Assignment: Capstone Project Assignment

Multi-week project

Learning Targets

I can create a polished capstone project that demonstrates growth in my creative writing craft.

Choose One Option

Option A: One-Shot Adventure (1200–2000 words)

Design a complete one-shot D&D adventure for a group of 3–5 players. Include all of the following:

  • An opening scene that sets the tone and hooks the players
  • At least three encounters that combine world-building, character interaction, and narrative tension (not all combat — include social, exploration, or puzzle encounters)
  • At least one meaningful choice with branching paths
  • A climactic moment where player choices matter
  • Sensory details that bring the setting alive
  • At least two NPCs with distinct voices

This option showcases your world-building, character creation, and narrative structure skills.

Option B: Character Anthology (1200–2000 words total)

Create a collection of 4–5 interconnected character pieces. Each piece should meet these criteria:

  • Written from a different character's perspective
  • Shows how each character sees the world differently
  • Features a distinct voice for each character
  • Connects to the other characters' stories
  • Voice samples showing each character's distinct speech patterns
  • A relationship map showing how the characters connect to each other

Include a brief author's note (200–300 words) explaining your craft choices and how the stories connect.

This option showcases your character development, dialogue, and voice skills.

Option C: Setting Guide (1200–2000 words)

Create a comprehensive guide to an original fantasy setting. Include all of the following:

  • The world's defining feature (what makes it unique?)
  • Geography and cultures
  • History and conflicts
  • Sensory descriptions of at least three distinct locations
  • A "hooks" section suggesting at least 5 adventure hooks that could take place in this world
  • A sensory arrival scene: what a visitor first sees, hears, smells, and feels upon entering your world

This option showcases your world-building, cultural sensitivity, and descriptive writing skills.

Option D: Campaign Pitch Portfolio (1200–2000 words)

Expand your campaign pitch from Assignment 6.4 into a full campaign concept document. Include all of the following:

  • Expanded setting and lore
  • Detailed Session Zero guide (how would you run the first session with players?)
  • 3–4 adventure hooks with tone descriptions
  • At least two fully realized NPCs
  • A player handout introducing the world to new players
  • Brief outlines for 5–6 session episodes showing how the campaign arc develops

This option showcases your synthesis, communication, and creative vision skills.

Language is Part of Your Story

This is your culminating creative work. Draw on every language and linguistic resource you have to make your capstone as rich and authentic as possible. You can brainstorm, plan, and draft in whatever language helps you think most creatively and deeply. When you prepare your final submission, shape it for your audience while keeping your authentic voice alive throughout.

Here's What to Do

All Capstones Must Include

  • Creative Introduction: A compelling opening that demonstrates your writing skills
  1. Select your capstone option (you should have done this in the Planning Workshop).
  2. Follow the specifications for your chosen option.
  3. Write your initial draft. Focus on getting your ideas down completely. It doesn't need to be polished yet.
  4. Take a reflective wait. Step away from your draft for at least 24 hours. When you come back, you'll see it with fresh eyes.
  5. Revise using the rubric below. Check for: voice consistency, sensory detail, narrative craft, and completeness.
  6. Compile your process evidence portfolio:
    • Brainstorming notes (your original ideas, however messy)
    • Early drafts (first version, showing where you started)
    • Revision notes (what you changed and why)
    • Final reflection (200–250 words, described below)
  7. Submit your final capstone project AND your process evidence portfolio together.

How Your Work Will Be Evaluated

Capstone Project rubric with evaluation criteria for Creative Voice, Craft & Technique, Synthesis, Process & Revision, D&D Integration, and Usability
Criteria Exemplary (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Beginning (1)
Creative Voice Writing has a distinctive, consistent voice that reflects the author's unique perspective and style Voice is present and mostly consistent Voice is inconsistent or generic No distinctive voice; reads like generic content
Craft & Technique Multiple craft techniques (sensory detail, dialogue, pacing, figurative language) used effectively and intentionally Several craft techniques present and functional Some craft techniques attempted; execution inconsistent Few or no craft techniques evident
Synthesis Project integrates skills from multiple units (world-building, character, dialogue, narrative) seamlessly Project shows evidence of multiple skill areas Project draws primarily from one skill area Little evidence of skill integration
Process & Revision Process evidence shows genuine engagement: multiple stages, meaningful revisions, honest reflection Process evidence shows some revision and reflection Minimal process evidence; revision is surface-level No process evidence or revision
D&D Integration D&D elements are organic to the creative work; genre knowledge is authentic and purposeful D&D elements present and functional D&D elements feel superficial or forced D&D elements missing or decorative only
Usability Could immediately be used in a D&D game or developed into a published story; all necessary information is clear and complete Could be used with some additional preparation; most information is present Would require significant additions before use; key information missing Not usable in current form; fundamental elements absent

Process Evidence: Your Creative Journey

Submit all of the following:

  • Brainstorming notes: Show your original ideas, however messy. This might be bullet points, mind maps, voice notes transcribed, or rough sketches.
  • First draft: Your initial version, complete but unpolished.
  • Revision notes or tracked changes: Annotate your draft showing what you changed and why.
  • Final reflection (200–250 words): Answer these questions:
    • What am I most proud of in this project?
    • What was my biggest creative challenge and how did I handle it?
    • How has my writing changed since the beginning of this course?
AI Guidance: Keep This Work Authentically Yours

This capstone must represent YOUR creative voice and YOUR growth as a writer.

Do not use AI to:

  • Brainstorm ideas
  • Generate content
  • Write any portion of your draft
  • Rewrite your work

You may use AI for:

  • Grammar and spelling checking ONLY, after you've completed your own draft

Your process evidence must demonstrate a human creative process: messy brainstorming, imperfect first drafts, and thoughtful revision. Work that lacks process evidence or shows signs of AI generation will not receive credit for the Process & Revision criterion.

Revision Opportunity

After you receive initial feedback, you'll have the opportunity to revise and resubmit once for an improved score. Take this seriously. This is how writers actually work.

What's Next?

After you submit your capstone project, you'll move to the final activity: AI Collaborative Writing Evaluation . This will give you a chance to reflect on your creative process and think about how you might use AI tools thoughtfully in your writing future.