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Message: <blockquote data-quote="LordEntrails" data-source="post: 7153973" data-attributes="member: 6804070">[MENTION=6781797]kbrakke[/MENTION] gives lots of good advice.For me, fun one-shots are about solving a single thing. They are not about what happens over time; but one decision, one action, one moment in time. Maybe its a run in with Lee Harvey Oswald before Dallas. Or the mission to deliver a nuke to the alien mother ship (al la Independence Day). Or maybe it's venturing forth from town to the volcanic dragon's lair that has just come to life again and surely means the ancient evil dragon has arisen from his slumber.You should accept lots of cliches and stereo types. They are story telling crutches that put the PCs in the right place at the right time. Doesn't mean the choices or challenges have to be stereo typical, but understand the use of easily made assumptions to provide motivation and backstory. Just because the ranger has the Legolas backstory doesn't mean the conclusions are already made as to the decision they will make when confronted in your one-shot. The cliche background is there as a crutch to get everyone to the start of the one-shot with a common understanding.I will differ with kbrakke in that one-shots can be all about combat. You don't have to worry about motivation and plot, who cares why you have to invade the church and kill the mage residing in the catacombs? The investigation and justification has taken place outside the focus, now it's time to kill the BBEG and his minions!But, I will say this is probably more important than anything else; If your expectations are not set right, you will not enjoy whatever you do.If you can't accept the assumptions; if you want to know why John Wick was an assassin, or how he managed to retire, or how he fell in love with his deceased wife; then one-shots may not be for you. But, if you can accept all those things are, and that now he must seek revenge for the death of his dog at all costs, then go have fun!</blockquote>

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