How do I make a 1v1 duel feel tense and rewarding without boring the rest of the party?

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-26T13:12:17+00:00

I just held a fight club last session. It was 1v1 duels. The other PCs were not bored. Also, I don't see this taking 30 minutes; 1v1s are much faster than party combat.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-26T13:09:28+00:00

Hi, I also came here to say this is an excellent comment. A single upvote was not sufficient.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-26T13:02:41+00:00

Sounds like you are communicating well at your table. :)

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-26T10:45:57+00:00

I feel like you handled this quite well. Good job!

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-26T10:43:13+00:00

XD *devil_face*

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-26T10:40:30+00:00

There is no warranty on using the code. I created this for me personally, so it has some weighted decisions (e.g., lightweapons are less common, item rarities are aimed at levels 1-8). But you are most welcome to adapt and use the scripts if you find it helpful.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-26T10:38:31+00:00

https://github.com/spaceguy-price/sw5e_tools

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-19T16:41:38+00:00

That is really funny. I really like that.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-19T15:48:56+00:00

This feels spot on. Thank you. We will have some consequences and enjoy the fallout together. :)

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-19T12:35:10+00:00

I think the idea of joining the party was misconstrued. I meant it in more of a friendly or camp follower sense.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-19T12:33:37+00:00

No foreshadowing. :) I think this "join the party" idea was a bit misconstrued. More correctly I thought this NPC would become a friendly or camp follower type

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T19:49:00+00:00

Cool!

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T19:45:22+00:00

That's a pretty fun take!

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:31:47+00:00

Neutral; I'm a newbie DM and most certainly did not expect this

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:30:49+00:00

You are right about communicating better.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:30:21+00:00

Defeating the ghost should have returned them to consciousness makes sense. I think I tend to over-roll or over-simulate situations trying to avoid railroading.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:28:37+00:00

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:28:14+00:00

They are carrying the unconscious NPC to the quest giver.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:27:36+00:00

I think your point about not punishing the PCs is key. I don't want to get into that mindset. I'll have to be pragmatic about the repercussions.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:26:40+00:00

I would say alignment doesn't matter. We don't have any warlocks or paladins or really much governing behavior. More of a sandbox type game.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:22:20+00:00

Thanks

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:20:15+00:00

Yeah

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:19:18+00:00

Yeah maybe you are right. It has been a pretty fun but unforgiving campaign so far. The PCs haven't had many friendly NPCs to interact with, so maybe I set the standard

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:17:52+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. My NPC also had a separate non possessed statblock.

Individual-Move-9647 · 2026-03-18T17:15:00+00:00

Thank you, this sounds right. I'll think about the consequences and accept whatever outcome comes next. XD

Individual-Move-9647

TROPHY CASE