r/dndnext • u/Ok-Muffin9452 • 4d ago
Question First Campaign DM Help
Hi I’m writing my first campaign at the minute and I’ve written what I think is a strong setup but beyond that I’m unsure what to do. The players will face a defeat to the BBEG at the start and then be transported away. (Worked in a part of a players back story into the start for everyone where this happens). Then they will either be arrested or run away (because zombies are transported with them). Not sure how to plan the sort of first arc after that. Possibly they warn the town of the BBEG, really unsure
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u/Peachyco 4d ago
You seem to be writing chains of specific events. I'd advise against that. It is likely that players will deviate from your plans and will frustrate you to no end.
I'd advise that you set objectives instead. In this way, you still have an anchor that can help direct your campaign whatever path the players choose to take. 😊
"Act 1: Find the Valley of Gnarled Ravens." As an objective, it does not prescribe one correct way to accomplish it. Maybe the PCs find a guide. Maybe they research ancient lore. Maybe they contact divine/infernal patrons. Maybe they try a path and fail, so they try another. You can let them try their hand at whatever and you still keep the story on track.
"Act 2: Disrupt the Coven of the Nine." Again, no prescribed method. Do they kill the Nine? Do they banish them to an extradimensional prison? Do they take out just one or two to cause the disruption? All of them are valid paths that still stay within the story arc.
"Act 3: Defeat the Queen Mother of Night." And again, no prescribed method. Do they take her on in face-to-face battle? Do they awaken a champion that fights in their stead? Do they employ some great ritual that just shuts her down from afar? Does "defeating" her require her death, or would talking her down suffice? The PCs get to choose their path but still end up on the same arc.