THIS is how I run an adventurers guild in D&D

Summary

This video script advocates for the inclusion of adventuring guilds in fantasy TTRPG campaigns, highlighting their utility in providing quest hooks, a sense of progression, and player bases. It outlines steps for creating a guild from scratch, including determining its size and reach, establishing a rank hierarchy, designing the guild house, and populating it with NPCs. The script also introduces the concept of a 'failing adventuring guild' as a compelling narrative, where players can help revive a declining organization, experiencing direct benefits as they elevate the guild's reputation and reclaim its former glory.

Takeaways

• 🔹 An adventuring Guild can provide a structured way for players to receive quests and adventure hooks.
• 🔹 Guilds offer a sense of progression as players rise through the ranks, enhancing their status and access to higher-level quests.
• 🔹 Adventuring Guilds serve as player bases, offering a place for rest, healing, and crafting between quests.
• 🔹 The size of the Guild can vary from a single Guild House to a network across multiple regions or towns.
• 🔹 Guild hierarchy typically includes ranks such as mercenaries, members, masters, and the Grandmaster, each with different privileges and responsibilities.
• 🔹 Designing the Guild House as a unique space with amenities and staff can enhance player immersion.
• 🔹 Creating unique NPCs for each rank within the Guild can foster player relationships and a sense of community.
• 🔹 The failing adventuring Guild scenario provides a compelling narrative where players can help revive and expand the Guild.
• 🔹 Players' actions can have a direct impact on the Guild's revival, including reopening Guild houses and improving contracts.
• 🔹 The video is sponsored by 'describe', a service offering pre-written RPG content and a customizable soundboard.

Q & A

What are the three core purposes of an adventuring Guild in a TTRPG campaign setting?

An adventuring Guild serves three core purposes: providing a source for new adventure hooks and quest lines, offering a sense of progression for players, and acting as a player base for healing, crafting, and downtime between quests.

How does an adventuring Guild make it easy for the DM to present new quests?

An adventuring Guild simplifies quest presentation by offering a list of potential quests at a physical location within the game world, allowing players to interact with guild staff and choose from job listings, thus maintaining immersion.

What is the progression system within an adventuring Guild, and how does it benefit players?

Players start at the bottom of the guild hierarchy and can rise through ranks by completing quests and gaining reputation. This progression system allows them to access higher-level contracts, better rewards, and increased influence within the guild.

Why are adventuring Guilds considered good player bases, especially early in a campaign?

Adventuring Guilds provide a central location for players to return to between quests, offering facilities for healing, crafting, and resting. This is particularly useful before players establish their own headquarters.

What are the different organizational structures for an adventuring Guild, and how do they affect the campaign?

An adventuring Guild can be a standalone entity in a single region, a network of guild houses across the realm, or even across the world. The structure influences the campaign's scope and the players' sense of progression and accessibility to guild services.

How should the hierarchy of ranks within an adventuring Guild be developed, and what is its significance?

The hierarchy should be developed with clear ranks such as guild mercenaries, members, masters, and grandmasters, each with different privileges and access to contracts. This hierarchy provides a clear path for player progression and a sense of achievement.

What are some features that should be included in the design of a Guild House?

A Guild House should include amenities like sleeping quarters, a tavern, crafting stations, and staff members. It should also feature unique NPCs at each rank to create a lively and immersive environment for players.

Why is it beneficial to create unique NPCs for each rank within the adventuring Guild?

Creating unique NPCs for each rank helps to build relationships with the players, foster a sense of camaraderie or rivalry, and contribute to the feeling of a living, breathing organization within the game world.

What is the concept of a 'failing adventuring Guild' and how does it enhance the campaign?

A 'failing adventuring Guild' is one that is on the brink of collapse, with few members and a poor reputation. Players can take on the role of saviors, helping the guild regain its former glory, which provides a compelling narrative and a sense of direct impact on the game world.

How does the 'failing adventuring Guild' concept allow players to influence the game world?

In a 'failing adventuring Guild' scenario, players' actions directly influence the guild's revival, leading to improved contracts, reopened guild houses, and an enhanced reputation. This allows players to see the tangible results of their efforts and feel a part of the guild's resurgence.