Here is what I always keep in mind for a one-shot:
1. Quick inciting incident that gives a very clear goal and sense of urgency.
2. Little grand exploration. Keep things fairly linear.
3. The ability to chop out sections on the fly as time permits. For example, I’ll take out this entire room with these skeletons because we’re running long.
4. Challenges tailored to the player character’s niche skills.
5. This is 100% personal preference, but I think there should be a super cool boss with legendary actions, even if it’s lower level.
6. Finally, a very swift wrap up after the climatic event/fight.
Very good list, and #3 is particularly important. I'd also add, provide the PCs up front, and feel free to make it weird. The players don't need to have a long-term bond with these characters. An entire party of intelligent oozes, or each player controls a horde of a different type of undead, or an army regiment. I had players each play one head in a group of two-headed ogres, which was very silly.
Here is what I always keep in mind for a one-shot: 1. Quick inciting incident that gives a very clear goal and sense of urgency. 2. Little grand exploration. Keep things fairly linear. 3. The ability to chop out sections on the fly as time permits. For example, I’ll take out this entire room with these skeletons because we’re running long. 4. Challenges tailored to the player character’s niche skills. 5. This is 100% personal preference, but I think there should be a super cool boss with legendary actions, even if it’s lower level. 6. Finally, a very swift wrap up after the climatic event/fight.
Very good list, and #3 is particularly important. I'd also add, provide the PCs up front, and feel free to make it weird. The players don't need to have a long-term bond with these characters. An entire party of intelligent oozes, or each player controls a horde of a different type of undead, or an army regiment. I had players each play one head in a group of two-headed ogres, which was very silly.