Tag: D&D

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Victory without Violence – Taking the Combat Out Of Dungeon & Dragons

Today’s article is a guest post by the talented Craig Robertson, focused on scenarios that might be more appropriate to the workplace.

Dungeons and Dragons has a long and bloody history, full of epic battles and crushing defeats. Since its creation in the 1970’s, billions of orcs, goblins, and kobolds have died at the hands of brave and/or foolhardy adventurers. And the carnage goes both ways. Old-school gamers such as myself fondly remember the heroic demise of beloved characters, not to mention the occasional dreaded TPK (total party kill).

This makes sense when you look at the literary and gaming inspirations from which Dave
Arneson and Gary Gygax drew when creating D&D. On the literary side, D&D grew out of the heroic mythology of the ancient Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Celts, and other cultures. In these traditions, a hero such as Hercules, King Arthur, or Beowulf faced mortal danger with sword (or club or axe) in hand. In fact, some weapons are as famous as the heroes who bore them, such as Arthur’s Excalibur or Thor’s Mjölnir. As for its gaming roots, D&D started out as an extension of a medieval wargame ruleset called Chainmail. Since then, the attack roll has been a core mechanic of most roleplaying games, and even now, most RPG rulebooks feature full chapters devoted to combat and weaponry.

Why Limit Violence in D&D?

However, in a workplace setting, there are good reasons to limit violence or even remove it
altogether from the game. First, many players (and organizations) may have moral or philosophical objections to using force to solve problems. Second, some of your players may have endured traumatic experiences that involve violence. These people may have been refugees, combat veterans, or victims of crime or abuse. Finally, the unfettered use of violence in many roleplaying games doesn’t correspond to the types of solutions available to corporate problem-solvers. In fact, unfettered violence is not even available to military personnel, who have to work within the rules of engagement. In my experience, most HR departments strongly discourage bringing flamethrowers and battleaxes to business meetings.

On the other hand, there are positive reasons to encourage nonviolent approaches to
challenges. First, peaceful solutions often work out better in the long run, enabling rivals and opponents to eventually find common ground. Secondly, those solutions are often rooted in or lead to a deeper understanding of the root causes of the problem. Finally, the use of force isn’t particularly creative in itself, and the added challenge of finding a nonviolent solution just makes the game more fun.

Baking Peaceful Solutions into your Game

The simplest solution to this dilemma is to just ban violence at the table. However, there is a
better option: Build nonviolent solutions directly into the scenario. A creative GM has several options for removing combat from a scenario, including using the physical environment as the primary adversary, making combat detrimental to mission success, and creating situations in which a peaceful solution is inherently necessary.

Dungeons and Dragons does not have to be combat focused, why not bake in some peaceful solutions.

Struggling against a hostile environment:

Shipwrecks, plane crashes, and sudden storms are staples of literature and films such as Alive or The Poseidon Adventure. Another type of hostile environment can be manmade, such as toxic spills or nuclear meltdowns. Finally, the D&D staple of dungeon traps and hazards also falls into this category. The Death Star trash compactor in Star Wars: A New Hope is a perfect example of a dungeon trap. You can try these scenarios:

  • An alpine glacier begins growing at an unnatural pace, threatening a small mountain village. The players must negotiate the shifting, treacherous ice as they travel to perform the ritual that will restore the glacier to its original state.
  • A scientific research station has begun to descend into the lower layers of a gas giant. So far, the hull is managing to maintain its integrity, but for how long?
  • The barrier between faerie and the mundane world is beginning to thin, bending the rules of reality around the players. They must struggle to maintain their sanity as the work to strengthen the barrier and return each world to its rightful place.

Violence will make things worse:

Perhaps using force may be possible, but circumstances or mission parameters make it a counterproductive choice. For instance, a patron or employer may require that the mission be completed without causing injury or damage to bystanders or the environment. In other cases, such as espionage or infiltration, the ruckus caused by a firefight or melee will lead to discovery and the failure of the mission. Some scenarios could include:

  • A benevolent ruling family has been deposed and imprisoned after a coup. The players are hired to rescue them, but since the family still loves their nation and people, they reject any effort that may hurt or kill any of their former subjects.
  • “The Company” hires the party to recover an automated mining base which has been taken over by a rogue AI. However, since the Company has invested considerable sums into the base, the players are forbidden to do anything which may cause damage to the base or its equipment.
  • During a scientific expedition, a gargantuan creature swallows the players. They have a limited time to escape the belly of the beast before being slowly and painfully digested. Unfortunately for the party, the creature is unique or endangered and killing it would be an ecological tragedy.

Violence is not a viable option:

Some problems inherently preclude a forceful solution. This includes investigations, diplomatic missions, first-contact scenarios, and any other situation that requires persuasion as a key skill set. Try the following as examples:

  • The players are selected as neutral brokers during a tense border dispute. In order to earn the trust of the rival nations, they must complete a series of challenges to prove their strength, intelligence, and character.
  • The party encounters a destructive poltergeist. Since they lack the ability to physically affect or harm the intangible haunt, they must rely on investigation and persuasion to discover what the doomed soul needs in order to move on to its final rest.
  • The players must infiltrate a crime syndicate’s secure computer system to disrupt an imminent cyberattack. Since all the action is remote, the players’ skills are front and center.

Reducing the lethality of D&D games at work can be a challenge, but it’s a good way to test
your creativity. However, increased player engagement and direct, real world problem-solving applications will make it worth the effort.

Craig Robertson is a technical writer and former Chief Game Developer for 1A Games. He has been playing and running D&D, Traveller, and other RPGs since the early 80’s. His chief export is opinions, of which he has many.

Thanks to Craig for such a thoughtful article. If any of our readers would like to submit an article feel free to reach out via the usual channels.

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The Secrets of Teamwork and D&D – Everyone Has a Different Role

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is renowned for its party-based gameplay. Involving groups of diverse characters coming together to embark on epic adventures. In this article, we delve into the roles that each player’s character assumes in a D&D party, exploring how these roles mirror the dynamics of a business team. By examining the unique contributions of each party member, we can uncover valuable insights. Effectively, helping build successful teamwork in the business world.

The featured pic above is from Life of the Party comic strip by the talented Travis Hanson.

The Tank – The Guardian and Protector

In D&D, the Tank is the heavily armored character who excels at protecting the rest of the party. They often put themselves in harms way to help the group achieve their goal. Think heroic knights or paladins.

Similarly, in business, there are team members who act as the guardians and protectors, ensuring the smooth operation of projects and shielding others from potential obstacles. They possess the ability to handle high-pressure situations, maintain stability, and provide support when needed. These professionals take the well-being of the team very seriously and can often be found leading teams. As such, fostering teamwork amongst the other team members becomes a core part of their offering.

The DPS – The High Damage Dealer

The DPS (Damage Per Second) character in D&D is responsible for dealing high amounts of damage to enemies. They possess exceptional offensive capabilities and excel in combat situations. This could be a battle mage slinging lightning bolts across the battle field or a lean barbarian with extreme sword mastery.

In the workplace, certain team members are analogous to DPS characters. They bring a strong skill set and expertise to the table, enabling them to tackle complex challenges head-on and generate significant impact through their specialized abilities. These take the form of technical specialists who are known to be experts in their field.

The Healer – The Support and Problem Solver

The Healer in D&D is vital for sustaining the party’s health, curing ailments, and providing support in critical moments. Without this character the group faces a much higher chance of losing team members or even risking a total party kill!

In a business team, the role of the Healer is fulfilled by those individuals who possess excellent problem-solving skills. They also have significant empathy, and the ability to provide support to team members during challenging times. They excel at diffusing conflicts, offering guidance, and ensuring the overall well-being of the team. These members of the team often act as mentors to the rest of the group.

It’s not wrong…

The Buffer – Enhancing Team Performance

Buffers in D&D possess skills that enhance the performance of their fellow party members. They provide buffs, bonuses, and support abilities that elevate the effectiveness of the entire group. The stereotype of this role is the Bard. Playing his lute to inspire his friends to greater acts of heroism. As such, the bard is often the central figure to the teamwork of the squad.

At work, individuals who play the role of Buffers are those who possess strong leadership and motivational skills. They inspire and empower team members, foster a positive work environment, and boost overall team performance through their guidance and encouragement. While they have leadership skills in abundance these professionals don’t have to be actual leaders in the organization. It is possible to lead without holding a position of authority. Of course, team enhancing behaviors like this often mean promotion is just around the corner.

The Skill Monkey – Versatility and Adaptability

The Skill Monkey in a D&D party is known for their versatility and wide range of abilities. They excel in various non-combat scenarios, such as diplomacy, negotiation, and problem-solving. These are often rogue characters, including spies, diplomats and bards who have multiple skills and are expert at the more social interactions.

In a business team, the Skill Monkey is the member who possesses a diverse skill set, adaptability, and the ability to wear multiple hats. They are comfortable navigating different roles, stepping up when needed, and bringing a fresh perspective to diverse situations. This could be a project manager with a strong technical skillset. Or, a technician who is great at client interactions and winning work. Their skill lets them bridge multiple roles, ultimately making the team a stronger unit.

Final Thoughts

The D&D party dynamic provides valuable insights into team dynamics. Just as each character has a unique role to play in completing an adventure, every team member contributes their specialized skills and expertise towards achieving common goals. Recognizing and appreciating the diverse roles within a team fosters collaboration, enhances problem-solving abilities, and allows for the effective utilization of individual strengths. By understanding the importance of each role in a D&D party and applying these teamwork principles to their teams, organizations can foster a harmonious and high-performing environment, driving success and achieving extraordinary results.

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Powerful Lessons from Slaying the Dragon: Nurturing Employee Well Being

In the cutthroat realm of corporate decisions and profit margins, the cautionary tale of TSR, vividly depicted in Ben Rigg’s “Slaying the Dragon,” serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact choices can have on staff culture and loyalty. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the benefits of prioritizing employee well-being, drawing inspiration from TSR’s misstep, and explore three practical methods to implement now, emphasizing the importance of learning from history.

The TSR Example: A Warning on Neglecting Employee Well Being

In his book, Rigg masterfully recounts TSR’s ill-fated decision to remove writers’ royalties. Prior to this decision the staff writers, who were being poorly paid, could make significant money through royalty agreements assigned to their work. Of course, this encouraged the team to go above and beyond with the products they were creating. It was a win-win for the company and the employees.

Unfortunately, the leadership stopped seeing it that way. Instead, the Blumes (in their role as the executive), considered the royalty program as giving money away. No consideration was given to the well-being of the staff. In fact Ben states in his book that leadership of TSR considered their staff to be interchangeable and disposable. Ultimately, the move not only shattered the financial stability of those who contributed significantly to the company’s success but also eroded the very fabric of the staff culture that had propelled TSR to greatness. Loyalty evaporated, morale plummeted, and the once-thriving workplace crumbled under the weight of shortsighted decisions.

For more information on the rise and fall of TSR you can check out my recent post on the subject.

Benefits of Employee Well Being, Illustrated by TSR’s Downfall

To many looking after your employees and the benefits it brings them and the company seems obvious. However, the demands of business and the stress of sitting at the top can often obfuscate these advantages. Below, I describe three benefits that come with putting your employee well-being at the top of your leadership agenda.

  1. Enhanced Productivity: TSR’s hasty removal of writers’ royalties in “Slaying the Dragon” stands as a poignant testament to the link between employee well-being and productivity. When staff feel valued and adequately compensated, their dedication soars, driving productivity and fostering a positive work environment. Recognizing and compensating employees for their contributions is not just a moral obligation—it’s a strategic investment in the company’s success.
  2. Improved Employee Retention: The TSR saga serves as a vivid illustration of the repercussions of neglecting employee well-being. The sudden removal of royalties triggered many creatives to leave the business, resulting in the loss of invaluable talent and institutional knowledge. Investing in employee satisfaction and loyalty is a proactive measure to safeguard against the high costs of turnover, recruitment, and training.
  3. Positive Company Culture: The demise of TSR in “Slaying the Dragon” underscores the corrosive impact of a toxic culture. Neglecting the well-being of employees can lead to an environment where creativity stifles, collaboration withers, and collective morale crumbles. Prioritizing employee well-being, on the other hand, nurtures a positive culture where collaboration thrives, and individuals feel supported and valued.
An excellent case study on how not to run a business!

Easy Methods to Demonstrate Care, In Light of TSR’s Mistakes

  1. Regular Check-Ins: Learning from TSR’s lack of communication with its writers, implement regular check-ins to ensure open lines of communication. These meetings provide a platform for employees to voice concerns, share successes, and discuss professional development. Thus, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being and fostering a sense of belonging.
  2. Flexible Work Arrangements: TSR’s failure to adapt to changing circumstances serves as a stark lesson in the importance of flexibility. Offering options such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks shows a willingness to accommodate diverse employee needs. Ultimately, contributing to a healthier work-life balance and greater overall satisfaction.
  3. Recognition and Rewards: In the aftermath of TSR’s decision, it’s evident that neglecting to appreciate employee efforts can be catastrophic. Implementing recognition programs, providing bonuses, and organizing team-building activities are tangible ways to express gratitude. Which fosters a positive workplace culture encouraging loyalty and dedication.
Employee well being should be a leadership priority

Final Thoughts

The TSR example, vividly portrayed in “Slaying the Dragon,” serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of neglecting employee well-being. By prioritizing open communication, flexibility, and recognition, you can build a resilient and positive workplace culture. This not only prevents the pitfalls faced by TSR, i.e. a loss of corporate knowledge and expertise, but also positions your organization for sustained success. In the end, the lessons from history underscore that the foundation of any thriving business is the well being and loyalty of its staff.