In this episode, we brainstorm ways to launch your campaign without resorting to "they meet in a bar". Providing fodder and inspiration is Greyhawk '76, Ken's upcoming D&D 2024 test drive campaign, and David's just launched open table ShadowDark campaign.

We talk about how to engage players through immediate conflict, emphasizing choice, and balancing proactive vs. reactive player behaviors.

Chapter List

0:00 Intro0:26 Ken’s Greyhawk Campaign Concept1:51 Greyhawk Nostalgia and Resources4:27 70s Aesthetics Meet D&D5:48 ShadowDark’s Torchlight Mechanics11:38 Kicking Off Campaigns with Conflict16:11 Engaging Passive Players19:57 Crafting a Dark Empire22:34 Outro and Call for Feedback

Video

https://youtu.be/GObxgGFpQQQ

Show Notes

Introduction: The hiatus of Elemental Apocalypse and excitement for D&D 2024.

Greyhawk Revisited: Ken’s “Greyhawk 76” campaign idea with a 70s aesthetic, playlists, and retro maps.

ShadowDark Adventures: David’s exploration of ShadowDark mechanics and its old-school D&D feel.

Engaging Players:

Starting campaigns with immediate conflict (e.g., being chased).

Emphasizing consequential choices to encourage player buy-in.

Balancing proactive and reactive player behaviors.

Hero’s Journey: Using inciting incidents to create origin stories for party cohesion.

Avoiding Passivity: Techniques to engage reluctant players or inspire action when adventurers resist the call.

Overlord Advice: Brainstorming ideas for building a sustainable, formidable dark empire.

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