D&D 5E Dynamic start for a 1-shot?

[rgoodbb]

I'm having a block on a dynamic start for a 1-shot for two PC's (Glamour and Monster Slayer (6th or 7th)). I have already done a buried alive start so am looking for something active and fun.

Maybe falling or chasing or being chased. (not chaste)

The environment includes forests marshes, rivers, mountains and coast.

Any helpful thoughts form the Idea ENgine would be much appreciated, Thanks.

 

[iserith]

Shopping!

 

[not-so-newguy]

1,000 foot fall from a cliff and plunging into a deep, swift river in the style of Wile E. Coyote. They'll have a full round until they take the plunge.

 

[aco175]

A 1-shot needs something quick and exciting. Think of some movies where a person with an arrow sticking out of them hands the PCs something in their dying breath and whispers, "Save the girl."

Maybe the PCs are at a noble's banquet like in GOThrones and the noble's son is poisoned. The PCs could be frames or not.

Climbing a cliff with some ropes and pulleys as a gargoyle attacks. Falling may land you in the water, or the rocks next to your boat. The NPCs on the boat are planning to wait until morning before they leave.

 

[Umbran]

Any helpful thoughts form the Idea ENgine would be much appreciated, Thanks.

The most dynamic start sequence I've ever played through in a game was playing a Feng Shui one-shot. We started in media res, basically...

"You are at about 30,000 feet. The airplane is behind you. The ground is in front of you. You have no parachute, but there are four bad guys who left the plane before you who do. Roll initiative!"

No explanation of why we were on the plane. Once we had landed safely, we did a flashback to establish what the bloody plot was, and them moved forwards from there.

 

[rgoodbb]

The most dynamic start sequence I've ever played through in a game was playing a Feng Shui one-shot. We started in media res, basically...

"You are at about 30,000 feet. The airplane is behind you. The ground is in front of you. You have no parachute, but there are four bad guys who left the plane before you who do. Roll initiative!"

No explanation of why we were on the plane. Once we had landed safely, we did a flashback to establish what the bloody plot was, and them moved forwards from there.

Sounds epic. Did you as players enjoy it?

 

[Umbran]

Sounds epic. Did you as players enjoy it?

Yeah. For one thing, the game is intended to mirror action movie tropes, so starting with high action, and not a lot of talk, established the style well. It also gave us all an intense interest in what ended up with us on the outside of that plane...

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

Yeah, while starting in the middle of action is always good, it's important to not neglect the hook. Get their blood pumping and spark their curiosity.

A 1-shot needs something quick and exciting. Think of some movies where a person with an arrow sticking out of them hands the PCs something in their dying breath and whispers, "Save the girl."

Maybe the PCs are at a noble's banquet like in GOThrones and the noble's son is poisoned. The PCs could be frames or not.

Climbing a cliff with some ropes and pulleys as a gargoyle attacks. Falling may land you in the water, or the rocks next to your boat. The NPCs on the boat are planning to wait until morning before they leave.

 

[Quickleaf]

Some interesting starts I've had success with...

Party wakes up hungover with various hijinx, and they need to figure out what led to their predicament.

Party seeks shelter from a sandstorm, but then the gates pound and a voice pleads for mercy outside. Caravan master says not to let the evil spirit enter... but is it an evil spirit?

Party is captured... but they deliberately put themselves in the situation as part of their mission to acquire intel or make contact, only to learn that their planned exit strategy isn't so simple.

 

[aco175]

Party wakes up hungover with various hijinx, and they need to figure out what led to their predicament.

Perhaps a treasure map or holy symbol tattoo upon them. Even better, a slaver mark.