How I Write One-Shots

My D&D group likes to take turns DM'ing, and I've become known as the one-shot guy because I usually set up long, complex sessions. Our group has had a lot of fun doing these kinds of one-shots, and I haven't really seen videos about this particular style of one-shot on YouTube, so I decided to make it.

Usually the advice is similar to what @Runesmith has talked about; coming up with an idea, having a series of encounters that lead into each other, and running it with whatever characters the players bring. But I like to make more open, longer one-shots, where the players have a buy-in, it's written around them, and they're just given a list of things to do in whatever order they wish.

I've run a few of these one shots before, and it's been successful at my table. I can't speak for everyone, but I think it's a nice way to mix things up. It's sort of like an open world campaign, but restricted to a single location. As I'm writing this, I think I didn't do as good of a job describing that as I should have -- I mostly focused on the example one-shot I've run before. I'll probably make a supplementary video to this later, or maybe replace it in a few years if I end up continuing making content. Who knows!

Let me know what you think!

[exSolarius]

i love the runesmith reference. riffing on his style during that portion was a very cool touch

[DanFlux]

I recently ran a one-shot that was written entirely around the characters my players decided to make. Since they focused all of their builds around combat heavy mechanics, I prepared a few combat scenarios for the one-shot. They decided to approach everything stealthily and rolled a nat20 at every clutch moment. There was no combat. The session was still awesome.

[krinkrin]

For your scenario, I'd basically only figure out who took the ring and why. That's it. Players brief would literally be: you are all courtiers. You've been tasked with finding the ring. And keeping it quiet. Go!
I like how much backstory you gave to this.

[tayloroh]

Goes to show that being a DM is a constant learning journey! Thank you for some wonderful advice!

[patrick.s]

The simplicity of this prep is fantastic. Create a world based on your characters, create some key npcs, create a problem, create ties to the problem, then let the players loose to go muk around, all the while mishaps and interesting little events appear in their path. I love it. I’d also love to hear about your prep for a full campaign, or a summary of how this one shot turned out 🤘

Figuring out how to make my own DM prep easier is something I love brainstorming.

There is a lot of dnd advice videos on youtube but not all of them stand out, or are incredibly convoluted. This is a great video!

[samuelcohen]

Every time I start One-shots - they're becames the long games

[zerupsy]

This is like what my friend does in his VtM games. "You can a cost." It has different rules for when it can be used. But he comes up with a drawback for you getting what you need. And not just attacks, skill checks, ability usage, etc.

[gmanbo]

2:47
If you want to run this scenario with a bit higher tension.
The spy/ intelligence groups from both sides want the war over because of a bigger threat.
Your players are a mix of both organizations. Teaming up to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Adds some inter party tension+ allows for outside intervention.... + The need for a group of specialized troubleshooters.

[Zamun]

The little call out to Logan, hidden down below, was a nice touch. Good stuff

[gamerguy]

Just letting you know that this video was at the top of my home recommendations. The algorithm has blessed you.

[nathanheidt]

Great advice! Hope you keep making more of these videos.

[agustinvenegas]

This weekend I'm running my first one-shot for strangers and this advice came in clutch for my needs

[TFconfused]

I like your DnD videos! Fun, quick and easy to watch

[samuelmitchell]

I watch this pretty often. Idk if you actually are interested in making more videos like this or if this is all you have to say about how you run TTRPGs, but if it isn't I want you to know your take is interesting and informative and has helped me in my weekly sessions and the way you presented the info is concise but engaging enough to keep my attention the whole way through. I hope you continue to make these, but if not thank you very much for what you've already given.

[anajuliavieira]

I honestly have no idea of how I found this video but I'm so glad I did!!! I'm planning to run a one-shot soon and I will use these tips for sure!! Love the dnd content and subscribed, hope to see more from you

[thehalfa]

I used to have groups a lot where I'd give them a buy in or a one off rule and most the players would ask me if they could be the exception. It sucks when you give a prompt to players and they just ignore it and I'm glad I've found players with more respect for my time

[LukeMason]

Keep up the D&D content! Love your straightforward style.

[Kabster_the_Lime]

this is actually a pretty good resource for me, thank you! i meet a roleplaying group im in once a month and i have kind of become a primary one shot GM. This was very fun in the beginning when i had some original ideas but that spark has kinda left. What i liked most about your points you mentioned was the character creation. As i often play with some passive players, getting them in the mood by giving them clear ways of connecting their character to the story could be a good idea! looking forward to any new dnd/TTRPG content you might reliese in the future :)

[rangereric]

One shots are difficult for me so I tend to make them universally personal to all player characters. This establishes the stakes without the hefty world building I'd have to throw away at the end of the scenario. Otherwise, I run the risk of setting up stakes for a setting they have no previous knowledge or claim to.

I would prefer my players said: "Remember that time when we played that one shot where we were all imprisoned by that prince and had to escape the dungeon before we cornered him and fed him to an angry mob?"

As opposed to: "Well, we failed and the kingdom fell to darkness. Oh well, it was just a one-shot anyway."

[noxiousbones]

I love the use of Runesmith reference, it’s such an amazing way to nod to other RPG content creators, but putting the emphasis on “everyone can have their own style, and is valid.” ❤