OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
Quest Hook Generator
Adventure Hooks with a Patron and a Twist
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How the Quest Hook Generator works
A quest hook generator for side quests, job boards and moments when players wander off the map. Each hook gives a patron or source, a task, a reward and a twist, so there is a story waiting underneath. Pick a job board posting, a patron's request or a tavern rumour.
How the quest hook generator works
A quest hook needs to answer three questions: who wants it done, what needs doing, and why it matters. This generator adds a fourth: what nobody is telling the party. Job board hooks look like a posted notice with a reward. Patron hooks name who is asking and what they offer. Rumour hooks are overheard gossip with an uncertain truth. Each one ends with a twist you can reveal halfway through, which turns a simple fetch quest into a real story.
Using hooks in play
Keep three or four hooks ready whenever players reach a town. Offer them all, let the party choose, and prepare only the one they pick. Unused hooks can come back later as background events.
Not affiliated
Dungeons and Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast. This site is not affiliated with it. Hooks are original.
FAQ
What makes a good quest hook?
A clear task, a reason to care and a question left open. The task tells players what to do, the reward or patron gives them a reason, and the twist gives the story somewhere to go. A hook with a secret is more memorable than a straight job.
Should I tell players the twist?
No, at least not at first. The twist is for you to reveal when it will have the most impact, usually around the midpoint of the quest. Sometimes players guess it early, which is its own reward. You can also drop the twist entirely if the quest works without it.
What hook types are included?
Job board postings, patron requests and rumours. Job boards suit towns and guilds, patrons suit personal requests, and rumours suit taverns and travel. Pick Any to mix them for a varied list of options.
Can I use these hooks in other RPGs?
Yes. The hooks are generic fantasy and work in any tabletop RPG with towns, taverns and adventurers. Change a detail or two to match your setting. The patron and rumour formats work particularly well in low-magic games.
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