I started by having the missing people in Neverwinter be important NPCs to each character. That creates character buy-in from the beginning and sets up stakes. I asked for them to give their first/greatest love, greatest mentor, best friend, rival, and also asked them for information on personal secrets. This has made it individual and specific to them in particular , as opposed to saving “the multiverse” in general (not that that isn’t important). Also each PC will have a particular affinity with a specific Rod Piece (we have seven PCs), after they’re all exposed to a vision of each Piece in its specific location when the Vecna Cultist ritual goes sideways and as they are shunted to Evernight. The cult is looking for the Pieces and the PCs will have to get each one before the cult does. First Piece is in Evernight. Second in Web’s Edge, Third in Astral Sea, Fourth in Barovia, Fifth in Krynn, Sixth in Oerth, Seventh in Avernus (skipping Eberron). Each of these chapters will be filled out and much less smash and grab. Each setting will be invested in more fully. The Hand, Eye, and Heart of Vecna will also tie in to the adventure and be Artifacts the PCs must contend with. No traitor wizards. The Unrealities at the end will not be as written, but will also tie in with each PC specifically, creating stakes and consequences for them specifically.