even the threat of possible PvP increases the ongoing tension and fear in a dark narrative.
Disadvantages Of Allowing PvP in D&D
D&D Isn’t Built For PvP Conflict
WhilePvP can occasionally be a great fight,it’s typically more likely to lead to troublethan to a rewarding campaign experience.D&Dfundamentally isn’t balanced with PvP as a consideration, and party members that can equally contribute to group fights won’t necessarily be on an even PvP playing field. Allowing PvP gives inherent advantages to certain characters and can set up frustrating situations for other players, both because of this mechanical imbalance and because of its potential to let ill-intentioned characters derail the experience for other party members.
If one party member is skewing toward murderhobo behavior, most actions they might take without PvP can be smoothed over through the party’s actions or the DM’s rerouting of the story. If they take advantage of PvP, however, there might not be an easy fix without declaring events non-canonical, something that should typically be a last resort.The DM’s role is to prevent these problems from arisingto begin with, and a PvP ban likely isn’t necessary to avoid them, but it’s one of the easier methods of prevention.
It’s also worth considering thatevery player agreeing to PvP doesn’t mean they’ll end up enjoying the outcome. What can sound fun on the surface can lead to bitterness after losing a beloved character or suffering long-term consequences, and having the party talk through disagreements will likely lead to resolutions that feel better for everyone. If you’re a DM, you should know your players and what makes them tick well before putting PvP on the table, even if no one raises a specific disagreement with it.
You Shouldn’t Allow PvP In Most D&D Campaigns
PvP Is Often More Trouble Than It’s Worth
While you don’t necessarily have to set a blanket, uncompromising ban on PvP at aD&Dgame table,the average campaign will be better off without it.D&Dis about maintaining a balance of fun for every player, and PvP risks upsetting that balance for relatively minimal reward. Benefits of PvP tend to be fairly short-form, rudimentary fun, while maintaining healthy party relationships and a focused campaign pay dividends over time. If serious interparty conflicts arise, there are usually better options to explore than allowing might makes right to rule.
If a group is especially interested in a PvP-focused campaign, it’s better to explore alternative tabletop RPGs that have an emphasis on PvP mechanics instead of attempting to shoehorn it into theDungeons & Dragonssystem.
That being said,limited, clearly defined applications of PvP are typically fine. Two party members could use combat rules for a sparring match, or a hulking barbarians might comically restrain an enraged gnome attempting to derail a civil discussion. These don’t necessarily meet the classical definition of PvP, but they’re examples of how physically charged interactions can occur between characters in a way that doesn’t damage the campaign. The key is that any involved players should willingly agree to the rules of engagement, and the stakes shouldn’t set up potential problems for party members.
If you decide to up the threat of an evil campaign, or you want to enhance roleplaying opportunities and accept the risks of PvP, you should make sure that both your group and the situation the campaign sets up are well-equipped to handle it. Even in an evil campaign, having the party tear itself apart will likely lead to an early and unsatisfying end.Your group needs to be universally interested in the idea and experienced enough to understand the risks, and it’s important to introduce reasons why the characters need each other and consequences for engaging in PvP.
When in doubt, it’s better toestablish in a session zerothat PvP is off the table, and it’s unlikely that you’ll find yourself missing it. Even if a scenario does arise where it feels like a particularly meaningful addition to the campaign, you may always revisit that decision when it’s relevant rather than allowing it from the start. There’s no wrong way to playDungeons & Dragons, but keeping PvP out of the equation is a method that’s a lot more reliable than the alternative.
