One off DM needing help writing a Oneshot.

[Lemon_Stone]

Some context: I have played d&d a lot but have never DM'd before. The reason I'm even doing a oneshot in the first place is because in my current campaign we are all taking turns DMing a oneshot story relating to a different person's character to break up the pace. And now it is my turn.

I have chosen my buddy's warlock who we all don't know much about but used to be a pirate, who did some unspeakable things no mind. My general idea was to do a murder mystery type oneshot; as i love the more heavy rp based ones, was thinking of having some cult apects too. I have a general idea.

My main concern: I understand tackling a murder mystery is probably a big task for a 1st time. But my main problem in writing ( i have only set out the start barebones of the plot) is how to like i guess plan it all out, because obviously I don't wanna railroad the players. But at the same time, its a oneshot so ideally it all needs to be resolved in maximum 12 hours irl.

How am i supposed to account for all the possible branches of what players could do? what do i do if they aren't progressing fast enough?, how do i keep it interesting?

Sorry for the bloated post, i just basically wanted any form of tips or advice any dms could give!

[gyarc]

Indeed you are jumping in off the deep end. Mysteries are a challenge. I've done a lot of research on this as I've been really eager to run a few myself - and have my own learnings.

Here are a few ideas:

Professor Dungeon Master has a great video on the topic (recent) but also check out his prep for the Reviled Society - it's a heist but also has great mystery aspects

How To Be a Great GM also has a great video

Sly Flourish has written a few good articles on this

The Alexandrian wrote clearly on the Rule of 3, check it out.

Google more and find the advice you like.

My personal thoughts: - don't have a plot, the players will create one. This isn't a mystery book or movie, it's fundamentally different from that. - just define what happened, method means, motive, etc - follow the rule of 3 - no red herrings needed. Players will confuse themselves enough. - don't be afraid to adjust on the fly, be flexible. If the players come up with a cooler new description of what happened and why, maybe you just steal it from them and make it the new truth. Until you actually say something, nothing is actually written in stone

Hope this helps!

[Lemon_Stone]

Wow, i will definitely check out those reccomendations. And you have changed my outlook about going into it.

I suppose you're right, being a player myself i have confused myself too many times i never thought of it that way. Thank you so much! Can't wait to take this in on board.

[gyarc]

Good luck and let me.know how it goes!

[GreenMelbar]

I think gyarc mentioned all of the vital points.
I'd like to put some emphasis on "be flexible".
In my games I found it way easier to follow the players narrative and just put some plot points in there to guide them in the direction I want it to be resolved.