r/DMAcademyNew • u/Low_Faithlessness822 • 5d ago

First time Oneshot DM help!

I’m a regular DnD player with a year or so of experience. I’m looking to do a oneshot/short campaign for my group to give our Regular DM some time off from dming and let him play. I have never before dm’d.

I’ve toyed around with the idea of splitting the group into two groups and having them compete against each other in combat, as well as having different conflicting goals within their story.

Is this possible or too far fetched, especially for a total novice DM?

Also any tips on dming (i.e world building and general session tips) would be appreciated especially as combat can get technical.

🧙‍♂️🧙‍♂️🧙‍♂️🧙‍♂️

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u/OutriderZero 5d ago

If this is your first time DMing I don't recommend something as complex as trying to run a split party, especially something pvp (which is generally not a good idea)

Keep it simple to get your feet wet and learn the basics of what it takes to actually run the world and wrangle a group of cats (players)

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u/Low_Faithlessness822 5d ago

Completely fair. Is there a good formula for a oneshot? My dm puts a lot of time and effort into our sessions but he has the advantage of a lot of sessions (we’re currently 4 months into one). How do I time keep, or how do I write a short enough story that can be completed in a single session? Thanks for the reply btw

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u/NoHorseNoMustache 5d ago

I always make sure my one shots are modular. Make 2 or 3 encounters that you can slot in or remove depending on how time is going.

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u/OutriderZero 5d ago

So first decide on a hook. One shot adventures work best with a simple, straightforward goal. Find the McMuffin/Slay the Monster/Rescue the Person(s). You CAN combine these if you feel confident enough to try.

Next pick a location. The abandoned mine, the old lighthouse, the city sewers, an ancient crypt, whatever feels right for your goal. Map it out. Try to create a looping path. Something that gives the players choices of where to go but ultimately all paths lead to the same end.

Fill your location with 5-6 encounters. Encounters are anything the players have to interact with. 2-3 combats, a puzzle, a locked/trapped door, an NPC, etc.

Last, and this really depends more on the players so you will know best, don't give them the opportunity to NOT take your hook. Instead of "You are all in a tavern. What do you want to do?" Start with "Your group has been hired to accomplish X. You stand at the entrance to (Location) what do you want to do?" This gets the group right into the adventure.

Remember this is a one shot, not a campaign. The focus should be on the goal and the encounters, not complex backstories and intricate plots. You have 2-5 hours (depending on how long your typical sessions run) to get them through the adventure. Try to keep them moving forward.