Dungeons & Dragons: What Are Group Patrons?
In Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeon Masters have access to a wide range of tools they can use when creating and running a campaign. One of the most underrated options a Dungeon Master can utilize in their campaigns is the inclusion of a group patron.
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Introduced to D&D's fifth edition in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, group patrons are a great storytelling device that can offer mechanical benefits to characters whilst also providing an easy explanation of why various adventurers may be working together. So for DMs looking for new options to spice up their next campaign, we're going to examine everything you need to know about group patrons.
Not to be confused with a Warlock's patron, a group patron is either a powerful individual or organization which helps bring a party together, serving as the likes of employers, benefactors, or quest-givers. As a strong allied force to a party, a group patron is capable of providing a party resources that they may need whilst simultaneously providing an explanation of why a group may quest alongside each other.
For example, a party composed of characters who frequently engage in criminal activity may be part of the same Criminal Syndicate while a group of mercenaries, soldiers, and veterans may belong to the same allied military force. Alternatively, a single key NPC may serve as a party's patron, such as a noble willing to pay adventurers to fulfill quests. In addition to providing benefits, group patrons will often provide a party with assignments and quests in return.
When including a group patron in a campaign, this immediately provides players with a common ground that they can include within their characters' backstories,
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