Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to play a one-shot adventure. Especially if it’s a free one-shot adventure, like one of these!
Summer can be a challenge for D&D groups. People go off on vacations, or have to go to summer classes, or maybe they just get really into being on a boat for three or so months out of the year. Whatever the reason, the party can be a little scattered.
Which is a shame because summer is often a great time for a campaign. When people are refreshing from the grind, or the malaise of winter and the haze of spring have finally given way to bright, bountiful summer energy. Even if you can’t meet regularly, you can still get together to play a one-shot. Especially when there’s a bounty of free adventures out there. Adventures like…
Secrets of Skyhorn Lighthouse
Perhaps my favorite on the list. The Secrets of Skyhorn Lighthouse is by the Arcane Library, which is basically just Kelsey Dionne, of Shadowdark fame. And if you haven’t checked out Shadowdark, you should, like today; but also you should definitely check out Secrets of Skyhorn. This is for level 5 heroes, who will head off in search of a rampaging sea monster, only to discover that things are much more dangerous than they appear.
It’s hands-down one of the best laid out D&D adventures I’ve ever read. Easy to pick up and play, especially for newer DMs.
L’Arsene’s Ludicrous Larceny
L’Arsene’s Ludicrous Larceny is another 5th-level one-shot, focused all around thieves and less-than-legal (but not unsavory) deeds. The adventure is all about helping a thief/gadgeteer get after a legendary treasure hidden somewhere in the heart of an abandoned Wizard’s tower. With magical messages to guide players, this is a great adventure for newer players to get a taste of higher-level play.
The Wild Sheep Chase
Wild Sheep Chase, from Winghorn Press, is an idyllic little free one-shot that is perfect for adventurers who either really liked The Sheep Detectives, or who don’t mind animal puns. It all starts when a polymorphed wizard, trapped in sheep form, approaches the party with a scroll of ‘speak with animals’ and a pointy hat full of dreams.
The Oracle of Aegis Isle
If you like your adventures a little more timely, The Oracle of Aegis Island is kind of perfect. It’s a setting-neutral adventure that takes place during a festival of athletic games that take place on the titular Aegis Isle. It turns out that there’s a conspiracy at the heart of the Oracle Games, one wrapped around ancient secrets and forgotten treasures.
Mire’s Edge
Finally, a one-shot for introductory parties, Mire’s Edge leans into the summer vibes by taking the party to the titular settlement, nestled at the border of a humid swampland. Heat and humidity and lizardfolk are the least of an adventurer’s worries, especially with rumors of strangely coordinated kobolds and worse out there in the murk.
Have you ever played one of these adventures? What’s your favorite one-shot?
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Source: Bell of Lost Souls
