[5e] Any short one shots (couple of hours) I can run for a whole group of newbies? My family wish to indulge in my hobby when I see them this Christmas.
Last few times I've seen my family, I've told them about D&D. My Mother has just asked me to run a small session when I see them next week.
I will be DMing and there will be 5 players: my Mother, two sisters and my sister's husbands.
None of them have played D&D before, all are aware what it is. I'd like to give them pre-written characters so if that's part of the one-shot that'd be even better.
In terms of tone, something a bit more lighthearted would probably go down best but with some kind of serious plot to keep them focused.
Figured I'd ask you guys first if something came to mind before I spend some of my holiday writing it ;)
Posted Dec 18, 2016, 10:10 AM UTC
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If you've not DMed before here is a really good series on running games by Matt Collville. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_
If you don't fancy running his adventure and you want a more light hearted one shot I'd recommend just having a Google for stuff you like. I'd recommend the Wild Sheep Chase, but that one is for level 3-4 adventurers.
You can fairly easily take a non-whimsical adventure like Lost Mines of Phandelver (which you can find for free on WotWC's website as part of the basic rules) and make it whimsical just by adding light hearted characters. It's fairly easy to make Goblins wacky rather than threatening, and even easier to do with NPCs. As long as you avoid Gothic Horror/Dark Fantasy campaigns such as the Curse of Stradh you'll be fine.
Final bit of advice, if you do use Pregens bring many more than you need so your 5th player doesn't end up just playing the final sheet left on the table.
If you have any questions feel free to DM me :)
Should have been clear that I have actually DM'd before! And cleared LMoP with another group.
Good idea about bringing enough Pre-Gens, I'll probably make a whole box of sheets.
Three of us are ex-WoW players so something that capture that style/humour would go down well I imagine.
I'm just after a short plot I can wrap up fairly quickly, as I don't want to use too much of the family time on it.
Here's a Christmas themed adventure if your family are embroiled in the holiday spirit! https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79bD9maHHrEeGpTMmxRVUJ1T3M/edit