Let me be the first to welcome you to the Game Master fold, or THRONE if you will. (Meglo-what?) You've stepped up to the challenge of being a Game Master (GM)! It's an incredibly rewarding role, full of creative opportunities, shared storytelling and some of the most rewarding memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
One of the more delicate aspects of GMing, especially for new GMs, can be navigating player-versus-player (PvP) or PC vs PC tension within the game. While some groups thrive on a bit of internal conflict, others prefer a more collaborative experience. The key is to manage it in a way that enhances the narrative without disrupting the fun for anyone.
The first piece of advice I give any new GM is, BE PATIENT!
“The Master of patience is Master of all things!” and that it is their responsibility to be a “Good Steward of the Game” and their Geas to deliver the best game they can every time they sit at a proverbial table.
Embrace that responsibility and take pride in it. Hone your Out of Game skills and emotion IQ as much as your IN Game skills and talents.
Here's a breakdown of best practices and tips to help you foster a great gaming environment, even when characters butt heads.
Best Practices for Handling PvP Tension
- Session Zero is Your Best Friend: Cannot say enough about this. I will tell you now. 99% of all fizzled, flopped and fumbled games are due to LAZY efforts in Session 0, or skipping it all together. Shame, shame, shame. Before the dice even hit the table, have an open conversation with your players. Discuss expectations for PvP, what boundaries exist, and what kind of game everyone wants to play. This sets the tone and avoids misunderstandings later.
- Establish Consent and Comfort Levels: Again. Assumptions kill games. Do not be lazy with this. Some players are comfortable with in-character disagreements, while others might find it genuinely upsetting. Ensure everyone is on board with the level of conflict that might arise.
- Distinguish Character Conflict from Player Conflict: Sometimes it’s not immediately apparent to players, (especially new and lazily inducted new players) where these lines begin and end. If you are having this issue, it’s probably because you ignored the previous two points. Remind your players (and yourself) that a character's actions are not necessarily a reflection of the player's feelings. Encourage in-character disagreements to stay in-character.
- Be a Neutral Arbiter: Sometimes it just takes a voice of reason. When tensions rise, step in as a facilitator, not a judge. Listen to both sides and help guide the conversation towards a resolution.
- Focus on Narrative Opportunities: Conflict can be a direct result of Spotlight or engagement envy or imbalance in your campaign. Keep an eye out early, and check in often with players individually to avoid conflict, but using the Spotlight to shine on a Spotlight starved player can be a springboard for an interesting story arc? Perhaps a misunderstanding leads to a shared adventure, or a rivalry becomes a deep bond.
- Have an "Off-Ramp": If PvP is getting too intense or out of hand, be prepared to pause the game and discuss it out of character. It's okay to hit the brakes to ensure everyone is still having fun. Again, a great Session 0 usually prevents such needs, but if they happen call a time out immediately and take each person aside individually. Distract them with a roll off to see who goes first.
10 Tips for Resolving PC-to-PC Inner Game Conflict (Without Supporting Lethal PvP)
- Encourage Role-Playing Solutions: Instead of immediate combat, prompt players to use their character's skills, charisma, or intelligence to resolve the disagreement. What is the squabble truly about? Bad attitudes and it’s what my character would do mentality? Or is who’s mightier, faster, smarter, better looking or who can sign Old McDonald to a drunken mob better?
- Introduce External Threats: A common enemy or threat can quickly unite a squabbling party. "You two can argue later; that dragon isn't going to fight itself! Or The tidal wave is coming! The Volcano is about to erupt. Etc…
- Implement a "Consequences, Not Death" Rule: An ounce of prevention can go a long way. If characters come to blows, make it clear that the intent is to incapacitate or disarm, not kill. Perhaps they wake up tied up, injured, or robbed.
- Utilize Non-Lethal Combat Options: Sometimes, they just want to Duke it out. Let them. Maybe it was the rogue's idea to rig the game and someone is getting paid to instigate and take a fall? Encourage players to describe non-lethal attacks (blunt force, disarming, grappling) if combat does occur.
- Focus on Shared Goals: Sometimes, and ideally, all it takes is a reminder to realign intentions. Remind players of the party's overarching objective. How does their internal conflict help or hinder that goal?
- Introduce a Third-Party Mediator: This is a perfect tool, especially for social conflicts. Perhaps an NPC steps in to break up the fight or offer a compromise.
- Flashback or Dream Sequences: This is a great creative way around it. If a conflict arises from a misunderstanding, consider a narrative device that reveals crucial information to the characters, helping them understand each other.
- Offer a "Time-Out" or Separation: This is a last resort, as it can lead to festering disgruntlement and resentment for ‘the penalty’, and it doesn’t typically lead to a full resolution, unless addressed directly later. Perhaps the conflicting characters need to go their separate ways for a short period, only to realize they need each other later.
- Give Experience for Role-Playing Conflict Resolution: Reward players who find creative, non-violent ways to resolve disputes with bonus XP or inspiration. Make them aware of this at Session 0 and counter that any attempt at acting to incite deliberate conflict as perceived by the Dungeon Master will result in a similar penalty.
- When in Doubt, Ask "What Do You Want to Happen?": This is a great one, that usually stops them in their tracks, as they actually have to think about the true cause or motivation for the conflict. Directly ask the players involved what kind of resolution they are hoping for. This can open lines of communication and reveal underlying issues.
Remember, your goal as a GM is to facilitate a fun and engaging story for everyone at the table. By being proactive and having tools to manage character conflict, you can transform potential headaches into memorable narrative moments.
