A Dungeon Masters Guide to Political Intrigue 

Sorry for the abrupt end to the video but there was an issue with the export that I was unable to resolve-- I think in relation to the fact that the video is in 4k. The video is just missing the last 40 seconds, in which I just finish the theoretical example and invite you to comment with any examples of factions and conflicts you have seen or used in your game. Edit: it doesn't look like it's fixable, and after noticing some errors in the edit I've decided to come back at some future time and reupload a corrected version. This version will probably become Unlisted, but don't worry, the only major differences will be those last 40 seconds.

Ok, I'd like to offer some kudos and critiques for your video. First, Kudos: I love the narrative scene you set - the idea behind politics and how factions move and rub against each other. You also nail the reason why this politics adds verisimilitude to your game (even if some players won't care, many will). Finally, you are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about this aspect of the game and offer wonderful dimension to a thumbnail sketch in DMs Guide and other materials that really should have been fleshed out. Second, some well-intentioned critiques which are aimed at your presentation more than the substance. First, SLOW DOWN. I know maybe you want to keep the time low or that you are nervous or maybe you're just excited. Most of the really good creatives on this platform speak naturally and a little more slowly, like having a conversation. Some good examples include Cinderblock Sally, DMShorts, or Indestructoboy. It is easy for one to feel excited or nervous when putting content out there, I get it. But breathe, slow down, take your time a little. It may add a few minutes onto your time, but it will make a world of difference. Second, don't read titles of your sections. It winds up sounding like you're repeating yourself verbatim in two consecutive sentences. The section titles are fine for YOUR notes, so you know when you transition from one aspect to another but immediate repetition pulls listeners out of your narrative (for example "The other reason putting politics in D&D can help with realism. The OTHER reason putting politics in D&D can help with realism" 1:33 - 1:39). This might be an editing thing (I notice an edit jump prior to this portion), but it might not. Thirdly, angle your monitor in a way that the blue from your screen is not reflected in your glasses; it becomes very obvious that you're reading from a script because your eyes go right into that blue field on your glasses. this may be easier said than done because some vision disabilities make it difficult to see the lines clearly which may ramp up your nervousness (which may be a root cause of critique 1 and 2). It's okay to have a script and it takes time to get comfortable reading a script (its a skill that gets honed over time), but like a magic trick, try not to let your audience SEE that you're using a script. All in all, I loved this idea and AM including politics in future games precisely because of what you brought up. Your points are valid and your information is solid. I think you have a lot going on in a relatively short video. I think this kind of content is important and you're filling a gap that is much needed. I'd like to see you succeed in this and am only offering this feedback in the hopes that it helps you flourish. Thanks again for the video.

Awwww SNAP!!!! Nice books in the background! Kingdoms & Warfare and Dungeons of Drakkenheim. Literal bibliography on Competing Factions (The whole theme behind Drakkenheim) and Politics and Players controlling an organization. Ahh- you address this near the end... Then you chop the rest of the video?!? OH NO!!!!

as a DM running a highly homebrewed version of Waterdeep:Dragon Heist - political intrigues and faction conflicts are absolutely what i am interested right now and i thank you for your ideas. In my Campaign there still is the Treasure somewhere hidden and the Players can search for that over time - but i am much more interested in giving Life and substance to Waterdeep as the metropolis it is. I just love fleshing out interesting Scenarios that you wouldn't find that much in smaller towns (like a big noble Banquet the players will attend, where they get to meet very important people of waterdeep that they otherwise not probably never been able to talk to, can listen to noble gossip and maybe get some clues on different nobles and their shenanigans in the city) Maybe have one faction try to overthrow the government of Waterdeep and the players need to gather status and allies in the cities so they can interfere or otherwise have to witness how the former glory of the city crumbles into a hell of corruption and "only the strongest will prevail". Given the Setting i will probably have at least 7 factions - some more some less powerful/important. The harpers, xanathar guild, zhentarim, Jarlaxle, the cassalanters, some noble alliance, the city government are on my mind right now, but it will probably expand or divide some factions into smaller ones. It will be a lot to prepare and think through but man i am absolutely stoked to build this campaign.

Would love to hear the rest that got cut off.

Big fan.

You seem to be, perhaps unconsciously, assuming that all factions will be about as strong. Judicious use of variable sizing and influence can eliminate your fear of a balance. Of course, balance can also be valuable, where players have the potential to actually shift that balance. Note also that you do not address the possibility that factions can be stronger here than there. Many potential stories can be unlocked if the players are in an area where the faction which is nationally weaker is locally dominant. You can use a bit more complexity, in your complexity. Also consider adding the occasional slide of bullet comments, to aid a viewer in taking notes. I have done a million or so briefings, your emphasis on speed suggests you might want to think about ways to ensure that doesn’t hinder the audience, and an occasional cheat sheet can work wonders.

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