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What is the Best One-Shot Intro for D&D?

The best one-shot intro for D&D is one that immediately grabs the players’ attention, establishes the setting and stakes clearly, and provides a simple, direct hook into the adventure. It should be concise, engaging, and easy to understand, especially if you have new players at the table. The goal is to get everyone invested and eager to play as quickly as possible. A good intro avoids overwhelming exposition and focuses on getting the action started. Think immediate conflict, a clear goal, or an intriguing mystery, rather than a long, drawn-out backstory dump. The best intro isn’t just about setting the scene; it’s about setting the tone and sparking the players’ imaginations.

Setting the Stage for Success

A truly great intro is like a movie trailer – it gives you just enough to get you excited without revealing all the secrets. It needs to:

Establish the Environment: Briefly describe the location where the adventure begins. Is it a bustling tavern, a dark forest, or a quiet village? Don’t overdo it; a few key details are enough.
Introduce the Players: How are the player characters (PCs) all together? Are they a band of mercenaries, accidental traveling companions, or members of the same organization?
Present the Problem: What is the immediate conflict or challenge facing the PCs? This is the hook that gets them moving.
Create Urgency: Why should the PCs care? Is someone in danger, or is there a reward at stake?
Keep it Brief: Remember, this is an intro, not a novel. Get the PCs involved as soon as possible.

Think of it as a “cold open” in a TV show – the action starts right away, and the details are filled in along the way. The best one-shot intro is less about a perfect narrative setup and more about a perfect jumping-off point for the game.

Examples of Compelling One-Shot Intros

Here are some examples of how to start a D&D one-shot that are engaging and get right to the point.

The Tavern Brawl

The classic tavern scene is a perfect start.

The Setup: “You are all enjoying a (relatively) quiet evening at the Rusty Flagon tavern in the small town of Oakhaven. Suddenly, the door bursts open, and a group of rough-looking bandits storms in, demanding gold from everyone in the tavern!”
Why it works: This immediately creates conflict and gives the players a clear objective: fight or flee.

The Mysterious Summons

Intrigue is always a great way to draw the players in.

The Setup: “You each receive a sealed letter from an unknown source. It instructs you to meet at the old crossroads outside of town at midnight. When you arrive, you find several other figures with similar letters, along with a strange, cloaked figure.”
Why it works: This creates a sense of mystery and adventure, as players have to decide if they want to cooperate to discover the letter’s purpose.

The Village Under Attack

Action and danger are always a fantastic way to begin a one-shot.

The Setup: “You’ve been hired as traveling mercenaries on your way to your next job, as you cross the hill into the sleepy village of Willow Creek, you see a large group of goblins pillaging homes and tormenting the townsfolk.”
Why it works: Players instantly feel compelled to take up arms and defend the village, creating a direct mission.

Key Elements of a Successful Intro

Whether you choose one of the above examples or devise your own, remember these critical components:

Clarity: The situation and the players’ initial goal should be crystal clear.
Simplicity: Avoid complex backstories or intricate plots at the outset. Focus on the immediate.
Engagement: The intro should spark curiosity and motivate the players to act.
Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt to your players’ choices; the intro is just the beginning.
Fun: Most importantly, the intro should set a tone of excitement and anticipation for the game to come.

Remember, the best one-shot intro is one that leads to a fantastic and memorable gaming session. Don’t get bogged down in details; instead, aim for a powerful opening that thrusts your players into the action and encourages them to explore the story you have prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What level should characters be for a one-shot intro, especially for new players?

For a one-shot, and especially with new players, characters should ideally be at 2nd or 3rd level. This provides them with a few abilities and options without being overwhelmed by choices, while avoiding the fragility of 1st level.

2. How long should the intro to a one-shot be?

The intro should be brief, generally around 5-10 minutes. It’s meant to set the stage, not deliver a lengthy exposition. The goal is to start the action swiftly.

3. Should I provide pre-generated characters for new players in a one-shot?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to offer pre-generated character sheets for new players. This reduces the barrier to entry and allows them to jump right into the game without getting bogged down in character creation.

4. What is the difference between a one-shot and a campaign?

A one-shot is a standalone adventure meant to be completed in one session (or a couple of short sessions), while a campaign is a larger, ongoing story that spans multiple sessions and often involves character development over time.

5. How much prep work should a one-shot require?

One-shots generally require less prep than a full campaign. Focus on outlining the main plot points, creating a few key NPCs, and maybe drawing a simple map if needed.

6. What are the essential components of a good one-shot?

A good one-shot has a clear objective, engaging challenges, interesting NPCs, and a satisfying resolution. It also requires a well-paced story and a balance between combat, roleplay, and exploration.

7. How can I make a one-shot more memorable?

To make a one-shot memorable, focus on creating unique and compelling encounters, memorable NPCs, and moments of surprise and emotional resonance. Allow player agency and embrace their creativity.

8. Can I incorporate elements of horror into a one-shot?

Yes, you can. However, make sure to communicate the tone beforehand, and don’t go overboard if your players are new or sensitive to horror themes. Use atmosphere and suspense to build the tension rather than graphic gore.

9. What is Rule Zero in D&D, and how does it relate to a one-shot?

Rule Zero states that the Dungeon Master (DM) has the final say on all rules. In a one-shot, this allows the DM to simplify rules or make on-the-spot decisions to keep the game flowing and engaging.

10. How do I handle player choices that deviate from my planned plot?

Be flexible and embrace the players’ choices. Use their actions as inspiration for improvising and adjusting the story on the fly. Don’t try to force them back to your original plan.

11. Is it possible to play a one-shot with only two players?

Yes, it is definitely possible and enjoyable. You can either have a DM and one player character, or have the player play multiple characters in a party and use a DM.

12. What if a one-shot runs too short or too long?

Be prepared to adjust on the fly. If it’s running short, you can add a side encounter or extend the final confrontation. If it’s running long, you can cut some planned elements or adjust the pace.

13. How do I choose a suitable theme for a one-shot?

Choose a theme that aligns with your and your players’ preferences. Options can be high fantasy, mystery, adventure, or even comedy. Let your players have some input, if possible.

14. Should I include a map for a one-shot?

A map is helpful but not always necessary. For a single location or straightforward dungeon, a simple hand-drawn sketch is often sufficient. Don’t overcomplicate it.

15. How do I ensure everyone has fun in a one-shot, especially with mixed experience levels?

Focus on making the game accessible and engaging for all. Allow more experienced players to help guide newer ones, and ensure everyone has a chance to shine during the adventure.

What is the best one shot intro for D&D?