Many D&D groups end up with a “home base.” It could be a seedy tavern, an actual castle, a starship in orbit, or any number of other locales. And once players have a base, they like to make it their own. This is one of the cooler aspects of not only some D&D campaigns, but many other forms of media like videos games that often include similar options. What you base is like is a reflection of your character, your party, and quite likely you as a person. And that’s a great thing.

So how do you as a DM give your players the right tools to make their dream base. I think the answer is actually quite simple…

You ask them.

I talk with a gentleman online frequently who Dms a number of games. And his games are ridiculously collaborative. He’ll engage in discussion with his players about villain motivations, setting details, plot hooks…anything! And it works for him because he’s able to deliver the experience that they want.

I shy away from that level of total collaboration; I’ve found that I enjoy it best when the DM does retain aspects of control over large chunks of the plot and setting. But I also can’t say one is the “right” way to handle it. It’s also illuminating to realize just how much of an open dialogue can occur at the table about the adventure without anything detrimental coming from it.