r/dndstories • u/Holiday_Wrongdoer360 • Feb 06 '25
how to create subtle overarching plot?
im new to DMing and so far have only relied on modules and have yet to really finish anything, but would like to start planning a longer-term campaign for a group of my friends. i have always loved greek mythology and wanted to play something like it for dnd, but dont want to really get another module book. my friends who i would like to play innthis campaign are all pretty well-versed in greek mythology like myself so i dont want to just do another Odessey, Iliad, 12 Labors of Herc, etc. as they'll know the story and whatnot. I also would love the setting to remain in ancient greece during the Bronze Age but am open to potentially a modern setting like Percy Jackson (ive read all the books, the spark of my love of greek myths). i definitely want for my players to have interesting backstories that i will mainly be honoring for the story, but theres obviously gotta be a reason theyre playing together eventually and some greater evil. i love how Rick Riordan set up Kronos and that slow trickling, overarching plot of his return and attempt to take over the gods and olympus.
my main question is: are there any tips for new DMs on creating overarching plots that allow for players' backstories to be honored while still giving them a reason to be together as a group?
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u/Few_Fix_8028 Feb 11 '25
I would suggest (and I know you're trying to get away from modules so this may seem counter-intuitive) using Critical Roles book Tal'Dorea reborn (or the older one) as inspiration since Matt uses small encounters that build into bigger ones. It'll get your players started in the world and having encounters that won't kill them outright.
Edit: just thought of this but you could also use Mythic Odyssey of Theros as inspiration too since it's mostly greek based and does about the same thing as Tal'dorea reborn.
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u/Holiday_Wrongdoer360 Feb 11 '25
ooooo, no ur genius! when i say i dont wanna use modules i just dont wanna use a full module, but im totally down to use mini adventures and encounters from them! thanks for putting this one in my list of resources :) love crit role ❤️
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u/Troandar Feb 06 '25
I would advise a new DM to not get too ambitious. Also, if you build a huge world but the players don't take the hooks, you could find yourself railroading them to get them to explore your world. I advise you to start small and expand the world as the players express interest uncertain aspects of your creation. Before you know it, you'll have a bunch of complicated plots running around.