D&D Prep

I’ve been mixing up the way I prep for D&D a bit. For a while I was running mostly freeform, but I’m not yet a great improviser, so I’m finding it helpful to lay out the skeleton of the session in advance.

  1. Party probably returns to safe house
  2. Rebel leader outlines recent events and strategic options for managing local rebellion
  3. Party picks a quest or two, which can be social or combat-oriented
  4. Party screws up the quest hilariously
  5. XP!

I have a few options outlined:

  • Social: Attend a fancy party with the city’s elite, some of whom may be friendly to the rebel cause.
  • Social: Make contact with skilled local individuals. For these, some kind of payment or favor may be needed to acquire their assistance.
  • Social: Gather information.
  • Combat: Go assassinate someone who has it coming.
  • Combat: Take out a strategic target (weapons depot, research facility, etc).

Long-term effects:

  • Factions grow or shrink in local influence based on the players’ actions.
  • New allies and new enemies are made.
  • The rebellion gains or loses valuable resources and personnel.