
When used in a D&D setting, the trope can create an easy plot to follow, but can also lack narrative depth, and not always connect with each of the party members.įor example, a D&D fighter with a Lawful Good alignment would have the motivation to save the damsel from evil because of their own morals and principles, or a desire for glory. The rescue operation is often initiated by the kidnapped woman's father, who more often than not is also a male character of power. Unable to escape by herself, she must rely on the assistance of the party to be rescued.

A female character is taken hostage by a dragon, evil lord, vampire, or otherwise corrupt character. D&D Tropes To Avoid: Damsel In Distressįantasy novels are awash with the age-old trope of the damsel in distress. Some fantasy tropes, like the "Male Hero" who saves the damsel, have also become outdated and can limit the freedoms and engagement of female characters and NPCs. To help prevent these struggles, below are a few of the tropes DMs should consider leaving out of gameplay, or rewriting to be more inclusive to every player type. This can cause party members who don't fit the trope to feel left out of the gameplay, or create conflict when they are unable to engage in the story the same as the "hero" class. It isn't uncommon for popular clichés like the "Hero's Journey" trope to cater to a single character or favor a specific class over another. Tropes and stereotypes can create a number of serious issues when used in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Related: D&D: Why Ravenloft's Lamordia Is Perfect For Frankenstein Fans However, using these settings can backfire if the Dungeon Master relies heavily on fantasy tropes to drive the story, instead of incorporating plot points tailored to the unique actions and engagement of the party. Incorporating ideas into a campaign using concepts like an Arthurian "Knights of the Round Table" plot, or an evil dragon lording over the land, are easy and relatable narratives most D&D players of any skill level will feel confident in. Popular fantasy narratives often have plot points that are easy to follow and a linear story progression that is less intimidating to manage. Using pre-built fantasy settings in Dungeons & Dragons can be a way to create the backbone for a cohesive story.

However, there are a number of cliché tropes that make their way into these campaigns both DMs and players may prefer to remove or replace with different ideas. To help get newer DMs started, many of these requirements are covered in D&D sourcebooks for prebuilt campaigns. The DM must decide how players come together to make a party, what their overall goals could be, how they encounter plot hooks to begin quests, and how the party meets with important NPCs. Running a Dungeons & Dragons campaign poses many challenges for Dungeon Masters, especially if they are new to guiding an adventure.
