Handling Player Conflict in a West Marches Campaign: Lessons from the Common Grounds Guild of Greyhawk
Running a West Marches campaign, especially one like the Common Grounds Guild of Greyhawk with multiple groups sharing a single world, presents unique challenges. Among them, handling player conflict is critical. With a diverse player base—ranging from seasoned veterans to eager newcomers—it’s inevitable that misunderstandings or disagreements may arise.
Here’s how we’re addressing and managing player conflict to ensure that everyone enjoys their adventures in Greyhawk.
Why Player Conflict Happens in a West Marches Campaign
West Marches campaigns foster collaboration, but the open-world, sandbox nature also brings potential friction. Common sources of conflict include:
- Incompatible play styles: One player’s preference for combat may clash with another’s love of roleplay.
- Loot disputes: Deciding who gets the shiny new magic item can lead to tension.
- Scheduling frustrations: With multiple groups and a shared world, scheduling conflicts are bound to occur.
- Disagreements on character decisions: Players may feel frustrated if a teammate’s choice leads to unforeseen consequences.
Tools We Use to Manage Conflict
The Common Grounds Guild of Greyhawk uses two key platforms to keep communication open and smooth:
1. Obsidian Portal
We’ve created a campaign page on Obsidian Portal, which acts as the central hub for:
- Session summaries, so everyone knows how the world is evolving.
- A shared loot log, reducing disputes over unclaimed treasure.
- House rules, ensuring clarity on expectations.
Example: After a recent session, a group recovered a rare artifact. The loot log entry clarified that it was group property, not individual loot, avoiding a potential argument.
2. Discord
Our Discord server is the day-to-day communication tool, featuring:
- Channels for scheduling: Players can coordinate their next adventure without clogging other discussions.
- Out-of-character discussions: A space for resolving any issues before they escalate.
- Feedback forms: A private way for players to share concerns with the DMs.
Example: When one player expressed frustration over scheduling conflicts, the community used Discord to create a poll, ensuring the next session worked for the majority.
Proactive Strategies for Managing Conflict
To minimize conflict, we’ve adopted several proactive measures:
1. Clear House Rules
From day one, we’ve shared expectations about behavior, table etiquette, and the role of the DM as the final arbiter. House rules are posted on both Discord and Obsidian Portal for easy access.
2. Session Zero Emphasis
During Session Zero, we encourage players to discuss their characters’ goals and preferred play styles. This helps align expectations within groups and reduce friction during sessions.
Example: A player who loves tactical combat paired up with others who enjoy problem-solving, ensuring complementary goals for their first session.
3. Neutral Mediation
When conflicts arise, the DM team steps in as neutral mediators. We address issues privately with the individuals involved, aiming to resolve problems before they affect gameplay.
Example: In one session, a disagreement over a failed stealth roll led to tension. A quick post-session chat with both players clarified the rules and helped smooth things over.
Encouraging Collaboration Over Competition
The world of Greyhawk is vast, and the Common Grounds Guild emphasizes that the adventurers are all on the same side. To foster camaraderie:
- We celebrate achievements on Discord, such as successful quests or memorable roleplay moments.
- Multi-group collaboration events allow players to team up for epic goals, creating bonds beyond their usual groups.
Example: After one group cleared a dungeon, they left a note in the Obsidian Portal log with tips for future adventurers, showing how teamwork benefits everyone.
Additional Resources for Managing Player Conflict
If you’re running a campaign and need more tools to address conflict, consider these resources:
- "X-Card" Tool: A simple way for players to signal discomfort during sessions. (More info here)
- "Reinforce Cooperative Character Motivations" by Sly Flourish: Practical advice on creating cooperative environments.
The Goal: Fun for Everyone
At the end of the day, the goal of the Common Grounds Guild of Greyhawk is to create an inclusive, exciting environment where every adventurer has a chance to shine. By using tools like Obsidian Portal and Discord, setting clear expectations, and addressing conflicts quickly, we’re building a campaign that players will want to return to week after week.
Are you ready to join the adventure? The guild is always looking for brave souls to shape Greyhawk’s future—just remember to leave your loot disputes at the door!