3-Hour D&D Session: Ambush in the Shadowwood

Brief recap of the last session, an NPC asks the party for help – Elara has been kidnapped by goblins. Accept the quest, first discussion of approach. DM guide: D&D session planning.

Short travel montage, tracking check, first tracks found. Optional: random encounter with wolves (if time allows).

Party finds the goblin camp, chooses an approach: stealth, diplomacy or frontal assault. Scouting, planning, first interaction with a goblin guard possible.

6 goblins + 1 hobgoblin. The party is spotted (or attacks). Tactical combat with cover and terrain. If it ends too fast: reinforcements (2 goblins).

Short breather for everyone.

Party enters the cave, finds traps, a puzzle door (DC 12 Investigation + Arcana check), brief tension, first hints about Elara.

Party finds Elara – but she is cursed, manipulated or carries critical information. Brief plot twist, moral choice.

Climax of the session: Goblin Chief (CR 2), Goblin Shaman (CR 1), 2 Goblin Guards. Lair actions, dynamic terrain, high tension. If too easy: shaman summons an elemental.

Elara is rescued, party loots the boss, brief consequences of the twist, XP awarded, cliffhanger for the next session.