What to do when your players derail the campaign

If your players have completely de-railed your campaign then congratulations! This happens to pretty much every DM at some point and is a perfectly normal (if stressful) part of running a DnD game.

It may feel uncomfortable right now but you will be riding this wave to another really awesome story line in no time!

Recover from a de-rail and build a new direction for your game in three steps:

1. Letting go

2. Consequences → Plot Threads

3. Plan, but not too much

Step 1: Letting go...

First things first, well done on letting your party go completely off plot.

I’m serious, it might feel disappointing now, but you’ve just shown your players that their choices have real consequences and that they are driving the story forwards as much as you.

Your party might have killed that really critical NPC, or accidentally burned the town to the ground.

You probably had a load of really cool things lined up, be it NPC’s you hoped they’d meet or plot threads you were excited for.

It’s a good idea to take a moment to let go of all these things you’d planned.

Some you can recycle in another game in the future (free session prep!), others will still play out in a different form with this new direction.

Even so, you have just lost a whole bunch of hard work - feeling a bit sad or disappointed is totally valid!

Allow yourself a moment to acknowledge that before you go onto the next bit.

Step 2: Turning consequences into plot threads

My favourite part of when the campaign is derailed is thinking about the consequences of taking this new direction.

This is the point where you brainstorm ideas and get excited for new story lines.

It reminds me a bit of a phoenix rising from the ashes (a bit of a melodramatic metaphor, but there you go).

Because no matter how lost you are, brainstorming what consequences arise from this change in direction will always lead to new ideas.

As you are brainstorming, consider for yourself:

• What NPC’s are involved and what will they be doing next?
• How will the current plot threads evolve?
• What new plot threads will arise?

Take a moment to remind yourself of the campaign themes while you do this, and let them influence the outcome.

Now you have an idea of what new NPC objectives and plot threads will come about it’s time to start weaving it together into a new story.

Step 3: Prep for the next bit, but not too much.

When you’re weaving your plot threads together, try to prepare for a bit, but not too much.

My suggestion is to form an idea of the story you want to tell, but not to have anything too solid.

A “this is what will happen if the party don’t intervene” is perfect.

The key here is not to get too attached to your awesome new ideas. As we’ve seen - no plan survives contact with the party!.

And remember, whilst “Yes, and…” is fantastic in improv roleplay, “no, but…” can be pretty awesome too.

You can creatively say no to your players by offering them an alternative course of action. You’re not removing a players agency, you’re refereeing the game.

If players derailing the story is happening a little too frequently in your games, check in with your player(s). Is someone being disruptive because they’re not enjoying the game any more? Are they getting confused?

It’s good to know these things and be able to address them out in the open.

Some final words..

Letting your players derail your game can be really fun for everyone.

For DM’s it helps us practice improv and adaptability. For players, it helps immersion. Being able to make real choices and face real consequences makes a game feel alive and personal.

When your players blow up your game, just remember to follow these three steps. Your game will be back on it’s feet (or head!) in no time!

My party make a lot of “interesting” decisions that take our game to all sorts of unexpected places. It can be difficult to manage at times but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I will leave you with a parting word of advice another DM once gave me.

Never make a town you’re not prepared to burn to the ground.