Skip the Tavern: 9 Creative Ways to Unite Your Party and Enhance Your Campaign with AI
- Danny McKeever
- Dec 1, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jan 23
Breaking away from the “you all meet in a tavern” trope creates opportunities for immersive and memorable beginnings. Strong openings not only set the tone for your campaign but also foster connections among the characters. Here’s how to make your party’s first moments together truly stand out, complete with why each concept works and examples from official D&D modules.
For each starting scenario I provide an AI template to be used for ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude or Perplexity, for you to copy and paste.
Step 1: Tell the AI about your campaign and then have it complete the simple campaign template or you can use the campaign idea GPT.
Step 2: In the same chat window ask the AI to complete the template for how you want to begin your campaign. Copy and paste the entire name, concept, why it works, example and template.
The campaign template should be used in conjunction with your creative ways template. Ask the AI to read your starting campaign template and then ask the AI to complete the begin your campaign template.
Example Simple Campaign Template
Campaign Title: [Insert Campaign Title] Campaign Type: [Insert one of these; Political/Intrigue, High Adventure/Epic Quest, Dungeon Crawl, Mystery, Horror, Urban, Wilderness/Survival, Heist, War, Exploration, Time Travel, Planar Adventures.]
Campaign Overview: [Complete this sentence - "The [campaign title], set in the [fantasy world] a [description of the world or setting] where [interesting drama or central conflict], a group of [PCs mission or protagonist type] must face [primary conflict or antagonist] to [overall campaign goal or objective]. Along their journey, the PCs will [list of goals, challenges, or milestones] in order to [final outcome or ultimate achievement]."
Campaign Story Spine: [Write out the Pixars Story Spine for this campaign]
Crux of the Story: [Write for me the crux of the story so a GM understands the overall adventure]
Plot Arc Outline: [Write for me the plot arc outline using setup, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution.]
9 Creative Ways to Begin Your Campaign
The start of a campaign is where the magic begins—it’s your chance to hook players, establish the world, and bring the party together in a way that feels meaningful. While the classic tavern opening is a staple of D&D, stepping outside this trope can add depth and excitement to your story. From surviving a siege to embarking on a daring heist, these nine starting types offer fresh and dynamic ways to kick off your adventure and forge bonds between characters.
1. The Wrong Place at the Right Time
Concept: Characters are thrust together by an uncontrollable event—a natural disaster, siege, or other chaotic scenario. Cooperation becomes a matter of survival.
Why It Works: This approach creates instant tension, establishes stakes, and gives the party a shared experience to bond over. It also allows for immediate action, pulling players into the game without lengthy exposition.
Example Module: Out of the Abyss – The characters start as prisoners in the Underdark, forced to escape together after a sudden opportunity arises.
AI Template: The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time
Setting the Scene
Location: [Describe where this event occurs and why it’s significant.]
Event: [What sudden or catastrophic event takes place at this location?]
Characters and Why They Are There
Character 1: [Reason for being in the location.]
Character 2: [Reason for being in the location.]
Character 3: [Reason for being in the location.]
Character 4: [Reason for being in the location.]
The Catalyst
Trigger: [What starts the event?]
Effect: [How does it impact the location and its people?]
The Shared Threat
Challenge: [What immediate danger forces the characters to work together?]
Roles: [How do their unique skills help them overcome the challenge?]
Campaign Connection
Hook: [How does this event tie into the larger story?]
Next Steps: [What choices do the players have after the event?]
2. The Crossroads
Concept: A location where paths converge becomes the meeting point for characters with their own reasons for being there. An event or situation forces them to interact.
Why It Works: Crossroads settings naturally draw diverse characters into one place. The shared location can serve as a neutral ground while also hinting at larger plot elements, such as factions or conflicts.
Example Module: Waterdeep: Dragon Heist – Waterdeep’s bustling city setting brings adventurers together through shared interests or encounters with powerful NPCs like Volo.
AI Template: The Crossroads
Setting the Scene
Location: [Describe the crossroads where the characters meet. Is it a market, a trade post, a mystical waypoint, or another unique location?]
Purpose: [What draws people to this location, and why is it significant to the world or the campaign?]
Characters and Why They Are There
Character 1: [Reason for being at the crossroads.]
Character 2: [Reason for being at the crossroads.]
Character 3: [Reason for being at the crossroads.]
Character 4: [Reason for being at the crossroads.]
The Catalyst
Triggering Event: [What happens at the crossroads that forces the characters to interact? A theft? A fight? A mysterious figure’s arrival?]
Impact: [How does this event disrupt the setting and draw the characters into the conflict?]
The Shared Goal
Challenge or Opportunity: [What immediate issue requires the characters to work together?]
Roles: [How can each character’s skills or motives contribute to resolving the situation?]
Campaign Connection
Hook: [How does the event at the crossroads introduce a larger plot or conflict?]
Next Steps: [What choices do the players have to explore the campaign further?]
3. The Summoning
Concept: A powerful force or individual calls the characters together, whether through a royal decree, a divine vision, or a magical ritual.
Why It Works: This approach provides a clear reason for the party to exist while leaving room for personal motivations. It immediately ties the group to the campaign’s overarching conflict or mystery.
Example Module: Curse of Strahd – The party is summoned to Barovia through mysterious letters or supernatural forces, setting them on a collision course with Strahd.
AI Template: The Summoning
4. The Relic’s Call
Concept: A powerful artifact or phenomenon attracts the characters, each for their own reasons. Once there, they are drawn into a shared quest.
Why It Works: This approach adds intrigue and mystery while providing personal stakes for each character. It’s perfect for campaigns with strong magical or exploratory themes.
Example Module: Tomb of Annihilation – The Death Curse caused by the Soulmonger pulls adventurers to Chult, where they must uncover its secrets.
AI Template: The Relic's Call
Setting the Scene
Relic: [What is the relic? Describe its appearance, origin, and rumored power.]
Call: [How does the relic reach out to the characters? Through visions, rumors, magical compulsion, or another method?]
Characters and Why They Are Drawn
Character 1: [Reason for being drawn to the relic.]
Character 2: [Reason for being drawn to the relic.]
Character 3: [Reason for being drawn to the relic.]
Character 4: [Reason for being drawn to the relic.]
The Catalyst
Event: [What happens when the characters arrive at the relic’s location? Does another faction also seek it? Is it protected by traps or guardians?]
Impact: [How does the event force the characters to work together?]
The Shared Quest
Objective: [What must the characters do regarding the relic? Protect it, destroy it, retrieve it, or uncover its secrets?]
Roles: [How can each character contribute to the quest?]
Campaign Connection
Hook: [How is the relic tied to the campaign’s overarching plot? Does it reveal new threats or allies?]
Next Steps: [What choices do the players have about the relic?]
5. The Escape
Concept: The characters begin in captivity and must work together to escape, overcoming shared obstacles and forging bonds along the way.
Why It Works: A shared struggle creates camaraderie. This setup allows you to introduce a major antagonist or faction while giving players immediate action and teamwork opportunities.
Example Module: Out of the Abyss – The characters escape drow captivity, starting their journey through the perilous Underdark.
AI Template: The Escape
Setting the Scene
Captivity: [Who captured the characters, and where are they imprisoned? A dungeon, ship, gladiatorial arena, etc.]
Circumstances: [Why were they captured? What ties the characters to this situation?]
Characters and Their Predicaments
Character 1: [Reason for being captured.]
Character 2: [Reason for being captured.]
Character 3: [Reason for being captured.]
Character 4: [Reason for being captured.]
The Catalyst
Escape Opportunity: [What sparks the opportunity to escape? A guard’s mistake, an uprising, or an external attack?]
Impact: [How does this opportunity force the characters to act quickly and cooperate?]
The Shared Goal
Challenge: [What obstacles must the party overcome during the escape? Guards, traps, terrain, etc.]
Roles: [How do the characters’ skills and personalities contribute to the escape?]
Campaign Connection
Hook: [How does the escape tie into the campaign’s main plot or conflict? Is there a larger enemy or mystery tied to their capture?]
Next Steps: [What choices do the players have after escaping?]
6. The Heist
Concept: The party is assembled for a daring mission, whether hired, blackmailed, or motivated by personal goals.
Why It Works: Heists encourage creativity and collaboration while allowing characters to showcase their skills. The moral ambiguity of many heist scenarios can also create interesting dynamics.
Example Module: Keys from the Golden Vault – A collection of heist-themed adventures where characters must steal powerful items, often working together under intense pressure.
AI Template: The Heist
Setting the Scene
Target: [What is the target of the heist? A vault, artifact, or valuable resource?]
Location: [Where is the heist taking place? A noble’s estate, a bustling city, or a remote fortress?]
Purpose: [Why is the heist happening? Who benefits from the theft, and why?]
Characters and Their Roles
Character 1: [Role in the heist and their motivation.]
Character 2: [Role in the heist and their motivation.]
Character 3: [Role in the heist and their motivation.]
Character 4: [Role in the heist and their motivation.]
The Catalyst
Complication: [What unexpected event disrupts the heist? Increased security, a rival crew, or an unforeseen twist?]
Impact: [How does this force the characters to adapt and cooperate?]
The Shared Objective
Challenge: [What obstacles must the group overcome to complete the heist? Guards, traps, rival factions, etc.]
Roles: [How do the characters’ unique skills contribute to overcoming these obstacles?]
Campaign Connection
Hook: [How does the heist tie into the campaign’s overarching plot or conflict? Does the stolen item reveal a greater threat?]
Next Steps: [What do the characters do after the heist? Who might pursue them?]
7. The Trial
Concept: The party comes together as participants in a challenge, test, or initiation. Success often hinges on teamwork.
Why It Works: Trials allow players to showcase their characters’ skills early while building a sense of camaraderie through shared danger. They also create natural opportunities to introduce important factions or NPCs.
Example Module: Candlekeep Mysteries – In The Joy of Extradimensional Spaces, characters are tested as they navigate a magical library filled with puzzles and dangers.
AI Template: The Trial
Setting the Scene
Trial Context: [What is the trial? An initiation, competition, test, or challenge?]
Location: [Where does the trial take place? A dungeon, arena, or sacred ground?]
Purpose: [Why are the characters participating? What’s at stake?]
Characters and Their Reasons
Character 1: [Why are they participating in the trial?]
Character 2: [Why are they participating in the trial?]
Character 3: [Why are they participating in the trial?]
Character 4: [Why are they participating in the trial?]
The Catalyst
Complication: [What unexpected challenge or danger arises during the trial? A betrayal, sabotage, or hidden enemy?]
Impact: [How does this force the characters to work together to survive or succeed?]
The Shared Goal
Challenge: [What obstacles or tasks must the characters overcome?]
Roles: [How do the characters’ unique skills contribute to completing the trial?]
Campaign Connection
Hook: [How does the trial connect to the campaign’s overarching plot? Does it reveal a larger threat, introduce a key NPC, or set the stage for future conflicts?]
Next Steps: [What happens after the trial? What choices do the players face next?]
8. The Unified Banner
Concept: The characters are already part of the same organization, such as a mercenary company, guild, or religious order, giving them a built-in connection.
Why It Works: Starting with shared loyalties and goals establishes trust among characters and sets up easy hooks for the campaign. This approach is especially useful for group cohesion.
Example Module: Tyranny of Dragons – Characters often start as members of factions like the Harpers or the Order of the Gauntlet, working together to oppose the Cult of the Dragon.
AI Template: The Unified Banner
Setting the Scene
Organization: [What organization unites the characters? Military unit, guild, religious order, criminal syndicate, etc.]
Mission: [What is the group’s current assignment or objective?]
Characters and Their Roles
Character 1: [Role in the organization and their motivation.]
Character 2: [Role in the organization and their motivation.]
Character 3: [Role in the organization and their motivation.]
Character 4: [Role in the organization and their motivation.]
The Catalyst
Complication: [What disrupts or complicates the mission? A betrayal, ambush, or unexpected event?]
Impact: [How does this event force the characters to step up and take action as a team?]
The Shared Objective
Challenge: [What obstacles must the group overcome during the mission?]
Roles: [How do the characters’ unique skills contribute to achieving success?]
Campaign Connection
Hook: [How does the mission tie into the campaign’s main plot or themes? Does it reveal a larger conflict, faction, or threat?]
Next Steps: [What does the organization demand of the party next, or what choices do the characters face as individuals?]
9. The Great Hunt
Concept: The characters are all pursuing the same target—a creature, fugitive, treasure, or artifact. Whether as allies or rivals, they must unite to achieve their goal.
Why It Works: The hunt creates immediate focus and urgency while allowing for tension and competition. It also provides an easy way to introduce key elements of the world and campaign.
Example Module: Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden – The party often begins by pursuing creatures or resources tied to the Everlasting Rime, which sets the stage for larger threats.
AI Template: The Great Hunt
Setting the Scene
Target: [What is being hunted? A creature, fugitive, treasure, or artifact?]
Location: [Where does the hunt take place? A dense forest, ancient ruins, or perilous mountain range?]
Purpose: [Why is the target important, and what motivates the hunt?]
Characters and Their Reasons
Character 1: [Reason for joining the hunt.]
Character 2: [Reason for joining the hunt.]
Character 3: [Reason for joining the hunt.]
Character 4: [Reason for joining the hunt.]
The Catalyst
Complication: [What unexpected challenge arises during the hunt? Rival hunters, natural hazards, or an ambush?]
Impact: [How does this force the characters to collaborate or adapt?]
The Shared Goal
Challenge: [What obstacles stand between the party and the target?]
Roles: [How do the characters’ unique skills contribute to overcoming these obstacles?]
Campaign Connection
Hook: [How does the hunt tie into the campaign’s overarching plot? Does it introduce a greater threat or reveal new information?]
Next Steps: [What happens after the target is found, and what choices do the players face next?]
Let AI take some of the heavy lifting off your shoulders, so you can focus on what matters most: running an unforgettable game. Start your campaign with one of these ideas, and watch your players dive headfirst into the adventure!
The Game Master Platform (TGMP)
TGMP AI is trained on your campaign, encounters, NPCs and more allowing for real-time improvisation when the session goes sideways.
It allows you to prepare for sessions by saving off AI conversations around any topic; from the 5 outcomes to NPC dialog, it helps you prepare for the unpreparable.
It allows you to share images and items helping you to better story tell.
It helps you draft your session notes and saves them for your players to review.
It automatically collects player feedback from the last session.
TGMP saves all chats by encounter allowing for amazing session reflection.
The players can chat with their AI character adding an opportunity to make a more impactful player experience
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