Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is launching in cinemas as the next stage of a larger cinematic experience, although there are far fewer rules to follow there in how the romances play out. For the tabletop experience, for the campaign to properly function, and for all players to enjoy themselves, that rulebook needs to be stuck to.
Of course, Dungeon Masters might make some house rules of their own that could shift the way that romances play out, but for any of the Dungeons & Dragons, just like all storytelling mediums love can be a vital part of the game. As those that interact with the game get more experienced, these rules will be far easier to adapt and get to grips with, so that the tales that fit the campaign the best are able to fully breathe, within the Dungeons & Dragons rules set out for player character romances.
Establishing A Romantic Backstory
Establishing a romantic story within a character's description could be a way to bring some love into a campaign. A Dungeon Master can set the rules as to how detailed those backstories may be, with the ability to connect with other players and create a shared history certainly a viable option when building a figure to use within a play session.
There are so many ways to effectively use Dungeons & Dragons, and placing some kind of romance-based trope within a character's build might be a great way to move forward. After all, bouncing off of a narrative thread such as the serial dater or hopeless romantic could influence each interaction both in that downtime and throughout the larger campaign. There are rules in place to allow for this.
NPC Romances Are Different
There are also rules in place that new players should know about in regard to NPC romances. Although the player can influence the way in which a love story might play out between those non-playable characters, ultimately it is up to the discretion of the Dungeon Master to control the narrative and how those NPCs will interact with one another.
Just like it's fun to read the Dungeons & Dragons, it can also be riveting to see how stories between NPCs evolve, based on the storytelling of the Dungeon Master. There are often opportunities to interact with that and a great DM will have the foresight to allow for further adaptation. However, keep in mind that some romances between NPCs might be set in stone for a reason.
Player Character And NPC Connection
The rules will always come down to the Dungeon Master's own discretion, as Dungeons & Dragons is an ever-evolving tabletop experience that works for the players themselves. However, for most games, new players need to know that they can start up romances with NPCs if they so desire and if it fits within the context of the story being told.
While some may be focused on collecting the Dungeons & Dragons, others could want to spend their time flirting with the tavern owner or dating the local mage. Regardless of the situation, an NPC story still has to be respectful of other players and can be designed in conjunction with the Dungeon Master, who will be giving life to the NPC.
Comfortable Parties
Although it has been touched upon, one key rule that new Dungeons & Dragons players need to know when getting involved in romances within the game is that everyone has to be comfortable with the story being told. Whether they have involved themselves or watching an NPC narrative play out, consent really is key at every level and should be taken into for all.
As a party journeys through some of the most Dungeons & Dragons, romantic components might naturally occur. They can be explored further if everyone is on board, but it's important to take a vote and abandon an idea if not everyone agrees with the direction the party is being taken romantically speaking.
Setting Down House Rules
What the Dungeon Master says is final, and they are integral for ensuring the rules are followed throughout a campaign. But what's important to note for new players is that they can help communicate the house rules at the beginning of each party's journey. Indeed, when it comes to romance, everyone's voice is valuable on the topic.
Respecting the house rules, even if they are the Dungeons & Dragons, is an important part of community play. That extends to love stories. It might be that to avoid issues popping up altogether, the Dungeon Master sets a house rule that no romantic plots will be explored further. That kind of rule is to be respected and kept to.
Not To Be Used For Genuine Emotions
The players involved in a Dungeons & Dragons session might have genuine romantic feelings for one another. A vital rule is to not use the space to play through that. If it's a group campaign, it's not fair on everyone else for that to be played out and potentially even interfere with the narrative so that everyone has to be involved.
Whether the D&D story sees its players venturing through Ebberon or perhaps a dangerous elemental plane, it's natural for real-life feelings to perhaps influence gameplay choices. However, if that is becoming apparent, and it is taking over the campaign then the Dungeon Master has every right to control that situation unless the group consents on the matter.
Involving Key Stats
A character will have certain stats that really influences the way in which a player can utilize them. Some of those statistics, once approved by a Dungeon Master, could actually help to craft a personality that might match some kind of romantic narrative. Intelligence and charisma for example can control flirtation levels or whether another character might be attracted.
There are always choices to be made when crafting a new D&D character from the underrated magical items they can eventually use to how naturally charming they really are. Regardless of the opportunities that players have given themselves in regard to their romantic capabilities, there are alternative ways for those stories to unfold without high statistics.
Dice Decisions
Just because the stats are there, doesn't mean they have to be used. Indeed, the traditional methods of play might not be needed for finding out how a romance might progress in Dungeons & Dragons. Traditionally, die or dice are thrown to make a decision as to how well a particular choice or action might play out for the player character.
That can extend to very situational-specific D&D spells, to whether a character has certain information available to them. The Dungeon Master and the rest of the party will have to make a choice as to whether a romantic moment is successful or not based on the die and dice rolls. It's usually better to ignore this element, but the rules are there for either method to work.
Linking To Narrative Development
There are always rules about how certain choices can be utilized within the tabletop experience, but something useful to note for new players is the reason behind a romance in Dungeons & Dragons. That kind of storytelling can be great for character development, with the rules allowing for continuity between campaigns, to see how a figure might have changed.
For instance, getting to kill a classic low-level monster in a campaign might make a party member turn into a bit of a monster hunter. The same kind of canon shift can be said for romance stories. A flirtation could develop between campaigns. Perhaps a player character that never experienced love finally gets their happy ending. There are many directions that those premises could allow the party to go in.
Romances Cannot Be Assigned
Although the rules show that Dungeon Masters can have the final say on multiple different topics, as long as it continues to have the consent of the group, there is one element that they really cannot have control over. A Dungeon Master is not allowed to pre-assign romance stories, thus putting players in an uncomfortable situation.
In Dungeons & Dragons players get the choice to explore any narrative they see fit. They might have to roll a nat 1 to do so, but the important part is ensuring that everyone is on board with a choice. Suggesting that a player character and NPC, or two player characters, are going to have a romance no matter what, forces the campaign to go somewhere not everyone will want it to go.
