DM Tips: How to Make a D&D One-Shot: Halloween Edition!

[@LadyNoir88]

I like that you started with the basics for a one-shot and then added Halloween stuff afterward to build on it. This made one-shots less confusing for me.

[@RPGStudios]

We're so glad you enjoyed it!

[@annaglover2470]

Awesome ideas! Love it all! I was wondering if you have any thoughts for putting together a very short one-shot (like an hour or so) for a group of folks who are interested but have never played D&D. I have a group at work and was thinking for a work activity of putting something together, but only one or maybe two others have some knowledge of D&D. How do you introduce D&D and make it fun in a very short time? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

[@RPGStudios]

This is such a great question! We'll definitely have to make a video about this soon :) But in the meantime... The best way I (Emily- one of the DMs for the Studio) can think of, right now at least, would be to create characters for your group beforehand. Make sure they are low level (anywhere from levels 1-3) and that you understand the sheet so you can help them if they have trouble. As for the story, you'll want to drop them straight into a "problem" right at the beginning of the adventure. This will immediately give them a goal and something to do. For example I created a really simple one-shot for my younger sister who had wanted to introduce her friends to the game. I had some exposition to explain how they got here, but effectively they started the game shrunk down and trapped in a glass tupperware by a witch. Their goal was to escape the Witch's hut. The immediate thing they had to do was figure out how to get out of the tupperware. (If you want, I can dig up that one-shot and send it to you :) ) But by putting them straight into the "problem" and having them have something they immediately need to do really helps them work together and have fun right from the get-go. As for introducing D&D to them, you can prep your adventure beforehand and ask them if they'd like to all get together and have a fun short evening where you "take them on an TTRPG adventure" that you've prepared. Let them know that you'll help them so it wouldn't be difficult for them to understand. Be excited and they'll get excited as well! These are just some of my base thoughts, so I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out! We love chatting and supporting others in the community :) You can also DM us through Instagram or Facebook. Or you can join our new Discord community if you prefer that medium!

[@annaglover2470]

@@RPGStudios These are perfect! I was thinking of something along the lines of miniaturization when you mentioned the Hansel and Gretel twist. I think it might be perfect, but I might change the plastic container to something a little different, maybe a puzzle box. I'll give it some thought. And I had considered the pregenrated characters. They obviously won't have time to create characters. Great thoughts! Thank you!

[@RPGStudios]

@@annaglover2470 Oh great! So happy I was able to help! I hope you have so much fun with your game :)