7 Ways To Start Your Game That Are NOT In A Tavern
Greetings, adventurers! Today, we're stepping out of the tavern and venturing into uncharted territories - new ways to begin an epic Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign. Setting the stage can be a tough task for any Dungeon Master, especially when you're trying to break away from the overused trope of having characters coincide in a tavern. So, let's stray from the path most frequented and explore seven innovative ways to jumpstart your campaign.
In Medias Res
First stop: In Medias Res - Latin for "in the middle of things." Often used in literature, the concept involves dropping your players directly into a chaotic situation - a kerfuffle, if you will. Perhaps they're in the heart of a combat or fleeing a chase, or the air crackles with tension as they journey through an intricate dance at a formal ball. With this method, you plant your adventurers directly into the heart of the action. It's not only a thrilling, immediate experience but also a compelling way to introduce combat and game mechanics to newcomers right from the start.
Dream Sequence
Next on our list is the Dream Sequence. In this scenario, each character experiences haunting, prophetic dreams that lead them toward a shared destiny. This not only gives your characters a shared purpose and motivation but can also lead to some fantastic narrative arcs, unraveling ancient mysteries and fighting against a rising darkness that threatens their world.
Expedition Departure
If jumping straight into action is not your cup of tea, consider the Expedition Departure start. Your adventurers have already been briefed on their unique missions and are heading off to uncover the mysteries of a newly discovered continent. This approach often helps create a sense of immediacy and thrusts your players quickly into their quests, proving useful for one-shot games or campaigns with a rotating roster of players.
Inheritance or Legacy
The fourth methodology is the Inheritance or Legacy start. Picture a Star Wars-like scenario: the characters receive letters from a distant relative or mentor, revealing shared ancestry or acquaintanceship. This newfound heritage prompts them to undertake a journey of self-discovery, navigating through political intrigue, family secrets, and potentially, chaos.
Guild Assignments
The fifth method is using Guild Assignments. Each character, coming from a renowned guild, is assigned a unique mission. Though these missions initially seem solitary, they eventually intertwine to form a larger narrative, sparking collaborative questing and exploration among the players.
Festival or Celebration
Another fun method is to begin your campaign amidst a grand festival or celebration. It's an excellent way of introducing players to your game world, assisting in teaching game mechanics, and building valuable NPC (Non-Player Character) relationships. Moreover, it helps to give players a break from the usual combat-heavy starts, focusing more on lore-building and character development.
Mysterious Invitation
The final start we're discussing is the Mysterious Invitation. Each player receives a cryptic invitation leading them to a remote location. Here, they radically find themselves thrust into a situation begging intervention. While this method might seem a bit contrived, it can work wonders in mystery-themed campaigns, slowly unraveling the enigma that binds the characters.
Rousing an engaging start is paramount as it dictates the tone and pace for the rest of your campaign. So whether you choose to kick off the epic adventure via a chaotic brawl, prophetic dream sequences, expedition departure, inheritance revelation, unique guild assignments, grandiose celebrations, or cryptic invitations, remember to weave in bits of the unknown, the excitement, and the mystery. After all, that's what makes D&D, well, D&D. Happy adventuring!
