Creating and Running Factions | 5e D&D | Web DM

[@WebDM]

Thank you for watching! Get Planebreaker: mymcg.info/webdm_planebreaker/ Download our annotated index free here: www.patreon.com/posts/58823471 Resources for the Night's Black Agents Conspyramid: pelgranepress.com/2011/12/21/nights-black-agents-competition-2/ hws3.wordpress.com/2018/12/01/conspyramids-and-vampyramids/ Preorder our book: weird-wastelands.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders

[@davidmoseley1082]

Its not the same im sorry i see you struggling without him. It doesnt work without a cohost. You could do what other youtubers do and have multiple versions of yourself.

[@sambro6657]

Great video Jim and I pre ordered the book and pdf so excited and thank you and Pruitt for some amazing videos and I look forward to many more

[@jimyoung9262]

@@davidmoseley1082 Nope. This was fantastic.

[@edwinbergeron4201]

Loving your updated format, keep it up Jim! Also really into the background music / art slides

[@WebDM]

Thank you so much! Leaning into the D&D ASMR vibes :)

[@keithconrad9033]

@@WebDM Honestly, the music could be a little quieter. For a non native speaker its a little bit hard to follow with all that doodling in the backround.

[@CallMeDean97]

Did something happen between John and Jim? I haven't seen John in the past couple of episodes.

[@benjones1452]

Seriously good discussion

[@mathewfrance5165]

This episode was very smooth. Im into the new format. Well done WebDM team.

[@WebDM]

Thank you, Matthew!

[@eminentbishop1325]

I was really sad about Pruitt stepping down though mad respect for a man who's not willing to sacrifice their health, mental or otherwise, at the altar of suck-it-up, but I gotta say I really appreciate this softer more intimate approach. That oracle stuff was genius thank you

[@animelemon1]

(Obligatory 1st) But also I appreciate this video because it's an often underexplained part of the game! The background music and your anecdotes are wonderful

[@WebDM]

You win!

[@IanBoyte]

Running factions? This is the type of content I come to WebDM for!

[@MrSilvUr]

MFW: I'm about to shout out Blades in the Dark and Stars Without Number as resources for factions, but Jim already has them in the video.

[@Morec0]

Blades is the single greatest RPG ever made.

[@RJ_Ehlert]

A Lich separating itself into two halves that fight each other is so sick!

[@elrathor]

Unexpected style change? Yes. Do I like it anyways? Oh yes! Great work, keep it up. The music gives it the feeling of a cozy fireside chat, so one has to ask the question what fantastic beverage one would combine with it? Besides that: As a mostly Vampire: The Masquerade storyteller, creating stories in a game with a couple of prewritten factions at it's core, I found it very helpful to have look back after each session and determine at least one way the player actions touched their goal and how it changed the path forward.

[@MrRawryorawr]

Your dice oracle is officially my favorite thing! I enjoy factions and don't go into too much depth but have a tendency to let them just disappear from the world until I go "crap that was a thing." Fantastic!

[@MrLightmass]

Seeing y'all in game stores around town (in the before times that is) is still crazy, having been following y'all since close to the start of this whole endeavor, keep it up!

[@WebDM]

Always nice to see an atx local in the comments!

[@MrLightmass]

@@WebDM ATX! LETS GO WONKOS!

[@joshuamcconnor6904]

Loving the format you're moving forward with as a team at WebDM. Been with you guys since before I can remember, change doesn't have to herald woe ♡ Great video

[@WebDM]

Thank you so much!

[@aeoscampaignsetting8489]

Where's Pruitt?

[@brandonhawkins1288]

@@aeoscampaignsetting8489 He stepped off camera for his mental health cuz he was feeling burnt out.

[@stephenfetterusso6008]

Web DM got me back into the hobby! Thank you for always inspiring with content. Definitely enjoying seeing Jim experiment with the new format✌🏼

[@WebDM]

Thank you for joining us, Stephen!

[@moltenbrisingr]

Thanks for the awesome video! I can’t tell you how much better these videos have made me as a DM. I look forward to watching them for years!

[@Heimal]

"everything you do should be focused on giving choices and hooks to your players" (paraphrased). This. I'm drowning in building a setting and this really helps. It's not about me building a setting that runs by itself, or fits within "the canon", or something so huge and complex that people tell me I'm good. It's about providing a good game for my players, and that means adventure hooks and cool choices. Thanks WebDM.

[@geoffdewitt6845]

Just got off like 12 hours of travel. This 100% the chill content I needed.

[@calvincotton1998]

Format is awesome. The intro put a huge smile on my face. I identify with "it'll take me a minute to get into it"

[@Barquevious_Jackson]

This is the best video I've seen from your channel is a long time. You're clear and give good advise straight to the viewer with no thrills attached while still maintaining a slick presentation. It's stylish and yet informative in a way many videos on KZbin struggle to be. I think this new direction is fantastic and I can't wait to see your next video.

[@WebDM]

Thank you so much!

[@Xplora213]

16:48 this is absolutely genius, combined with Professor DM’s d20 army conflict resolver could be just showing different groups fighting and succeeding against each other. I like conflicting groups but it’s really hard to show that happening in the day to day. Excellent.

[@lukewilson125]

Two thoughts: 1) This is one of the most brilliant and utilitarian videos y’all have ever made. I love the dice-as-faction concept. I think it will be an extremely helpful worldbuilding tool in my future. 2) Thank you, Jim, for continuing to make these videos after the resignation of your onscreen collaborative partner. I remember Pruitt introducing you as “my DM” at the beginning of the first video of yours I watched, and since then, you’ve sorta become our DM as well. We appreciate everything you and the Web DM team do to bring these videos to us.

[@WebDM]

Thank you for the kind words! To clarify, Pruitt is very much still a part of the team, but he's not on the videos right now.

[@lukewilson125]

@@WebDM I understand, and I apologize if It seemedI as though I was implying differently. I took Pruitt at his word when he stated he would still be involved with the creative aspect. His presence onscreen will be missed by many.

[@mostlychimp5715]

This is one of those videos I'm going to keep coming back to as I worldbuild.

[@freddaniel5099]

Awesome opening story! Even better advice. When we switch our play style from "kill it on sight" to "talk to it and find out what it knows" the game suddenly gets more interesting! Obviously this approach is not limited to the OSR or any particular rule system. To re-skin a phrase, "No boring games, just boring players." Of course if "hack it down on sight" is your preference, then play your game your way. Cheers!

[@richardmallow9189]

I love this video. The timing is freaky for me as tonight I sat down to try and flesh out the various potential factions in a homebrew campaign that I'm about to run starting this Saturday. So, wow! Thank you so much for this advice. Very cool stuff. Cheers.

[@WebDM]

Glad you liked it!

[@ataraxia7439]

Lofi beats to listen to thoughts about dnd to works much better than I could ever have imagined.

[@WebDM]

Thanks! That's basically what we listen to when we prep so... :)

[@bazzfromthebackground3696]

I like the format of the vid. Like a relaxed Colville video.

[@SteveExH]

Really nice episode, only wanted to watch a bit and ended up watching the whole thing. Please more of this. The Oracle was suuuuper amazing. Thanks!

[@judgetato]

This is great. really nice to listen to while I'm thinking through my own game prep. lots of thoughtful stuff in here.

[@rossm7346]

Love the new chill style. Dynamic of the solo video is great, sure less puns, but also more focused and easy to apply right off the screen. Also appreciate the balance between pulling ideas from third party and old school content with ideas for current generation/edition D&D. That’s always great to see. It shouldn’t be one or the other! Let’s definitely do things like take the faction system from SWON or BITD and put it right into 5e for a better game!

[@Kamikei77]

Bruh, that intro was on another level. Your content is better than ever.

[@Johnsmith-hx6lq]

I’ve been running player driven, faction/rp/intrigue focused games so I clicked on this as soon as it came up. Also, like many people are saying: this new format is lovely and it’s exciting to think about the future of WebDM and your insight about running any ttrpg. Keep it up!

[@WebDM]

Thank you so much!

[@eternalbleedingheart]

Faction oracle is such a cool idea and usable tool. Get this coded into the Wastelands book!

[@coopermckinlay4023]

I've rewatched this video several times now, I love this video.

[@mattiascrowe2549]

Really enjoyed the storytime at the front! Had shivers, couldn't focus quite well because I'm working but there's a magic there

[@stevenmtowns]

Love the dice oracle! Using the distance between dice gives me an excuse to crack out my physical dice again after 2 years of digital play.

[@geoffdewitt6845]

Whoever did those title cards deserves an A+

[@ComplacentBadger]

Long-time subscriber, rarely a viewer. Your new content is much more what I'm looking for. Calm, thought out advice, with meaningful examples. Thank you and keep up the good work, Davis.

[@WebDM]

Thanks!

[@Pandaemoni]

I really enjoy both the introductory stories and the more meaty content that follows in yiur more recent videos.

[@LukeReynoldsX]

I've been watching for years. This was PHENOMENAL!

[@theisamu1787]

Enjoying this kind of video you feel engaged and the background music gives u a home vibe

[@calvinyoung6900]

This is such a great video! I was just considering starting a new campaign and was pondering how to organise factions when this came up!

[@vitoschledwitz6297]

Jim is one of the best. Keep making these videos

[@dylangosland1227]

I don't comment very often but I just wanted to thank you for putting this one out, you covered some absolutely vital areas in a way that keeps it from getting too convoluted. That's a direct weakness of mine so believe me when I say it helps a lot hahaha I love the new format, and I always appreciate shout outs to TTRPG's outside of 5e. Keep it up, and thank you for all you do!

[@acaeleus]

This format is nice, guys.

[@WebDM]

Thank you!

[@ckiris1990]

Love the inspiration and advice Jim!! Every week I listen and get better as a DM. Also hope Pruitt is doing well miss him but glad he's taking care of himself

[@jimyoung9262]

This was great. I could listen to you in this format all the time.

[@pansofos]

I'm loving the new laid back format

[@BrokeGoblin]

The Oracle dice! Ah such a cool feature and tool

[@bakujahn6430]

Loving this new style! And would love to see more visual aids for things like with the Faction Oracle.

[@WebDM]

Glad you liked it!

[@CrimsonKrakhorn48]

Loved the story you gave at the beginning, Jim. Keep it up you're doing great

[@Tharrel]

I think I might start listening to you as a podcast. Really great to listen while driving or something.

[@WebDM]

We have a public podcast! Check your podcasting apps. It's not the exact same content anymore, but it scratches the itch. We also make ad free audio format available to all of our patrons! Patreon.com/webdm

[@jamespearsoniii914]

I must say, I’m really surprised the direction and feel this channel went! I’m not mad at all, just didn’t see this vibe/approach coming. Keep up the good work! Enjoy you’re break Pruitt!

[@theenoogie]

All excellent guidance, relaxed format. Love the dice Oracle idea!

[@Skimmer951]

I found this video format very pleasant, you have a very calming voice paired well with the more lowkey music in the background. I am planning more faction based intruigies in my future campaign so this is incredibly helpful thank you.

[@hornettecco7499]

I'm glad I finally got the chance to watch this, I've been building a city in my home game and needed to refine its factions a lot. This is a great help.

[@dmxoan]

When I ran my B2 Keep on the Boarderlands campaign, I did it in BX one of those Early Versions of the game. They charmed the Ogre who i named Ekki, theyvasked him who he didnt like and went to war against them in this case it was the Gnolls and they stood side by side clearing out the gnolls. They double bagged the captured Madusa and had brought to court at the fortress, they turned Cave A the Kobold Cave into theor base of operations cut out the travel to the Fortress. Good times!

[@Nevified]

The Dice Oracle is what I need! All these adventures and campaign settings are great, but what I really need are tools. Generic, Bolt-on systems and mechanics I can add to my game as needed. If that was a full-blown, fleshed-out supplement I would buy it in a heartbeat. Especially for factions. I'd love a way to sit down to prep and in one fell swoop figure out what all these factions are doing in the background.

[@carosworldofficial]

Really like the new style and background music! Thanks Jim

[@giudalberto]

Do I miss Pruitt? Yes I do Does this make up for wonderful content despite missing him? Yes it does. Love the concept, it's just that I found your interation during the show a bit more entertaining... but, keep up! We (Dms on the internet) need you, Jim!

[@faithmacdonald50]

This video came at the perfect moment in my game, and had such great advice for structuring my thoughts! Thanks y'all!

[@JohnHarper]

Thanks for the Blades in the Dark shout-out!

[@joshhumphrey3452]

Loved the video, I use a 2d6 faction that I borrowed from Dungeoncraft to plot out my common factions in the middle, and my rarer factions on the ends. I roll 2d6 twice to find my 2 conflicting factions, then I roll a single d6 for each as a bane/boon (1-3 is bad, 4-6 is good). This gives really interesting inspiration, as both factions may be benefiting or broken from an interaction they had. I intepret the results and write up an appropriate situation that happened between the factions. Any time a group has success I award them 1 point towards their long term goal. I then plot out their successes on a 10 point scale so that the more points a faction accumulates, the closer they are to achieving their end goal. I repeat that faction event generation two more times to come up with 3 weekly faction events that I seed into an in-game calendar, as I run a real-time campaign outside of the game. It works supremely well! Thanks for the video WebDM

[@wizardingpost616]

Love the content and your thoughts on this stuff; really helps bring an experienced perspective for us new to D&D.

[@yvindheilo229]

Wow! Taking my hat off for that introduction! Even though I will always miss the "old" channel I really like were it's heading right now! Keep it up Jim!

[@ericcalabrese6413]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen. Great format and excellent advice! Keep this style. It really works.

[@jarod5469]

I have been playing in an ad&d campaign for over a year now as a paladin. Until the intro to this video I never really was aware of how I interacted with certain groups. It just seems natural for a paladin to seek allies against the forces of evil, the 18 charisma helps too. In a way I feel responsible for how the party interacts with the world.

[@Soundlessfern]

Really digging this format. It was nice and chill to listen towhile working on my dnd world. Keep it up 👍

[@lladonzombie]

I really like this format. I like the conversation of both of you together. This was special though. Cool video.

[@AwesomeSause30]

Loving the new format! I’ve been a player for many years but I’m starting to DM my first campaign and the info I’m learning is helping me a lot. Thanks for these!

[@blazepond5518]

storytime with a legend trying to use this faction style setup for my latest campaign, it's great to see how easily these pieces start interacting with each other as the PC's affect one group or gain favour with another. it feels natural and the consequences write themselves, really helping me build a more lived in world

[@justinstewart3332]

It’s taking me a little while to get used to the new format, but I’m really liking it. I love the lo-if music too.

[@Grinnar]

Thoughtful DM's can make or break a campaign. Sounds like you found a really cool dude.

[@Tysto]

A good way to tie up loose ends & forgotten hooks is to include a couple NPC parties who follow up on those things. Now you can say the Holcra Company retrieved the Fazum idol for the adherents of Fazum or whatever, & they all gained a level. That generates interesting news & background & might spark an idea for a new adventure.

[@MrWMyself]

I love when you tell stories! They’re some of my favorite parts of the show. They always get me thinking about how to run my own games! Thank you :)

[@andrewholland2763]

I love every episode y’all do. It gives me insight to another aspect of the wide world of DnD. As a DM, your knowledge is invaluable. I know what you do is hard work, but I appreciate it.

[@sergiocerina7876]

YES this is the Web DM style I didn’t know I needed

[@BardicMonk]

Thanks for all the advice Jim! Loving the new format. Keep it up!

[@gaylordzapikowski9053]

Unironically, start including a crackling fireplace in the background. I think it would really complete this sort of chill format.

[@stroberry4660]

Not going to lie, I was really concerned when I learned Pruitt would be stepping back from the channel, but this video changed that. This was wonderfully made Jim and Web DM team! Can't wait to see what else is in store!

[@casimirlawnicki8990]

Thanks for all the hard work you put into this channel. It really shows!

[@WebDM]

Thanks!

[@Silkspar]

The new format is great. Keep up the good work!

[@Meteor2022]

The Oracle thing is SOOO cool. Definitely using that.

[@5FlyingOstriches]

I seriously started working on factions for my new campaign last night. Great timing! Loved this episode and the new format.

[@stephenstanton5658]

Love you guys. Re: new format... Need to recapture that "seeking guru wisdom" dynamic Jim had with everyman Pruitt. We want to SEEK Jims wisdom. Q&A format, everyman picking Jim's brain... Vs a guru that just can't wait to monologue... Make us climb the mountain, Jim. Share the experience of picking your brain. That's my two cents. I'm happily going to keep watching no matter what! Great stuff.

[@ScoffMathews]

This format was really fun to watch. The anecdote really hooked me

[@maxroucaille2446]

awesome intro I really thought it would be dispensable, but I really got the point of factions

[@jsmith9677]

Story time with Jim!! I love it!

[@nathanaelfischer4450]

You're AWESOME Jim! Glad to see the show must go on.

[@TheLeadSuit]

Video is pretty good. I'm a fan of the old ways and miss Pruitt but I do think Jim is doing a decent job. It's just really nice having the back and forth.

[@CODEFORTYTWO]

Liking the format change, very cozy lofi music 10/10

[@kurtoogle4576]

With the mid-way video art, I did a double-take over the unusual dice. D30, etc. :) The faction tool recommendations at the end of the video is much appreciated!

[@johncross5339]

Real title of the video: "25 minutes of Jim Davis for studying/relaxing/meditation"

[@Rattus138]

That oracle was incredible!

[@fowlfables]

You're getting into the swing of it again, great job. Love the style on this video. Love ya, Jim.

[@dairefitton9830]

Improvements are coming along wonderfully in the new format Jim! Glad to see these in my inbox!

[@WebDM]

Thank you!

[@jabeck03]

That sleepytime music is killing me.

[@WisdomThumbs]

Maybe it's because I've had the benefit of your videos since I first started in DnD nearly three years ago, but it's always seemed fulfilling and just natural to think about which monsters have cultures and families, and which monsters are just the worst kind of animals and nightmares. Like hobgoblins, and their possible factions, some of which might be peaceful Fey Hobgoblins or something. Thanks for all the help, Jim!

[@WisdomThumbs]

Hey you, random reader, what do you think of the names "Nomogeayan" and "Maglubii" for "red" hobgoblins and "green" hobgoblins? Those are the two big factions in my ongoing campaign. I like to think neither subspecies can see the color blue.

[@Aussie_Leftist]

This was great. I had played 3rd addition with my dad and friends for years (dad played AD&D back in the day), then I picked up 5th addition, became the dm (only one that played before). Then made to many fraction and struggled to get the players to involve themselves in the politics, they only wanted to hack and slash. After that I played half a dozen premade adventures and even after all this time I have only halfway convinced a couple of them that DND is more than the video game rpg on paper.

[@shanem8145]

I understand that struggle

[@MrDaDaDah]

Good stuff Jim! I always look for new ideas in your videos before weekly prep and you nailed it this week!

[@markthegriffin]

Great episode, and just what I needed too. Recently began worldbuilding my second homebrew setting, one to DM for my new roommates!

[@CoryDignard]

Really love the dice oracle method, super cool, easy and could be used for a bunch of different things.