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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Gargoyle" data-source="post: 6360643" data-attributes="member: 529">I think the potential for harm depends on how factions are presented and the maturity of the players.  In Tyranny of Dragons, it's clear that the idea is that factions who normally oppose each other (Zhentarim and Harpers for instance) are forced to work together against the Cult of the Dragon.  As long as the DM makes that point clear through NPC's that the Cult of the Dragon is the enemy and the players are mature enough to keep their rivalries in check, I could see where it adds a nice dynamic.  There's nothing wrong with a Harper and a Zhent arguing about which quest to pursue or how to treat a prisoner, etc.  But just like roleplaying alignment and personality traits, it can be taken too far.  You probably don't want them assassinating each other Paranoia style.  I always have a brief talk with my players before a campaign about party loyalty.  I explain out of character that I want to run a game where the player characters are allies and are loyal to each other.  I ask them to come with the reasons in their background as to how they know each other, and why they care about each other.  They may not always agree or get along, and might even fight, but I tell them to try to think of their party as a family or close group of friends.  It seems to help avoid needless conflicts.  Not everyone will want that kind of campaign, but whatever it is you want, if you take five minutes to talk about it before the game starts, I guarantee you can avoid most problems if your players are at least trying to be mature.</blockquote>

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