The characters are cousins searching for the perfect present for their tired grandparent. At a dangerous sled-racing circuit they contend with a green furry ogre who wants to ruin all the festive fun. There are magical reindeer, a drinking game and the arrival of an unwelcome guest...
Random tables for festive one-shots
[Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash]
Festive One-Shot Adventures
Festive and holiday themes are great for one-shots. Feel good fun or festive wackiness for one week only.
Here there are tables for characters with a shared goal, a main adversary or person in need. Plus locations, minions and complications.
There is a pdf of these and more tables at the DM's Guild as Festive One-Shot Adventures.
The Characters are...
| 1d20 |
Festive One-Shot - The Characters are... |
|---|---|
| 1 | villagers searching for an amazing tree to take home |
| 2 | excited strangers with invites to a unique murder mystery feast |
| 3 | work colleagues determined to have fun at a mandatory festive party |
| 4 | gnomes (or goblins) trying to find a flying broom for an adventure |
| 5 | rogues celebrating one of them getting married the next day |
| 6 | cousins searching for the perfect present for their tired grandparent |
| 7 | hunters trying to find something suitable for a communal feast |
| 8 | disguised agents trying to rescue one or more family members |
| 9 | couriers with magical gifts they are to deliver no matter what happens |
| 10 | guests in fancy costumes hoping to make an impression at a party |
| 11 | a local celebrity and their entourage here to turn on some lights |
| 12 | halflings on a family holiday with a massive picnic |
| 13 | neighbors trying to discover the best festive drink |
| 14 | performers trying to fill gaps for the midnight festive entertainment |
| 15 | music fans traveling to see a famous bard play |
| 16 | fellow travelers seeking shelter from cold weather |
| 17 | siblings and adopted siblings who want the perfect night |
| 18 | workers searching for a particular gift for their young ones |
| 19 | a group of hopeful contestants in a talent (or dance) contest |
| 20 | toys given mortal form who want to find a home |
Adversary or Creature in Need..
| 1d20 | Adversary or Creature in Need.. |
|---|---|
| 1 | a desperate fey who wants a sacrifice for an ancient festive ritual |
| 2 | a dramatic succubus / incubus who is planning a murder or two |
| 3 | a mage is trying to get an enchanted sled to distribute gifts from |
| 4 | a hag who needs specimens to try a batch of "enchanted" mead |
| 5 | a ghost who seeks release by finding a partner to finish their wedding |
| 6 | an awakened tree horrified by the plight of their decorated kindred |
| 7 | a playful young white dragon looking to start its treasure hoard |
| 8 | a heartless bandit captain who is searching for a vault of gold |
| 9 | a lamia who believes all festive gifts should belong to them |
| 10 | a wealthy noble who is determined no one will enjoy the festivities |
| 11 | A githzerai monk is is trying to find the meaning of the festive season |
| 12 | a yeti (or abominable yeti) trying to abduct small sized humanoids |
| 13 | an awakened giant turkey (axebeak stats) who is trying to find it's mate |
| 14 | a deva needs help trying to sell barrels of cider on behalf of another |
| 15 | a musician with a catchy song that enchants those who sing it |
| 16 | the local ruler who is trying to cancel all festivities |
| 17 | a green furry ogre who wants to ruin all the festive fun |
| 18 | an orphan who wants to find their missing cat (or friend) |
| 19 | a critical oni looking for the right people for a midnight ritual |
| 20 | a frost giant looking for things to fill their sack with |
Locations and Other Creatures
The creatures might be inhabitants, minions or just trouble.
| 1d20 | The Adventure is at... | Where there are also some... |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | a shrine of holly in a snowy forest | singing awakened bushes |
| 2 | an ice palace with glowing icicles | overly jolly acolytes |
| 3 | a dangerous sledge racing course | mastiffs pulling gaudy sleds |
| 4 | a wooden hut covered in lights | snowmen in patched clothes (scarecrow stats) |
| 5 | a tavern serving festive drinks | goblin bartenders in festive hats |
| 6 | a busy market full of expensive and fancy gifts | goofy guards in green |
| 7 | a forest of pine trees | polar bears (or winter wolves) |
| 8 | a tower of windows and spires | greedy mercenary hobgoblins |
| 9 | a street with a noisy carnival | persistent thieving ravens |
| 10 | an airship bedecked with flags | masked dancing doppelgangers |
| 11 | an overly decorated mansion | an enthusiastic family of commoners |
| 12 | an icy lake with people skating | gnomes having a fishing contest |
| 13 | a beach with a party atmosphere | welcoming ghouls planning a feast |
| 14 | a large stone temple | self-important knights |
| 15 | a treetop village | flumphs unaware of festive season |
| 16 | an inn with no spare rooms | servants wearing animal costumes |
| 17 | a village filled with festivities | magical (or flying) reindeer |
| 18 | a huge toy warehouse | overworked kobolds (or elves) |
| 19 | a fair which is having a contest | creepy costumed cultists |
| 20 | a floating cloud castle | playful prankster pixies |
Events and Complications
| 1d20 | Something Happens! | Complications |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | someone plays a prank | a fugitive asks for protection |
| 2 | a large meal is served | there is a murder |
| 3 | a race starts | someone is injured in a crash |
| 4 | a riderless broom of flying lands | there is uncontrollable sneezing |
| 5 | there is a drinking game | an ex-lover wants revenge |
| 6 | there is an big announcement | an important present is stolen |
| 7 | someone has an unexpected talent | there is a argument about the past |
| 8 | incompetent authorities arrive | there is an explosion |
| 9 | an important present is opened | someone is overcome by emotion |
| 10 | a shooting star (or other omen) | someone's food is poisoned |
| 11 | someone suggests a board game | two lovers have an argument |
| 12 | there is a crying child | someone goes missing |
| 13 | a sporting match starts | an unwelcome guest arrives |
| 14 | someone discovers a pot of nolzur's marvelous pigments | a priest arrives with bad news |
| 15 | lights fill the sky | someone loses their voice |
| 16 | three new guests arrive | there is a fire |
| 17 | everyone sings a festive song | someone steals all the gifts |
| 18 | someone discovers a bag of holding | something comes alive |
| 19 | there is a dance off | someone's true nature is revealed |
| 20 | a flying stranger arrives with gifts | there is a tragic accident |
More Random Tables
There is a pdf of these and more tables at the DM's Guild as Festive One-Shot Adventures.
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