Welcome, brave adventurer, to the thrilling world of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) one shots! If you’re new to the realm of tabletop RPGs, or simply looking to expand your knowledge, this guide is here to help you unravel the mysteries of D&D one shots. In just a few pages, you’ll discover what a one shot is, how it differs from a regular campaign, and why it’s an excellent way to explore the endless possibilities of D&D. So, grab your dice, and let’s dive into the world of one shots, where every session is a new adventure waiting to be had!

What is a D&D One Shot?

Definition and Brief History

A single-session adventure

A D&D One Shot is a single-session adventure designed for players to experience a self-contained story in a single sitting. This type of adventure is often used to introduce new players to the game, or to provide a unique and exciting experience for experienced players looking to try something different. One Shots are typically shorter in length than a traditional campaign, and can range from a few hours to a full day of play.

Origins and evolution

The concept of a One Shot adventure has been around since the early days of Dungeons & Dragons. In fact, the very first D&D module, “The Dungeon of Danger,” was a One Shot adventure designed to be played in a single session. Over the years, the popularity of One Shots has waxed and waned, but in recent years they have experienced a resurgence in popularity due to their versatility and the ability to provide a unique and memorable gaming experience.

One Shots have evolved over time to include a wide variety of themes and styles, from classic dungeon crawls to epic quests, and from lighthearted comedies to dark and serious horror. The format of a One Shot allows for a high degree of creativity and experimentation, as designers are not limited by the need to create a long-term campaign. This has led to a wide variety of One Shot adventures that can be tailored to fit the needs and interests of any group of players.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros of D&D One Shots

1. Flexibility: D&D One Shots offer the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of campaigns and settings without committing to a long-term campaign. This flexibility allows players to experiment with different characters, stories, and worlds, making each session a unique and exciting experience.
2. Skill Development: Since each One Shot is a standalone adventure, players are encouraged to think creatively and use their problem-solving skills to overcome challenges. This fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement, as players grow more confident in their abilities and the game mechanics.
3. Easy to Organize: D&D One Shots are typically shorter and less complex than ongoing campaigns, making them easier to organize and prepare for. This can be especially appealing for new Dungeon Masters who are still learning the ropes or for those who want to spend less time planning and more time playing.
4. Reduced Burnout: With One Shots, players and Dungeon Masters can explore different stories and settings without the pressure of maintaining a long-term campaign. This reduced workload can help prevent burnout and keep the game fresh and exciting for everyone involved.

Cons of D&D One Shots

1. Lack of Continuity: One of the main drawbacks of One Shots is the lack of continuity. Since each session is a standalone adventure, there is no overarching storyline or character development that carries over from one session to the next. This can make it difficult for players to become deeply invested in their characters or the world they are exploring.
2. Limited World-Building: D&D One Shots often focus on specific scenarios or locations, which can limit the opportunity for extensive world-building. This can be disappointing for players who enjoy immersing themselves in rich and detailed game worlds.
3. Difficulty in Establishing Relationships: In a One Shot, players are often brought together for a single adventure without any prior relationships or connections. This can make it challenging for players to develop deep bonds with their fellow adventurers, as they may not have the opportunity to explore their characters’ backstories or motivations.
4. Limited Potential for Character Growth: Since One Shots are typically self-contained adventures, there is limited potential for character growth or change. This can make it difficult for players to experience the satisfying sense of progression that comes with longer campaigns.

The Art of Creating a D&D One Shot

Storytelling and World Building

Creating Engaging Characters

• Develop unique personalities and backstories for each character
• Establish relationships and dynamics among the characters
• Create character arcs and motivations that drive the story

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

• Identify the central conflict or plot point
• Create tension and stakes that keep players engaged
• Develop twists and surprises to keep the story fresh

Designing Immersive Settings

• Create a detailed and richly-detailed world
• Incorporate unique locations, landmarks, and points of interest
• Establish the history and lore of the world

In essence, the art of creating a D&D one shot is all about crafting a compelling story and immersive world that will captivate and transport players to a different realm. The key to success lies in developing engaging characters, crafting a compelling narrative, and designing immersive settings that will leave a lasting impression on players. By following these guidelines, you can unlock the magic of D&D one shots and create an unforgettable gaming experience for you and your players.

Balancing Challenges and Rewards

Crafting encounters and battles

When designing a D&D one shot, it’s essential to strike the right balance between challenging encounters and rewarding experiences for players. To achieve this equilibrium, consider the following elements:

• Difficulty: Assess the overall skill level of the players and select encounters that are neither too easy nor too difficult. The challenge should be formidable but not insurmountable.
• Variety: Introduce a mix of combat, exploration, and role-playing encounters to maintain player engagement and keep the gameplay fresh.
• Pacing: Ensure that the game’s pace is brisk without being overwhelming. Allocate time for exploration, social encounters, and combat.

Allocating treasure and experience points

A well-balanced D&D one shot also requires careful consideration of treasure and experience points (XP):

• Treasure: Distribute treasure appropriately based on the players’ levels and the difficulty of the encounters. Ensure that the rewards are valuable and varied, including items, magic artifacts, and other loot.
• Experience Points: Award XP for defeating monsters, completing quests, and overcoming challenges. Allocate XP fairly and consider the players’ individual contributions.

In summary, balancing challenges and rewards in a D&D one shot involves crafting encounters that are neither too easy nor too difficult, introducing variety, managing pacing, distributing treasure appropriately, and awarding XP fairly. By striking the right balance, you can create an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep your players engaged and eager for more.

Incorporating Themes and Mechanics

Incorporating D&D’s core mechanics

Incorporating D&D’s core mechanics is an essential aspect of creating a one-shot. These mechanics, such as character creation, leveling up, and combat, provide the foundation for a traditional Dungeons & Dragons game. However, in a one-shot, it’s important to consider how these mechanics can be adapted to fit the specific theme and goals of the game.

For example, a one-shot may involve characters starting at a higher level to quickly dive into the action, or it may have a unique XP system that rewards players for roleplaying and storytelling instead of combat. The key is to find ways to incorporate the core mechanics in a way that supports the one-shot’s narrative and goals.

Exploring unique themes and genres

Exploring unique themes and genres is another important aspect of creating a one-shot. One-shots offer the opportunity to try out new ideas and explore different styles of play. For example, a one-shot could be a horror game, a sci-fi adventure, or a fantasy heist.

To explore unique themes and genres, consider the following:

• Setting: Choose a setting that fits the theme and genre of the one-shot. This could be a specific world, a generic fantasy world, or even a modern-day city.
• Characters: Create characters that fit the theme and genre of the one-shot. For example, in a horror game, the characters could be a group of teenagers who are trapped in a haunted house.
• Plot: Develop a plot that fits the theme and genre of the one-shot. For example, in a sci-fi adventure, the plot could involve the characters exploring a mysterious alien planet.
• Mechanics: Choose mechanics that fit the theme and genre of the one-shot. For example, in a horror game, the mechanics could involve sanity checks and fear effects.

By exploring unique themes and genres, one-shots can offer a fresh and exciting experience for both players and DMs.

Running a Successful D&D One Shot

Preparation and Organization

Assembling the party

Before you can start organizing your one-shot, you need to assemble a party of players. Consider the number of players you want to accommodate and choose characters that will work well together. It’s also essential to ensure that each player has a balanced character sheet to create a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Gathering necessary materials

Once you have your party assembled, you need to gather all the necessary materials for your one-shot. This includes a physical copy of the rulebooks, character sheets, and any other supplementary materials that you might need. If you’re running the game online, make sure you have a reliable virtual tabletop platform that everyone is familiar with.

Setting expectations and boundaries

Before the game starts, it’s crucial to set expectations and boundaries with your players. This includes outlining the theme and tone of the game, explaining the rules, and setting a time limit for the session. It’s also essential to establish ground rules for behavior and communication during the game to ensure everyone feels comfortable and respected. By setting clear expectations and boundaries, you’ll create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Execution and Adaptation

Keeping the game flowing

One of the keys to running a successful D&D one shot is to keep the game flowing smoothly. This means that the Dungeon Master (DM) should be well-prepared and able to quickly move the game along without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. The DM should also be able to keep track of the players’ actions and progress, as well as any plot points or NPCs that need to be introduced.

To keep the game flowing, the DM should have a clear understanding of the rules of the game and be able to make quick decisions. They should also be able to improvise and adapt to unexpected events that may arise during the game.

Encouraging player engagement

Another important aspect of running a successful D&D one shot is to encourage player engagement. This means that the DM should create a fun and interactive environment for the players, and encourage them to get involved in the game.

One way to encourage player engagement is to create interesting and dynamic NPCs that the players can interact with. The DM can also use role-playing opportunities to help the players get into their characters and make the game more immersive.

Dealing with unexpected events

In any tabletop RPG, unexpected events are inevitable. It’s important for the DM to be able to deal with these events in a way that keeps the game flowing and the players engaged.

One way to deal with unexpected events is to use the “yes, and…” rule. This means that the DM should always try to find a way to say “yes, and…” to the players’ actions, rather than “no, but…”. This helps to keep the game moving forward and encourages player engagement.

Another way to deal with unexpected events is to use improvisation. The DM should be able to think on their feet and come up with new ideas and solutions to unexpected challenges. This helps to keep the game flowing and the players engaged, even when things don’t go according to plan.

Evaluation and Feedback

Evaluating and providing feedback is a crucial step in running a successful D&D one shot. By reflecting on the session, seeking constructive feedback, and applying lessons learned to future one shots, you can improve your gameplay and create an even more immersive experience for your players.

Reflecting on the session

Reflecting on the session is the first step in the evaluation process. Take some time to think about what worked well and what didn’t. Consider the following questions:

• What was the most enjoyable part of the session?
• What was the least enjoyable part of the session?
• What did the players seem to enjoy the most?
• What could be improved for future sessions?

Reflecting on the session can help you identify areas where you can improve as a DM and can also give you ideas for future one shots.

Seeking constructive feedback

Constructive feedback is essential for improving your gameplay. Ask your players for feedback on the session, and be open to constructive criticism. Consider the following questions when seeking feedback:

• What did you enjoy most about the session?
• Is there anything you would like to see more of?

Constructive feedback can help you identify areas where you can improve and can also give you ideas for future one shots.

Applying lessons learned to future one shots

Once you have evaluated the session and received feedback, it’s time to apply the lessons learned to future one shots. Consider the following steps:

• Review your notes from the session and reflect on what worked well and what didn’t.
• Identify areas where you can improve and make a plan to implement those improvements in future sessions.
• Consider the feedback you received from your players and incorporate it into your gameplay.

Applying lessons learned can help you improve your gameplay and create an even more immersive experience for your players. By continuously evaluating and seeking feedback, you can ensure that your D&D one shots are always a success.

Frequently Asked Questions About D&D One Shots

What is the recommended level range for a one shot?

The recommended level range for a one shot in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) depends on the intended experience and purpose of the one shot. However, generally, one shots are designed for characters between levels 1 to 3. This range allows for new players to experience the basics of the game and for experienced players to enjoy a quick and engaging session without committing to a long-term campaign. It’s important to note that the level range can vary based on the specific one shot module or adventure being used. Therefore, it’s always best to consult the module’s recommendations before starting the game.

Can I run a one shot for players of different levels?

While the idea of a one shot is typically associated with a standalone adventure that can be played in a single session, it is not uncommon for players to have varying levels of experience. The challenge, then, is to create a one shot that can accommodate players of different levels. The good news is that it is entirely possible to run a one shot for players of different levels with a little bit of planning and creativity.

One of the key considerations when designing a one shot for players of different levels is to ensure that the encounters are balanced. This means that the difficulty of the encounters should be adjusted based on the average level of the players. For example, if the players range from level 1 to level 5, the encounters should be designed to be challenging for a level 3 character. This can be achieved by adjusting the number and types of monsters, the complexity of the puzzles, and the overall difficulty of the challenges.

Another important consideration is to ensure that the story and setting are engaging and interesting for all players, regardless of their level of experience. This means that the one shot should have a compelling narrative that can be enjoyed by players of all levels, and the setting should be rich and immersive. Additionally, the one shot should provide opportunities for all players to contribute to the story and feel like they are making meaningful contributions to the adventure.

In summary, running a one shot for players of different levels is entirely possible with careful planning and consideration. By designing balanced encounters and creating an engaging narrative and setting, you can create a one shot that is enjoyable and challenging for all players, regardless of their level of experience.

How long should a one shot session last?

The duration of a one shot session can vary depending on the group’s preference and the amount of content they wish to cover. Typically, a one shot session can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. However, it’s important to note that the length of the session should not be the primary focus, but rather the quality of the experience and the enjoyment of the players.

It’s recommended to set realistic expectations for the session’s length, taking into account the complexity of the adventure and the pace of the group’s playstyle. Over-planning or cramming too much content into a short period of time can lead to burnout and disappointment for both the players and the Dungeon Master.

On the other hand, if the session is too long, players may lose interest or become distracted. Therefore, it’s crucial to strike a balance between providing a fulfilling experience and respecting the players’ time and energy.

In summary, the length of a one shot session should be determined by the group’s preferences and the content being covered, with a focus on quality over quantity.

Can I use published adventures for one shots?

Yes, you can definitely use published adventures for one shots. In fact, this is a great way to quickly set up a fun and engaging game for your players without having to spend hours preparing a custom adventure. Just make sure to choose an adventure that is appropriate for your group’s experience level and interests.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using published adventures for one shots:

• Adapt the adventure to fit your group’s needs. Maybe your players are particularly interested in a certain aspect of the adventure, or maybe they are struggling with a particular challenge. Don’t be afraid to modify the adventure to make it more enjoyable for your group.
• Be prepared to improvise. Even if you’re using a published adventure, things won’t always go according to plan. Be ready to think on your feet and come up with solutions to unexpected problems.
• Encourage player creativity. One of the best things about D&D is the ability for players to get creative and come up with their own solutions to problems. Encourage your players to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to the challenges they face.

Overall, using published adventures for one shots can be a great way to add variety and excitement to your D&D games. Just remember to be flexible and adaptable, and most importantly, have fun!

What if my players want to continue the story after the one shot?

One of the most common concerns for DMs when it comes to running a one-shot adventure is what happens if the players want to continue the story after the session. While it’s unlikely that your players will want to continue the story immediately after the one-shot, there are some options you can consider if they express interest in continuing the story:

Option 1: Create a follow-up one-shot

If your players enjoyed the one-shot and want to continue the story, you can create a follow-up one-shot that takes place immediately after the first one. This will allow your players to continue their adventure and explore new areas and challenges. You can also use this opportunity to introduce new characters or NPCs, or to introduce new elements to the world.

Option 2: Run a mini-campaign

Another option is to run a mini-campaign that consists of several one-shot adventures that are linked together. This will allow your players to continue their adventure over a series of sessions, without committing to a full-length campaign. You can also use this opportunity to introduce new characters or NPCs, or to introduce new elements to the world.

Option 3: Allow the players to create a new character

If your players want to continue the story but don’t want to play the same characters, you can allow them to create new characters for the next session. This will give them the opportunity to explore the world from a different perspective and try out new character concepts. You can also use this opportunity to introduce new characters or NPCs, or to introduce new elements to the world.

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to communicate with your players and make sure that everyone is on the same page. This will help to ensure that everyone is having fun and that the game remains enjoyable for everyone involved.

How do I find inspiration for my one shot ideas?

• Delve into the Dungeon Master’s Guide for Ideas: The Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) is a treasure trove of ideas for one shots. The book contains a plethora of random tables, including those for encounters, treasure, and more. It also includes information on various fantasy worlds, which can be used as the setting for your one shot. Additionally, the DMG provides advice on creating and running adventures, which can be applied to one shots as well.
• Look to Other Games and Media: Inspiration can come from many sources, including other games and media. If you’re a fan of a particular video game or movie, consider adapting its story or setting into a D&D one shot. Alternatively, you can use the mechanics of another game, such as a tabletop game or a deck-building game, to create a unique D&D experience.
• Draw from Real-World Mythology and Folklore: Many cultures have rich mythologies and folklores that can be used as inspiration for D&D one shots. For example, you could create a one shot based on Greek mythology, using the gods and monsters from that pantheon. Or, you could draw from Celtic mythology and create a faerie-themed one shot. The possibilities are endless!
• Tap into Your Own Imagination: Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from within. If you have an idea for a story or setting that’s not based on any existing material, don’t be afraid to run with it. Trust your imagination and see where it takes you.
• Ask for Input from Your Players: Your players can be a great source of inspiration for your one shots. Ask them for ideas or suggestions, and incorporate their input into your planning. This can help create a more collaborative and engaging experience for everyone involved.

FAQs

1. What is a D&D one shot?

A D&D one shot is a single, self-contained adventure or quest in the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) tabletop role-playing game. It is designed to be played in a single session, typically lasting around 4-6 hours, and usually involves a small group of players. The focus of a one shot is on a specific story or goal, rather than on ongoing character development or long-term campaigns.

2. How is a D&D one shot different from a campaign?

In a campaign, players typically create characters and embark on a long-term adventure that spans multiple sessions, sometimes lasting for months or even years. A campaign often involves ongoing character development, character progression, and a more complex storyline. In contrast, a one shot is a standalone adventure that is typically designed to be completed in a single session.

3. What is the benefit of playing a D&D one shot?

One of the benefits of playing a D&D one shot is that it allows players to experience a complete story arc without the commitment of a long-term campaign. It is also a great way for new players to try out the game without committing to a lengthy campaign. Additionally, one shots often feature unique settings, storylines, and challenges that can be a refreshing change from a typical campaign.

4. Can I play a D&D one shot by myself?

It is possible to play a D&D one shot by yourself, but it is not a typical way to play the game. While some one shots are designed for a single player, they are typically more challenging and may require more preparation on the part of the game master (GM). If you are interested in playing a one shot by yourself, it is best to find a GM who is experienced in running solo adventures.

5. How do I find a D&D one shot to play?

There are several ways to find a D&D one shot to play. You can ask your local gaming store if they have any one shots scheduled, or check online forums or social media groups dedicated to D&D. Additionally, many GMs offer their own one shots for players to join, either in-person or online. If you are unable to find a one shot to join, consider creating your own adventure and gathering a group of friends to play with you.

How to Write a One-Shot D&D adventure — with my DM, Jesse Jerdak!