Step 4: Identifying Local Hooks
Local hooks are key to folding the PC's into the story
Story Structure: Establish Conflict, and Test, Allies and Enemies
Local PC hooks are specific events or situations that are tailored to the PC's background and personal story. These hooks are often used to pull the PC into the larger narrative of the campaign, creating a personal connection between the character and the world they inhabit. They can be discovered through exploration or investigation, or thrust upon the PC by outside forces.
This is where ChatGPT thrives.
Blog: The Rise of Prompt Engineering: How AI is Revolutionizing NPC Content Creation >>
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**Give this example a try.**
Write for me 5 D&D adventure hooks in a medium sized sea side town. You may include pirates. Each hook should contain, the hook, the key NPC, their name, class, background and motivation.
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The Missing Merchant: The local merchant, Alden Corrigan, has disappeared along with his ship and crew. The town guard is too stretched thin to investigate, so the players are hired by Alden's wife, the plucky and resourceful Kiera Corrigan, to track him down.
Key NPC: Kiera Corrigan, Human Rogue
Background: Kiera was once a member of a notorious pirate crew, but she left that life behind when she met Alden. Now she runs a successful business in town and is determined to find her missing husband.
Motivation: Kiera is worried about Alden and wants to find him, but she's also worried about her business. She knows that without her husband's resources, she's vulnerable to other pirates looking to take advantage of her.
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Meet Kiera, courtesy of MidJourney
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--Midjourney: /imagine **Character Design, Kiera Corrigan, Human Rogue Background: Kiera was once a member of a notorious pirate crew, full body, realism, multiple angles, leather Armor, Concept art by Tom Bagshaw and FrankFrazetta and Moebius, full body, Gothic Cyberpunk style, long legs, Lovecraftian, dramatic, fog, cinematic, static, film burn, old kodak photo, grainy, film scratches
The Pirate Invasion: A notorious pirate crew led by the feared captain Roberts has taken over the nearby lighthouse, making it impossible for ships to navigate the treacherous coastline. The players are hired by the local lord, a haughty and imperious noble named Lord Castor, to drive the pirates out.
Key NPC: Lord Castor, Human Paladin
Background: Lord Castor is a noble from a far-off land who came to the seaside town seeking adventure. He's a skilled warrior and a devout follower of his god.
Motivation: Lord Castor sees the pirate invasion as a threat to the town and wants to protect the people under his care. He's also eager for glory and honor, hoping that he can impress the locals and cement his place in the town's history.
**Midjourney: /imagine **character design, Lord Castor, Human Male Paladin, full body, realism, multiple angles, Plate Armor, holding helmet, Concept art by Tom Bagshaw and FrankFrazetta and Moebius, full body, Gothic Cyberpunk style, long legs, Lovecraftian, dramatic, fog, cinematic, static, film burn, old kodak photo, grainy, film scratches,
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The Ghost Ship: A mysterious ship has been spotted off the coast, crewed by spectral pirates who seem to be searching for something. The players are approached by the local tavern owner, a jovial and friendly man named Finnegan, who thinks there might be treasure on the ghost ship.
Key NPC: Finnegan O'Malley, Halfling Bard
Background: Finnegan is a former pirate who retired and settled down in the seaside town. He loves telling stories and singing songs in his tavern, and he's always on the lookout for a good adventure.
Motivation: Finnegan wants to find the treasure on the ghost ship, partly for the thrill of the hunt and partly to help his struggling tavern business. He's also secretly hoping to reconnect with some of his old pirate buddies, who may have information about the ship.
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**Midjourney: /imagine **character design, Frodo, male hobbit, Halfling, hair-foot, halfling Bard, Thief, pirate, full body, realism, multiple angles, leather Armor, Concept art by Tom Bagshaw and FrankFrazetta and Moebius, full body, Gothic Cyberpunk style, long legs, Lovecraftian, dramatic, fog, cinematic, static, film burn, old kodak photo, grainy, film scratches,
These hooks can roll up to a larger regional scenario or to a global arc, however they are not required to. In my campaigns I will often have local hooks running that do not align to the larger campaign, it helps breath life into the world, just do not overdo it.
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Some examples of local PC hooks based on regional situations include:
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A family member or friend has gone missing, and the PC is asked to investigate
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The local ruler is corrupt, and the PC is asked to help overthrow them
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A mysterious illness is plaguing the town, and the PC is asked to find a cure
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A rival gang is encroaching on the PC's territory, and they must defend their turf
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A group of adventurers have stumbled upon a treasure map, and the PC is asked to join the expedition
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A local festival is being disrupted by strange occurrences, and the PC is asked to investigate
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A valuable artifact has been stolen, and the PC is asked to recover it
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A band of goblins is raiding nearby villages, and the PC is asked to put a stop to it
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The local blacksmith has been accused of a crime they didn't commit, and the PC is asked to clear their name
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A powerful mage has set up a tower in the area, and the PC is asked to investigate their activities
These hooks can be folded into a PC's background, making them feel like an organic part of the story. They can also be discovered through exploration or investigation, or thrust upon the PC by outside forces, creating a sense of urgency and personal investment in the narrative. Overall, local PC hooks are a great way to create a personal connection between the player and the world they inhabit.