Are you tired of your Dungeons & Dragons sessions falling apart due to scheduling conflicts? You're not alone! Many tabletop role-playing campaigns stumble on the same frustrating hurdle, where players struggle to coordinate their busy calendars. This has been one of the most significant issues for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), leaving countless campaigns unfinished and players frustrated.

Comics and TTRPG writer Kieron Gillen has recognized this pressing problem, and in response, he has authored a groundbreaking “patch” for the upcoming 2024 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook. This innovative solution addresses the scheduling conundrum in a straightforward yet assertive manner.

Gillen’s rules for fixing scheduling nightmares are refreshingly simple:

1. The Dungeon Master (DM) establishes a regular playtime.

2. The game occurs at that designated time, regardless of the number of players present.

3. The only exceptions to the schedule are if the DM is unavailable or if no players can make it.

While these rules may sound harsh to some, they’re designed to keep campaigns afloat. As Gillen poignantly points out, “Most campaigns end by not doing this.” The reality is that if players frequently miss sessions, they become mere "guest stars" rather than integral members of the story. By utilizing this structure, groups are more likely to have consistent gameplay, even accommodating those who can only attend sporadically.

Gillen encourages DMs and players to generate creative narrative explanations for absences, drawing inspiration from classics like *The Hobbit*, where beloved characters often disappear from the scene. He also provides inventive frameworks such as using flashbacks or dream sequences to keep the game engaging with those present.

But there's an added benefit to this approach: it may motivate less committed players to either step up or step out. Gillen notes that those who aren't truly invested may find it easy to skip out on sessions that aren’t happening consistently, ultimately leading to a more dedicated group dynamic.

In a compelling blog post accompanying the patch, Gillen expresses his astonishment at how TTRPG communities have historically overlooked addressing scheduling etiquette. “It is actively strange that RPG folks write rules about everything, but have avoided giving actual advice on basic play culture ideas,” he states.

The patch is available as a downloadable PDF that mimics the official Player’s Handbook format, allowing players to easily incorporate it into their campaign guides. This handy resource not only aims to improve campaign longevity but may also be applicable to other RPGs.

Gillen's effort is not just a patch; it's a revolutionary step towards preserving the joy of role-playing games. So, don’t let your sessions fall victim to scheduling nightmares anymore — print out Gillen’s patch, add it to your handbook, and get ready for a more harmonious gaming experience!