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Write Your Own One-Shot Dungeons & Dragons Adventure!

In this four-week course, students will learn how to create engaging one-shot D&D campaigns from start to finish. They will cover campaign structure, plot development, NPC creation, & adventure design, culminating in a ready-to-play game!
Beth Stone
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(108)
Class

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Projects
4+ hours per week. included
Certificate of Completion
included

Class Experience

Beginner - Advanced Level
In this four-week course, you’ll learn how to create an engaging one-shot D&D campaign from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from the initial concept to the final playtest, focusing on key areas such as one-shot structure, plot development, NPC creation, and encounter design. 

Each week includes video lessons, practical activities, and detailed assignments to help you build and refine your adventure.

I’ll be teaching through a combination of instructional videos, hands-on exercises, and thorough assignments.

 My approach is supportive and interactive, aiming to provide clear guidance and constructive feedback throughout the course. 

You’ll have ample opportunities to interact with me through discussion boards and optional Q&A sessions, ensuring you get the most out of your learning experience.
Learning Goals
Design a Compelling Plot: Develop a captivating one-shot adventure with a clear, engaging plot that includes a strong beginning, middle, and end.
Create Memorable NPCs: Craft detailed and memorable NPCs with unique traits and motivations that enhance the story and interact dynamically with players.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Understanding One-Shots
 Video Lesson: What defines a one-shot campaign? Key elements and differences from longer campaigns.

Activity: Analyze examples of successful one-shots.

Assignment: Outline a basic concept for your own one-shot adventure. 
Lesson 2:
Plot and Structure
 Video Lesson: Designing the plot and structure of a one-shot. How to create a compelling narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Activity: Develop the main plot and key events of your adventure.

Assignment: Write a detailed plot outline, including major scenes and player goals. 
Lesson 3:
NPCs and Encounters
 Video Lesson: Creating memorable NPCs and designing engaging encounters. Tips for balancing difficulty and making encounters interesting.

Activity: Create a few NPCs and encounters for your one-shot.

Assignment: Write detailed descriptions and stats for your NPCs and encounters. 
Lesson 4:
Finalizing and Playtesting
 Video Lesson: Finalizing your one-shot adventure. How to prepare for playtesting and make necessary adjustments.

Activity: Review and refine your adventure based on feedback.

Assignment: Submit your completed one-shot campaign, including a summary of playtesting and any adjustments made. 

Other Details

Learning Needs
Designed to be inclusive of diverse learning needs, including ADHD, Dyslexia, and ASD. Interactive lessons and clear instructions will support all students.
Parental Guidance
No content likely to be upsetting or require extra precautions. Suitable for all interested in creative writing and game design.
Pre-Requisites
No prior experience with D&D is required, but an interest in storytelling and game design is helpful.
Joined October, 2020
5.0
108reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hey, Outschool Families! 

I'm Beth, a multi-passionate human and homeschooling mom of four dragon children aged four, six, ten, and thirteen. 

I'm a best-selling author and TTRPG writer that has worked for companies such as Dungeon in a Box, Modiphius, and D&D in a Castle.  I'm also the creator of multiple websites in the D&D, Ravenloft, and homeschooling niches. 

I've been passionate about learning through gaming since I was a young child and have since grown captivated by the world of Dungeons & Dragons. My family and I love mythology and story, so D&D lends very well to our passions. 

I've grown to believe, "Families that game together stay together!" 

This is because Dungeons & Dragons has added a whole new level of bonding between myself, my partner, and our children. The amount of time we spend around the table laughing, calculating, and reminiscing will make a positive lifelong impact.

As a visual learner, I try my best to be a very visual educator as well. In the last couple of years, I've discovered that one of my daughters has dyslexia. Through trial, error, tears, and victories, I have also learned how to meet her needs as a visual and hands-on learner with reading struggles. 

This is something I carry over into my educational techniques through topics such as D&D because I want the game to be accessible!

I will be adding new class sections where I find interest from families. 

Feel free to request time frames that you need, and I'll do my best to accommodate! I offer courses for new D&D players, advancing D&D players, budding dungeon masters, and real-play campaign sessions as well! 

If you "like" any of my courses, you'll receive updates if I post new sections. If the courses you want or need are booked, reach out, and let's chat! 

CLASS POLICIES (Live Courses)
1. It is Outschool policy for me to see your student's face, at least briefly, at the beginning of class to identify that they are, in fact, a student. It's a safety thing, and I appreciate your cooperation. If I cannot verify your student, they'll be placed back into the waiting room. Again, this is Outschool policy and is very important!

2. That said, I will not require your student to stay on video during the entire class if they are not comfortable with that. While it does increase engagement and socialization for the students to see each other's faces, I do understand that there are special circumstances and that children have individual needs. As long as identity is verified, your student can choose to go with or without a camera.

3. A working microphone is required, and a good-quality microphone is highly recommended!

4. My classes will always be inclusive and safe. There will be absolutely no racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, or other bigotry allowed. If there is a genuine misunderstanding in this arena, there will be a gentle but stern one-time warning before removal. Teachable moments help us all grow and learn and do better!

5. If a class has fewer than the minimum number of students required to run the course, I will very likely cancel the course, but I will keep in touch with families about this. 

6. If no students, or not enough students, enter the classroom within ten minutes of the class start time, I will end the session.

7. If you have to miss a session in a single, multi-day, or ongoing series, there will be a recording to watch so your student may stay caught up! In some cases, rescheduling may be possible (for example, this would be easy with a single-session course).

8. If student activity becomes disruptive during class, such as abusing the chat or being generally rude and/or disruptive, they will be asked once to stop the behavior. If it continues, they'll be moved back to the waiting room and may have to finish the class via the recording afterward. We all have to work together to make everyone feel focused and supported!

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Self-Paced Class
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$17

weekly or $68 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 13-18

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