I was playing a character in an Eberron campaign when I was reminded of how awesome an unwinnable combat can be. The tactic was also reinforced when I watched Wrath of Khan for the 42nd time this weekend. Although Kirk doesn’t believe in no-win scenarios, he does retreat and regroup to ultimately win the day.

The Dungeon Master running the game is excellent and I learn something from him every time I play. I mentioned in a previous post that I think it should be mandatory for Dungeon Masters also to play characters in games. It provides two primary benefits; firstly you are reminded on what it is like as players and what they appreciate in a story and Dungeon Master. Secondly, you get to learn from other excellent Dungeon Masters. I have been reminded of tactics, approaches, and strategies that I haven’t frequently used just in the past year of playing. I greatly appreciate being able to learn how to be a better Dungeon Master while I am playing.

Anyway, back to the main topic – retreating.

I realized I don’t use this tactic as often as I should. I try to provide a variety of challenges, but I rarely make the challenges and combat unwinnable or unsolvable. I think I am pretty linear in that way. But there is great realism in a challenge or combat that can be solved or won but not right now. Maybe another artifact is needed or more power or experience is required. It also provides an opportunity to meet the BBEG multiple times and failing and learning along the way. Eventually when the BBEG is eventually defeated, it is all the sweeter because the party has had to turn tail multiple times and run.

Perhaps the most entertaining part of a retreat is the ability for players to role play their characters and negotiate the retreat. There usually are one or two characters to whom retreating is an anathema and much convincing is required. There also is a lot of internal dialogue amongst the players – “I want to retreat, but what would my simple fighter do? Is he smart enough to see the futility?”

Regardless, retreating is a wonderful opportunity for players to role play their characters and experience another facet of themselves. For the Dungeon Master, it provides an excellent opportunity to build tension and drama – whether it be with the BBEG or other challenges along the way.

NOTE: I have often used the tactic of the BBEG retreating but not the players. I think this also provides the opportunity to encounter the BBEG multiple times, but having the party retreating I think provides even more drama and frustration.

That said, I think the tactic has to be used intentionally so it makes sense. Not every situation can lend itself to a retreat. The party also has to see the retreat as logical or you may be dealing with a TPK on your hands,

But I will be looking for when I can incorporate this tactic into future campaigns.

I can’t wait to see them run away.