How to write a Dungeons and Dragons quest | 5 steps

Summary

This video offers a five-step template for creating engaging Dungeons & Dragons quests that can enhance the overall campaign experience. The steps include establishing the objective, initial challenge, main challenge, new information, and final challenge. The speaker addresses concerns about templates leading to repetitive adventures and demonstrates how varying details can lead to unique quests. The video also suggests starting with the main challenge to build the quest's structure and offers an example to illustrate the process. It encourages DMs to adapt the template to create diverse and memorable adventures for their players.

Takeaways

• 📜 The script discusses a five-step template for writing a Dungeons & Dragons quest to ensure engaging and varied gameplay.
• 🎯 The first step is 'Establishing the Objective', where players are given information about what needs to be done, why, and the consequences of success or failure.
• 🔍 The second step involves an 'Initial Challenge', which serves as a warm-up for the main challenge and can include role-playing, bribery, or survival checks.
• 🛡️ 'Main Challenge' is the third step, where players face the central conflict of the quest, often involving combat but not limited to it.
• 💡 In the fourth step, 'New Information' is revealed that changes the players' understanding of the quest, possibly introducing a new quest or altering their perception of the quest giver or objective.
• 🏰 The final step is the 'Final Challenge', which provides a conclusion to the quest that was not predictable from the beginning, keeping the players engaged and surprised.
• 🚫 The script addresses a common objection to using templates, arguing that changing details at any step can create unique experiences.
• 🧩 The template is flexible and can be adapted to create distinct adventures by varying the combat, role-play, or new information elements.
• 📝 The speaker suggests starting the quest creation process from the 'Main Challenge' and working backward to justify elements and create a compelling narrative.
• 🎲 The template is effective for one-shots and longer stories, with an ideal length of about three sessions, each covering different steps of the template.
• 💡 The importance of player agency is highlighted, as players can take the quest in unexpected directions, making each experience unique.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the five-step template mentioned in the video for writing a Dungeons & Dragons quest?

The five-step template is designed to help Dungeon Masters create engaging and well-structured quests for their players. It ensures that each quest has a clear objective, initial and main challenges, new information that can redefine the quest, and a final challenge that leads to a satisfying conclusion.

What are the five steps of the quest template provided in the video?

The five steps are: 1) Establishing the Objective, 2) Initial Challenge, 3) Main Challenge, 4) New Information, and 5) Final Challenge.

Why is it important to establish the objective early in the quest?

Establishing the objective early is crucial because it gives the players clear information about what needs to be done, why it needs to be done, and the consequences of success or failure. This helps to engage the players and motivate them to participate actively in the quest.

What is the role of the initial challenge in the quest template?

The initial challenge serves as a warm-up for the players, preparing them for the main challenge. It can involve role-playing, problem-solving, or even survival checks, and it helps to set the stage for the more significant challenges to come.

How does the main challenge differ from the initial challenge in the quest?

The main challenge is the central and most significant part of the quest, often involving combat or a major task that the players must accomplish. It is more complex and difficult than the initial challenge and usually requires more strategic planning and teamwork from the players.

What is the purpose of introducing new information during the quest?

New information serves to redefine the players' understanding of the quest, adding depth and complexity. It can change their perception of the quest giver, the objective, or the situation, and it often leads to unexpected developments or even new quests.

How does the final challenge tie into the new information revealed during the quest?

The final challenge is influenced by the new information, leading to a conclusion that the players could not have predicted from the start. It provides a satisfying end to the quest while also allowing for surprises and a sense of accomplishment.

Why might a Dungeon Master choose to use a template for creating quests?

A template can provide a solid foundation for creating quests, ensuring that each quest has a clear structure and flow. It can also help when a Dungeon Master is short on ideas or needs to prepare a session quickly.

How can changing details at different steps in the template affect the overall character of the quest?

Altering details at any step can significantly change the nature of the quest, making it feel unique each time. This can involve changing the type of challenge, the setting, the characters involved, or the outcome, resulting in a diverse range of quests.

What is the suggested approach for coming up with ideas to plug into the quest template?

The video suggests starting with the main challenge (Step 3) and envisioning a cool or epic scenario for the players. Then, work backward to justify the elements of the scenario and build the rest of the quest around it.

How can the template be adapted to create distinct adventures focusing on different aspects like combat, stealth, or role-play?

By focusing on different elements for each adventure, the template can be adapted to create a variety of experiences. For example, one quest could emphasize combat, another could focus on stealth and investigation, and a third could center on role-playing and character interactions.