‘Party-First’ Model
Adventurers and Lurkers! I wanted to call out a change in concept from prior campaigns for the upcoming ‘Chronicles of the Forest Inn’ campaign. This campaign will have a ‘Party First’ model.
The "Party-First" model is at the core of how we want the DnD Fest to feel. It’s not just about mechanics or rules; it’s about creating an immersive, collaborative experience where your adventuring party is more than just a group you’re assigned to or who you purchased tickets with. The idea is that your party has been together for a while, long enough to trust each other with your lives, share victories, and maybe even laugh about those missteps along the way.
Imagine stepping into your character’s boots and knowing that the people by your side are more than just fellow players—they’re allies, friends, and co-conspirators. You’ve already been through thick and thin together. Maybe it’s taking down a troll, figuring out who stole the crown jewels, or just surviving that cursed swamp. The point is, you’ve got each other’s backs, and you know that whatever comes next, you’re in it together.
Respect is a big part of this. In the game, you might have rivalries, banter, or even disagreements, but they’re always in good fun and never at the expense of the party’s bond. Outside of the game, it’s the same—we’re here to have a great time and make sure everyone feels welcome. Sabotage or intentionally wrecking someone else’s experience? That’s just not the kind of thing we’re about, so don’t do it.
There’s also an expectation of honesty and fairness. If your party stumbles across an ancient artifact or uncovers some crucial bit of lore, that gets reported back to your Guild Representative. Smaller things—like coins, personal trinkets, or that cool dagger you found—those can stay between you and your party. Trades or deals with other parties need to go through a DM or Guild Rep, just to make sure everything’s fair and above board.
And look, we’ve all heard the line, “It’s what my character would do.” That’s fine, as long as it doesn’t ruin the fun for everyone else. The "Party-First" model is about making choices that keep the adventure moving and make sure the whole table is enjoying the ride. Think about it… if you are always saying ‘it’s what my character would do’ at the cost of frustrating your comrades all the time, well, they wouldn’t likely be your comrades then, would they? So, it’s probably NOT what your players would do if it is pissing off your party members…because they wouldn’t want you in the party then. Characters can have their quirks and motives, but at the end of the day, the party comes first.
What makes this model special is how it shifts the focus to shared experiences. It’s not about who rolls the highest numbers or gets the best loot. It’s about those moments that you’ll be talking about for years. That time the bard’s spell saved the day at the last second. Or when the rogue’s wild gamble actually worked. Or even when everything went wrong, but you pulled through anyway because you were a party.
Being part of a party should feel like an accomplishment—or maybe even something to laugh about from time to time. Your party isn’t just a random group; it’s part of your character’s story. In fact, every party should have a name, something that reflects who they are and what they stand for. Whether it’s the bold ‘Heart Breakers’ or the infamous ‘Silver Spoons,’ these names become badges of honor (or humor) that tell others about your exploits and adventures. It’s like a resume for adventurers, proof of where you’ve been and who you’ve fought beside.
Of course, your party isn’t the only connection you’ll have. There’s also your Team, which includes two other parties working under the same sponsor. While your first loyalty is always to your own party, there’s a shared bond with the other parties on your team. After all, you were all chosen for a reason, brought together by a sponsor who saw something unique in your collective strengths. That shared connection creates opportunities for collaboration and camaraderie beyond just your immediate group.
So, this is the spirit of the "Party-First" model—a focus on connection, trust, and the kind of adventures you’ll never forget. So, give your party a name that is recognizable, something you can all associate with and something that will be recognized for its heroic adventures!