I like these campaign starters:
You are awakened by a shovel-full of dirt that hits your face. You cough, rub dirt out of eyes, then suddenly realize you are in a mass grave. Around you, a few other people begin to stir. The folks shoveling dirt on you sure look surprised...
Face down in the turf, twisted wreckage nearby. Broken glass stuck in your face, blood oozing freely. Now you remember why you hate Spelljamming.
No worries he said. It'll be fine he promised. The best way to plane hop he reminded. So you stepped through the portal expecting to arrive somewhere in Sesestri. However, all those shambling undead and urban ruins are nothing like anything you remember about the island paradise of Sesestri. That dumb wizard is going to pay...
With a satisfying splash, the canvas bag holding Duvall's body splashes into the bay. You and your comrades pat each other on the back, a job well done. Sadly for you, the city watch members standing behind you don't agree.
Roll for initiative.
Every band of explorers needs a wizard, right? Well, if one wizard is good, then a whole party of wizards and sorcerers would work real well, right? Right?
You stand at the entrance to the inn. The stable (and your horses) are a mere 30 yards away. The shambling undead are 30 yards beyond that. They crave flesh. You crave your horse. Who's going to get their first? You, or them? You better decide quick because they are lookin awful hungry and this town has turned out to be a real pile of crap.
It's not being sold into slavery that bothers you so much. I mean, at least as a slave you will expect food and lodging. What really gets you is that you were, in turn, sold to a pack of ghouls. Now you are wandering their warrens, lost, cold, and you can still hear Henri's dying screams and the ghouls tear him limb from limb. Now where the %^&* was that exit?!