Adventure Packet Builder

An adventure is a situation, not a plot. The situation includes:

• Situation: What's happening in the world
• Conflict: The problem that needs heroes
• What's Unique and Fun: What makes this adventure special
• Stakes: What happens if ignored or if heroes fail/succeed
• Time Pressure: Any urgency that drives the adventure forward

The DMG identifies three hook types:

• Patron: Someone with authority or resources asks the party to act
• Supernatural: Mysterious events, omens, or magical phenomena draw attention
• Happenstance: The party stumbles upon the situation by chance

Consider why this party specifically cares, per-character motivations, and what happens if they refuse.

DMG recommends 2-3 investigatable options at once so choices matter. Each thread should:

• Be something players can investigate
• Point to a location, encounter, or NPC
• Have a cost if ignored (consequence for not pursuing)

Every encounter requires:

• Objective: What players want to accomplish (required)
• Obstacle: What stands in their way (required)
• What It Accomplishes: What this encounter achieves in the story
• Information Revealed: What clue/info is revealed (chains to next lead/thread)

Mix Exploration, Social, and Combat scene types. Always include fail-forward consequences that move the story forward.

Plan multiple outcomes:

• Expected ending (what you think will happen)
• Alternative endings (2+) based on player choices
• What if the villain dies early? (contingency plan)

Rewards should be level-appropriate (treasure, magic items, XP/milestone).