Does anyone have any experience with running one shot sessions using classic iconic AD&D modules?

Does anyone have any experience with running one shot sessions using classic iconic AD&D modules?

Does anyone have any experience with running one shot sessions using classic iconic AD&D modules? I’m looking to do a one shot using I6 Ravenloft. I’m wanting to just start the party already in a room in the castle (mainly for time purposes and to get them straight to the action). I just need some pointers on how to still stick with DW while keeping some core elements from the module.

12 thoughts on “Does anyone have any experience with running one shot sessions using classic iconic AD&D modules?”

  1. The best part about AW is how light the stats are. Converting damage and HP is going to be the hardest part, and you could even do that on the fly by making some sort of table.

    In fact, I wonder if anyone HAS a conversion table for this stuff already?

  2. Aaron Griffin I’m currently fooling around with the DW Codex to help stat out Count Strahd Von Zarovich. Giving him some moves/spells that he has in the module but I honestly wasn’t going to worry too much about the HP with him. Just let the fiction take over when it comes to the final fight with him.

  3. I’d separate the map, encounters, and plot if you can bear it – just have them encounter elements from the adventure as they explore, as the principles and dungeon moves demand. You can also pace it to build up to a confrontation at the end of the session.

  4. Yes, under a different name. But he was a small part of the plot. There were different vampire factions feuding, a clan of werewolves, an ex lover of the vampire, a vampire hunter and pirates. I used Ravenloft for about three sessions of a much longer campaign.

  5. I currently run B10 Night’s Dark Terror for two groups with DW. And it’s going like a breeze.

    To get the characters into the action, in medias res as you say, I simply asked the players loaded questions to make them give the reason for them being there.

    Like:

    – how does your character know (npc who gives them the mission), and why do you owe him a favor?

    – why did your character have to get out of town quickly.

    – what is the story behind your characters quest to find the (big plot device)

    I actually follow the “plot” of the module quite closely. I change a lot of details and respond to the actions of the characters, but the overall storyline of the module is still intact 3-4 sessions into it. I am however very open to let the players input change things, and no particular part of the setting is exempt from being changed by us and the questions I ask the players.

  6. I’ve done a bit of this, but not for a one shot, DW actually made the game play longer because it opened up the story in a richer way so getting to the combat wasn’t what my players wanted to do. If a monster isn’t already available for DW I just use the stats of something comparable and give it a motive and a few moves. Fun way to use those old modules many if us have kicking around.

  7. I used the suggestions in the DW Core to create a front for The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth.  I also just did what Fank Emmanuel suggested and grabbed monsters with similar moves and stats as templates for the ones in the module.  The Behir was a little tricky, but it all fell into place once we started game play.

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