DM Toolbox: Adventure Hooks
Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) rely heavily on engaging storylines and campaigns to keep players invested and entertained. A good campaign hook is the initial idea that sets the tone and direction for a game, providing the players with a clear goal or objective to work towards. To help boost your creativity, here are a few ideas to start with, some are tried and true, some may be a new to you or your group. Feel free to copy these and plug them into your own games, or use them as inspiration to build your own fantastical story!
Here are ten campaign story prompts to help inspire your next TTRPG adventure:
The Lost City: Rumors abound of a lost city filled with ancient treasures and powerful artifacts. A wealthy patron hires the players to find it, but they soon discover they're not the only ones searching for it.
The Curse of the Werewolf: A small town is being terrorized by a werewolf, and the players are hired to find and kill it. But when they arrive, they discover the werewolf is someone they know and care about.
The Time Travelers: The players are members of a time-traveling organization sent to prevent a catastrophic event in the past. But when they arrive, they find themselves facing unexpected obstacles and enemies from different eras.
The Heist: The players are approached by a master thief who has a job for them. They must steal a priceless artifact from a heavily guarded museum, but they soon realize they're not the only ones after it.
The Cursed Island: A group of sailors and adventurers set out to explore a newly discovered island, but soon find themselves trapped there by a powerful curse. The players must find a way to break the curse and escape the island before it's too late.
The Necromancer's Plot: A powerful necromancer has been raising the dead and using them to do his bidding. The players are hired to stop him, but they soon discover he's not working alone and has plans for something much bigger.
The War of the Gods: The players find themselves caught in the middle of a war between the gods, who are fighting for control of the mortal realm. They must choose a side and help their chosen deity emerge victorious.
The Haunted Mansion: The players are hired to investigate a mansion that's said to be haunted by the ghosts of its former inhabitants. But when they arrive, they discover the truth is much darker and more sinister than they could have imagined.
The Dragon's Hoard: A powerful dragon has amassed a hoard of treasure and magical artifacts, and the players are hired to steal a specific item from it. But the dragon won't give up its treasures without a fight.
The Plague: A deadly plague is spreading through the land, and the players are tasked with finding a cure. But they soon discover the plague is just a symptom of a much larger conspiracy, and stopping it will require them to go to extreme lengths.
Campaign hooks are a crucial part of any TTRPG adventure, setting the stage for the story and giving players a reason to engage with the world. The ten prompts provided here offer a range of ideas and styles to inspire your next game, and can be adapted and modified to fit your specific needs and preferences. With a good hook and a little creativity, you can create a truly unforgettable gaming experience for yourself and your players.
Going to use any of these hooks? Did they inspire your OWN creative ideas? Let us know in the comments!
Want more inspiration for newer (or busy) Dungeon and Game Masters? Try DM Toolbox: Trap Inspiration!
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