Check Your Understanding: Campaign Basics Check Understanding

10–15 minutes

Use what you learned in the Campaign Structure lesson to answer these questions. Write in complete sentences and show your thinking.

Check Your Understanding: Campaign Basics

Question 1: Linear vs. Sandbox Campaigns

In your own words, explain the difference between a linear campaign and a sandbox campaign. What are the strengths of each?

Hint

Linear campaigns follow a set path. Sandbox campaigns give players freedom to explore. What does each approach give you? What's the trade-off?

Question 2: Session Zero's Purpose

Why is session zero important for both the DM and the players? Name at least two things that should be established during session zero.

Hint

Session zero is where you align on expectations and tone before the adventure starts. What do players need to know? What does the DM need to understand about the group?

Question 3: The 80/20 Rule in Action

A DM has planned an entire adventure where the players must rescue a kidnapped prince. During the first session, the players decide they'd rather investigate a mysterious tower they spotted in the distance. Using the 80/20 rule, what should the DM do?

Hint

The 80/20 rule says: prepare 80% of what you planned as flexible, and only 20% as fixed. How does this help the DM adapt when players go off the planned path?

Question 4: Railroading and Player Experience

Why might railroading hurt the player experience, even if the DM has planned an exciting story?

Hint

Railroading is forcing players to follow your planned story. Players want agency—the feeling that their choices matter. Why does this difference matter for fun?

AI Guidance

This check is about YOUR understanding. You should answer these questions yourself without AI help. After you've written your responses, you can use AI to check your grammar or clarify your explanations, but the ideas and examples should come from you.

What's Next

Once you've completed this check, move on to Lesson: NPC Creation to learn how to bring your campaign world to life with memorable characters.