Evil Organizations & Thieves' Guilds in 5e Dungeons & Dragons

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[@WebDM]

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[@nicolassagrillo1442]

Dear Pruit(t?) i just wanted to let you know that the intros you do keep away from the noose on a daily basis

[@superpickle51]

Pruitt@3:56 ..."The Red Wizards of Thay used to be evil AF, now they're Wal-Mart." To whit, Jim:"That's just a different kind of evil." All this after a Wal-Mart intro ad. Lol

[@chucktowski_]

Well there it is. Your best ever intro.

[@thorinpeterson6282]

I still think the drug-trip that is the yuan-ti intro is the greatest.

[@pragmat1k]

10/10 best intro period.

[@cheezball3327]

If Joey Wheeler played D&D...

[@JPruinc]

Aww shucks...

[@Comrade2261]

Rosseriah Lmao

[@seanhembree6154]

Oh man.... I'm 3 seconds into this episode and I'm dying. LMAO. The Guildfellas.

[@WebDM]

+Sean Hembree im changing the thumbnail, tgats brilliant

[@finnianquail8881]

Guildfellas

[@JPruinc]

LOL

[@kitjohnson2767]

I swear the eagle is following me! I swear!

[@Nerdarchy]

Dang that thumb and intro. Killed guys. Nerdarchist Dave

[@jimdavis141]

Thanks!

[@JPruinc]

Thanks Dave!

[@mepro7576]

uhm...sorry to bother but Jim, can you guys make a series in which you take creatures/characters/spells or whatever and find a way they could be "put" in a d&d game? I've been trying to make a Harry Potter-Star wars game and it's been kinda hard (and cool), could you guys please give me, and others, a hand??

[@jimdavis141]

Me Pro you mean like stat up a rancor or something in D&D? The first thing i would do is look through the PHB and MM to see what can be reskinned. Only after that would I start making up new stats.

[@mepro7576]

yeah, I didn't think of that!

[@MrWaz888]

I made a gang war in a city for my campaign. They players decided it was a good idea to free the city from gangs. They killed so many people...

[@JPruinc]

Omelettes and Eggs

[@TheJarric]

they had failed the city

[@barrymcballs9031]

Lunarch but are gangsters people? Are they **Really?**

[@cheers9430]

@@barrymcballs9031 um what?

[@Z1gguratVert1go]

I like your players.

[@Minrow56]

I really like how when they started talking about Walmart as evil there was a hard cut and the topic changed. #WalmartIlluminati

[@thepopulargirl1784]

The Waltons heard you were talking shit...

[@sean253]

Not necessarily evil, but a rival adventuring party or guild could be an interesting foil and long running antagonist.

[@alexanderowens7265]

CHRLPTRSN about to kill the dragon, "Surprise the rival guild is here to reap the glory!" They mess up and end up knocking your party over allowing the dragon to het away, "I hate you rival gang, wait how did you even know where it was?", "The trail of kobolds you left."

[@yellowmartian]

This whole evil party thing made me cry with laughter. Those are some evil pricks. Poor nobleman's wife.

[@MisterHPlays]

I recently did this to my group (of 3 PCs). Our Wood Elf Ranger has a tendency to hit on every female NPC in a tavern, so I just threw the rival Half-Orc Fighter in the Phandolin tavern, knowing what would happen. He buys her a drink, tries some line on her, and promptly gets his ass whooped in public. The rest of our PC party bought her more drinks for the show, while the Ranger is still knocked out on the floor. Made for an interesting dynamic; she was only a rival to one member of the party, and the rest of the PCs like her just fine. Nevertheless, she still competes for the same work as them, and next time they meet she'll have her own NPC adventuring party.

[@fredirecko]

It's impossible to have a D&D conversation without saying the word "thwarted"

[@lochlannordman2607]

You guys should do an episode about anti-parties (ie a party of adventurers that the antagonist uses to challenge and counterbalance the pc's).

[@JPruinc]

I'll put it on the list.

[@fudgebears]

This is sooooo well timed for me starting my first homebrew, you guys are rad!!

[@JPruinc]

Go luck!

[@s0r03]

Luck go! I choose you

[@Otaku422]

That intro was awesome XD

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

I like the dragon cult example. In a campaign I'm running in, our players start off in the "nobody realised until it was too late" phase; the Dragonborn secretly rule some nations and openly rule others, while plotting to make the whole world like them.

[@bob123789456]

you guys get tons of respect just for the Reign of Fire reference. awesomely underrated movie

[@masterfoxify7526]

How would you properly play an illusionist sorcerer? I think it’d be cool to make videos like that which explains specific archetypes of the classes and how they work and interact with others.

[@kyubii972]

Masterfoxify nerdarchy's video on an illusionist is good just older. Watched it today. At the very least it will fuel some ideas

[@JPruinc]

That would be a fun topic. I'd go with Heighten & Subtle for my first metamagic, maybe Extend. I'll def put on the list.

[@scorchbound]

Lookin' good, Web DM. Cleaner videos!

[@kapittsalt]

OutdatedMDARKLike the new lighting and position. Upgraded!

[@TehTechnoMiser]

Damn, the quality of the intro is incredible. You guys rock.

[@JPruinc]

Thanks!

[@blakebailey22]

that intro gets an automatic like lol

[@JPruinc]

This comment gets an automatic reply!

[@whythecows]

Speaking of evil organizations, I've sort of created "A fistfull of Dollars" situation in my campaign where the heroes are playing two organizations against each other.

[@madmanwithabox11]

The Goodfellas intro MADE my morning.

[@DichotomousRex]

:D Great one guys, keep it up! Is there any chance you guys would ever dig even deeper into some of the ideas that you've already covered? Like if the first episode on Chromatic Dragons was an overview, I'd love an episode that just drilled down on one color. Because you guys are great at big picture broad strokes, but it's also clear there's a lot of specific detail ideas that we would really love to hear! WebDM has easily been my most inspiring resource as a DM!

[@JPruinc]

Well thanks! I will put that on the list. We have talked about revisiting shows. We always forget something when covering any topic.

[@halhibben]

Yeah, loved that intro!

[@zacksporen]

Woo, the gang is back with a video about gangs!

[@HundredYearsBoar]

Fantastic episode and just the topic I wanted to hear about! You can really tell web DM is stepping up their game!

[@J.J.K101]

That tmnt foot ninja reference though!!😂😂

[@JPruinc]

The Foot references always sneak up on you...

[@EapenLeubner]

Great editing choices. Excellent use of drawn pictures.

[@Jgosse]

Glad to see you back so quickly.

[@PsycoticMango]

This is such a good channel. I've been binging on you guys for days.

[@Mike-os3pt]

Was just working on the Aspis Consortium for my Starfinder campaign. This is useful stuff, thanks!

[@glacialrelic7878]

Do more, ALWAYS MORE I love listening to you talk about anything in reference to D&D for real.

[@sirreyzz]

Also gotta say, I love the new background, especially with the dimmed lights. I think it’s pretty cool!

[@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself]

One of the best Web DMs yet: so much detail, adventure story ideas, encounters for every level of party - really good episode, guys!

[@RoseArtemis24]

That intro though, wow. Amazing xD The rest of the video was fantastic too!

[@SteveSwannJr]

Great job with the general methods and insights... I'm looking forward to Colville's Stronghold rules to put some meet on this great skeleton!

[@bronsonkim6652]

Awesome video guys! I've been working on a evil organization for my campaign but needed some inspiration ^^

[@finnianquail8881]

AYYYYYYY! WEB DM IS BACK!

[@JPruinc]

AYYYY!!!!!

[@sbccave4015]

One of my favorite videos so far!

[@gustavoalmeida624]

New DM and this veritable treasure trove of crystallized knowledge is amazing :D

[@newtsears423]

Been waiting for a long time. You've finally returned! Thank Azathoth.

[@andreaascione40]

Aaaargh you always have the best timing!!! My group will have a crucial showdown with the most important Thieves' Guild around in a few days!! You guys are the best, stuff like this has already happened 4 or 5 times!!

[@alexandrapadley9737]

Amazing intro guys, but geez! I had videos on autoplay with wireless headphones in the kitchen so that first note scared the shit out of me!

[@deafbardjenkins1001]

Totally worth wait ... That's some high quality web dm right there!

[@JustAdam3D]

Not even 30 seconds in and I've dropped a like for that sick-ass intro. Great job you guys!

[@e.t.b1455]

Holy moly, the quality is amazing!

[@JPruinc]

Thanks! We're always working out the kinks.

[@joshuatungate8130]

I love all of your videos. They’ve helped me improve myself so much as a DM and a player.

[@JPruinc]

Glad to help!

[@teeonhighhill8827]

I love the way you guys cover topics. You are focused enough to give good information on the topic, but broad enough to encourage ideas, and thoughts, instead of laying out how it should be. You always inspire me with new ideas to throw at my players. Keep up the great work.

[@stevethepirate2875]

The thieves guild in my game is controlled by a Keyser Söze type boss. No one seems to know who he is, but he knows everyone and sees everything. They get their orders and do what they are told because they make tons of money when they do, or they vanish forever when they don't. The party got dragged in by helping to save an innkeeper that was a long time NPC, who was being hassled for protection money.

[@csecskristof]

That sweet sweet vid quality , Nice to see you guys back and better than ever :)

[@JPruinc]

It was a great shoot all around.

[@Pangusman]

The intro alone made me like the video. You guys are great.

[@awizardwithwords994]

That intro literally drove me to tears it was so funny. Love you guys.

[@scottmarsh2991]

Playing a Thief of a Lawful Alignment is called “The Way of the Boss” in Dungeon Crawl Classics. As a common laborer, I appreciate that they didn’t see a need to say “Crime Boss.”

[@dsartin3594]

Just started to run Princes of the Apocalypse, and this episode really helped me work out my cultists. The book is a great read but lacked the depth needed to run 4 independent organizations that all tie together. Thanks guys, was tons of help

[@patrickfitzpatrick2945]

Amazing stuff for inspiration! Thanks! Great show!

[@Philisophicles]

That into was priceless. You guys should do more themed intros.

[@thewaterbear]

This video is incredibly useful! Well done, guys!

[@jedidm99]

Check out Blades in the Dark for a system that inherently supports crime drama-style games! It's very cool.

[@s0r03]

Seth skorkowsky here and I think you should try call of Cthulhu

[@thwalmsley]

got the big thumbs up just for the intro. Love it!

[@Zebbification]

Still my all-time favourite intro from you two!

[@blakebailey22]

25:08 oh my god i do the same thing! lol i buy the whataburger biscuit by itself and then just go to chikfila

[@Jason-xq6cl]

timing is unreal, my second session dming a thieves guild campaign is coming up.

[@redoryx1872]

Seriously, y’all just gave me inspiration that can save my campaign from the awful writing i had in the beginning. Thanks 🙏😎

[@samgething4051]

MORE!!!!! Gimme all the Thieves Guild videos!

[@kapittsalt]

OMG you guys. Great still, great intro, all the love.

[@powerhouse04330]

BEST OPENING EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it more then my words can say.

[@MeeJaidee]

Thumbs up, just for that intro. Great work

[@MauroDraco]

Welcome back!! By the way, great kick at the door comeback !

[@DamascoGamer]

This episode was badass!

[@Artist-mb9vp]

They are back! Amazing!

[@Artist-mb9vp]

and it is also better quality video!

[@AlexBermann]

I like thieves guilds to be focused on protection rackets. They create a network of favors and blackmail, spiced with some intimidation in order to provide a certain level of safety and order. The thieves guild doesn't order or organize heists, they establish rules and enforce them. They don't smuggle drugs, they ensure that the guard doesn't meddle in the smuggling affairs and that the smugglers don't flood the market in a way that draws too much attention. This is interesting for heroes because crushing the organization would just bring chaos. The guild maintains a delicate balance which the players may disturb with their actions. Thus, the guild may both try to get rid of them and use them as enforcers against unruly criminals. If the heroes act wisely, they have to build a rival organization to fill the void.

[@YourTrustyHonkey9716]

I liked just because of the intro. Y’all should do a vid on homebrew ideas and rules!

[@JPruinc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKvGaYusr82qd5o

[@patrickhenry6695]

And WebDM continues to get better, like a fine drow wine

[@Lumpyrox1412]

It's scary how each episode is on the exact topic i need when i need it! 😝

[@jimdavis141]

Clearly the result of the precognitive spells we cast before each shoot.

[@JPruinc]

We're clearly Scrying on you. Nice sweater, btw.

[@AlaskaSkull]

11 minutes in and this video has been sooooo helpful

[@traviscochran9253]

Oh yeah the wait was worth it just for that intro.

[@TheNerdySimulation]

THIS IS THE GREATEST INTRO IM DYING PLEASE CALL THE PARAPLEGICS!!!

[@JPruinc]

Gotta hand it to you, this joke has legs.

[@TheNerdySimulation]

As the cleric once told a dismembered zombie, "You should quit while you're still a head."

[@josephzylak1939]

Woohoo! Fantastic upload on my birthday! I'll be DMing a session for the first time next weekend!

[@HalfOrcMage]

Joseph Lindgren good luck man its one of the most rewarding things ever

[@Mia98455]

Have fun and don't forget the earlier Web DM episodes for new DMs! Oh - Happy Birthday!

[@TumchieTheScot]

Good luck, and don't worry if you feel like your not doing well. You always do better than what you think. I recently started dming for a group of friend and I still think I'm not great despite all of my friends telling me otherwise. Enjoy yourself, and your players will too.

[@TFconfused]

Good luck, and try to not OVER prepare yourself, just let it flow naturally and things should be great.

[@JPruinc]

Happy Birthday! Here's to one more trip around the sun.

[@JLmusicBase]

Best intro yet! So funny

[@paul-hugoarcand5197]

That intro was the epitome of beauty

[@JunoAuerWatson]

Just when I make a futuristic game with evil corporations, Web DM shows up to help like the psychics they are.

[@CitanulsPumpkin]

The Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica is a great source for evil organizations and their goals. If you need a thieves guild run by the vampire version of Vecna take the player options, motivations, and guild spell list from Dimir and add them to your npc's. Evil church? Do the same with Orzhov. Mad scientists creating armies of magic beasts or explosive gadgets? Simic or Izzet. Army of necromancers building their forces in the underdark or the city under the main city? Golgari. I'd mention Rakdos, but the Rakdos aren't organized enough to count as an organization. Edit: Looking for an army of lawful stupid paladins and clerics? Azorius.

[@RayPoreon]

There's also the aspect that the evil organisation might want to get In good with the party, either to use them as muscle or to expand their influence beyond the city they're based in. Plus, the leader might have their own goals in mind, with running the organisation(say a thieves guild) being a means to an end, eg to procure certain items or just as a regular job

[@sweetyft]

That intro is perfection

[@proforeveryone]

Someone make a gif of Pruitt's tongue, please and thank you

[@JPruinc]

Someone should get on that lickety-split.

[@TheBlaarg171]

Best. Intro. Ever.

[@16m49x3]

I was thinking of putting a neutral paladin order running the country through order in a tyrannical way vs thiefs that steal, but actively work to protect those whom ends up on the wrong side of the crooked laws.

[@scimitaradp]

That reincarnate idea... brilliant.

[@AvatarofBragi]

Honey butter chicken biscuit and a potato egg and cheese taquito w/ spicy ketchup. That's how you Whataburger breakfast.

[@gorter23]

you guys using a new camera? quality is really improved it seems. also, liked the youtube. 'good things' come to those who prepare :)

[@rastasplash7334]

Hahahahaha that intro was amazing.

[@fletcherdevery2333]

Love that intro

[@atlas_of_prescottia]

Everyone commenting on how awesome that intro was, but that post-credits scene was waaay better. Also, I'm definitely making a Walmart equivalent the antagonist of my next campaign....

[@Neverfate]

Reign of Fire reference! NICE!

[@nazgulpenguin]

The Gentleman Bastards series (The Lies of Locke Lamora) is soooooo good for inspiration for thieves guild stuff!

[@Sean-ne3gx]

That opening was gold XD, good to have Wednesdays back too.

[@Ryan_Winter]

Yea man, they took the bite out of the Zhents and the Red Wizards. Look at what they did to Sememmon. As if giving him a Pokemon name wasn't cruel enough, they had to turn the evil mastermind into a shapeless, Lawful Neutral, backstage extra. They f'ed up the Arcane Brotherhood, just to f'up Bregan d'Aerthe later on. They had to destroy the Shades and Ched Nasad. Being a villain in the FR is tough business.

[@ollininvincible]

Sweet!!! I'm currently building one of these for my campaign! Relevance and you're back?! Welcome! ^_^

[@AD-en5dq]

I wish I had a friend like Pruitt

[@JPruinc]

Aww, thanks!

[@sirreyzz]

That video intro was 8 Dragons out of 8 dungeons. Wait, I think that’s backwards. But great video!!!

[@JPruinc]

Ha! Thanks!

[@ZenodudeMC]

Have you guys ever made a home brew character class? And what are your favourite Published homebrew character classes? (Dawnforged's Alchemist, Sterling vermin's Pugilist, Matt Mercers Blood Hunter etc)