How One-Shots can tell a story

Summary

In this video, the host explains how to craft an engaging tabletop RPG adventure using a simple yet effective story structure known as the five-room dungeon. By asking key questions—such as what the antagonists are doing, why the players care, and what happens if they fail—DMs can create compelling narratives that challenge players' decisions. The five-room dungeon format helps shape the adventure into five core story beats: entrance, puzzle, setback, climax, and resolution. The host demonstrates how this flexible structure allows for dynamic storytelling, incorporating moral dilemmas and tension-filled encounters, all while engaging players in deep roleplay.

Takeaways

• 😀 A good adventure starts with asking key questions about motivation, stakes, and outcomes. For example, what are the bandits doing? Why should the players care? What happens if they fail?
• 😀 A compelling story has a dramatic question that creates tension, which can be explored through moral dilemmas or complex choices.
• 😀 Adventures can be structured around three main components: premise, monsters, and structure (PMS). These elements form the foundation of any RPG adventure.
• 😀 The Five Room Dungeon structure (Entrance, Puzzle, Setback, Climax, Resolution) is an easy way to design quick and engaging one-shot adventures.
• 😀 While a Five Room Dungeon is a great guideline, it’s not a strict rule. You can adapt and shuffle the rooms to create a unique story flow.
• 😀 Story structures, like the Five Room Dungeon, can be derived from classic narrative principles that have been around for centuries, such as Aristotle’s Poetics and the three-act structure.
• 😀 The Five Room Dungeon doesn't have to be set in a physical location like a traditional dungeon. It can be applied to any type of setting, even a town with multiple scenes that lead to a climax.
• 😀 The 'puzzle' room can be roleplay-focused, involving tense interactions and moral dilemmas. The DM can introduce doubts and introduce complexity through conversation.
• 😀 Shuffling the Five Room Dungeon elements allows you to keep the players engaged with unexpected twists and challenges. The climax could even come after the resolution if it fits the narrative.
• 😀 RPGs can function similarly to episodic TV shows, with an overarching dramatic question that influences player decisions and leads to character development.
• 😀 Internalizing story structures allows DMs to dynamically add story beats during gameplay. It enables quick adjustments and keeps the narrative engaging without feeling forced.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video script?

The primary focus of the video script is to demonstrate how to create an engaging D&D adventure using the five-room dungeon structure, with an emphasis on crafting compelling stories through questions, roleplay, combat, and moral dilemmas.

What are the key components of a good D&D adventure as outlined in the script?

A good D&D adventure includes a premise (what the conflict is about), monsters (the antagonistic forces), and a structure (how the story unfolds). These are summarized in the acronym 'PMS' for Premise, Monsters, and Structure.

How does the five-room dungeon structure help in adventure creation?

The five-room dungeon structure helps break down the adventure into manageable segments: entrance, puzzle, setback, climax, and resolution. This structure ensures a cohesive narrative with clear story beats and a satisfying progression.

Why is asking questions like 'What happens if the players fail?' important in crafting an adventure?

Asking these types of questions helps to establish the stakes and consequences of player actions. It pushes the DM to consider the broader implications of failure, making the adventure more immersive and impactful.

What role does 'Greor Helt' play in the example adventure?

Greor Helt is the leader of the Hungry Muts bandits and serves as a pivotal NPC. He invites the players into the town and creates tension by subtly influencing their decisions through his charm and intimidating presence, setting the stage for moral and combat challenges.

What is the dramatic open question posed in the example adventure?

The dramatic open question asks whether the players should overthrow the tyrannical bandits, even though they provide protection to the town. It challenges the players to weigh freedom versus security and encourages moral debate.

How does the script suggest handling unexpected combat situations, such as the emergence of an 'Ank'?

The script suggests that even after the players think they have finished fighting, new threats like the Ank can emerge to escalate the danger. This unexpected twist adds tension, divides the party, and requires the players to make quick strategic decisions.

What is meant by 'five-room mitosis' in the context of dungeon design?

'Five-room mitosis' refers to splitting the traditional five-room dungeon structure into separate scenes that can occur in different locations, rather than being tied to specific physical rooms within a dungeon. This allows for more flexibility in story design and pacing.

How does the video explain the use of story structure in broader narrative forms like movies or TV shows?

The video draws parallels between D&D adventure structure and the story structure used in movies and TV shows. It highlights that all stories follow some form of structure, whether it's Aristotle’s Poetics or modern narrative formulas, and that understanding this structure improves pacing and engagement.

What is the importance of internalizing story structure as a Dungeon Master (DM)?

Internalizing story structure allows DMs to intuitively shape the flow of an adventure. By recognizing when a story is missing certain beats (such as a setback or climax), DMs can adjust the pacing and keep the players engaged, even in impromptu situations.