Is Your DM Adversarial?

I hope they are but in all the rights ways.

I was on X, which is unusual, I only post there when I make a video or write a post, and I saw this tweet by The Dungeon Delver

I was initially shocked, thinking, “ I never want to be adversarial toward my players” but as I read on, I realized, I actually am adversarial and couldn’t be prouder.

Consider the definition of adversarial,

In a game like Dungeons and Dragons, I am not your adversary, not in a personal way.

I take no joy or pleasure in a character’s death or a TPK. Nor do I seek either of those for your character or group. I am running a game, dictated by rules and using all the bounty the setting or adventure provides to test your character’s will (roll a Con check).

I am an adversary the way a mountain is an adversary. The mountain doesn’t take it personally if you reach the top but it also isn’t going to do you any favors should you forget to anchor your rope or miss a hand hold and fall to your death.

Remember, you are throwing random dice against a world filled with dangers.

Success is supposed to be marginal but not impossible.

In this first post, The Dungeon Delver points out that in any other game, you would want him to play at his best and not take it soft on you. Why? Because if you have any kind of competitive bone in your body (I have many) you’d want people to bring their best whatever competition you’re engaged in.

Dungeon Delver says, if you not only survive, but overcome everything the adventuring world has thrown at you, revel it, you have truly accomplished something.

That is to say, if a DM or GM has taken it soft on you, fudging dice and trying to make you happy, did you really accomplish anything? A hollow victory indeed.

The second post is a response to a statement

According to The Dungeon Delver’s initial post and response, I think this is what being an adversarial DM really means (or should mean).

An Adversarial DM’s Standards

• Commits to playing the game, the world and the rules to the best of their ability, impartially.

• Extends choices to players and allows players to live with those choices

• Doesn’t play (push) too hard, just hard enough.

• Rejoices when PC’s beat a world filled with wild magic and horrific creatures

I think my players would be mad at me if I took it easy on them.

I think they know I want their characters to overcome.

I think they know I carry Character Death Certificates for a reason.

So, what do you think?

Do you have a different view, now, of what an adversarial DM is?

Do you like a good challenge or do you like things handed to you?

Do you have more you’d like to add?