Home Shop Games Graduation Day (5e) – The D&D Adventure Built for Running with Brand-New Players
introductory D&D adventure module for new players

Graduation Day (5e) – The D&D Adventure Built for Running with Brand-New Players

$4.95

Getting a room full of people who have never played D&D through their first session is harder than it sounds. Graduation Day takes that problem off your hands. It’s a complete, ready-to-run 5e adventure designed specifically for tables full of first-time players, and written to be manageable for first-time DMs as well. Pre-rolled characters mean your players sit down and start playing. Boxed read-aloud text and clear DM guidance throughout mean you’re never guessing what comes next. You show up, you run it, and your players walk away wanting to play again.

Here’s where Graduation Day came from, and why it works: Back in 2012, I convinced my family to play a game of D&D instead of our traditional game of Pictionary. Only one person in the bunch had ever played D&D before, so I had a table full of new players. I created Graduation Day as an adventure suited for individuals brand new to the game, running 1st level characters using old-school rules. It was a blast! I converted it to use 5e (2014) rules and have run this adventure several times with other groups of new players and it has always been a well-enjoyed success. – Steve Williamson

Written by a DM who has been running this adventure with new players since 2012, across multiple editions and multiple groups, with lots of happy players who discover a new-found love of the game.

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Description

Graduation Day (5e)

If you want to give new players a first session they’ll actually remember, this is the adventure to run.

This is a complete, ready-to-play introductory adventure for 4–8 beginning Dungeons & Dragons players using 1st-level characters.

When the heroes graduate from Harlan’s Adventurers Academy, their mentor vanishes on his final scouting mission. What begins as a straightforward rescue quickly descends into an orc stronghold, goblin warrens, and a deeper threat lurking far below. The adventure is written to be easy for first-time DMs to run while staying fun for veteran tables.

What’s Inside

  • Two full dungeon levels that can advance characters from 1st to 4th level
  • Boxed read-aloud text and clear, concise DM guidance throughout
  • Fully statted 5e monsters and NPCs, with sensible DCs and encounter logic
  • Class-specific starting treasure chests to equip new parties
  • Wandering monster tables and hooks for continuation into a broader campaign
  • Maps and room keys optimized for fast reference at the table
  • Pre-rolled characters to get you started right away.

Everything you need to run a classic fantasy adventure – right out of the box. Here are some sample pages:

Graduation Day, pg 2, Introduction
Graduation Day, pg 2, Introduction
Graduation Day, pg 5, Level 1
Graduation Day, pg 5, Level 1
Graduation Day, pg 18, Monsters Appendix
Graduation Day, pg 18, Monsters Appendix
Graduation Day, level 2 map
Graduation Day, level 2 map

At-a-Glance Specs

  • System: 5th Edition (D&D 5e compatible)
  • Level Range: Designed for 1st-level characters; progression through 3rd–4th with full play
  • Players: 4–8 (new-player friendly)
  • Characters: 8 pre-rolled characters (4 classes) pre-configured for this adventure.
  • Format: PDF (digital download, printable-no watermark)
  • Layout: 8.5″ x 11″ US Letter, Black & White
  • Length: ~49 pages

Credits

Written & Designed by Steven Scott Williamson
Artwork by Patrice Long (dieselshot.itch.io)
Published by Ruckerworks

Play Style & Teaching Aids

  • Intro text that onboards brand-new players quickly
  • Clear encounter intent and monster behavior notes
  • Concise rules prompts to help new DMs

Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast, LLC. This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wizards of the Coast.

3 reviews for Graduation Day (5e) – The D&D Adventure Built for Running with Brand-New Players

  1. Rob –

    I had to run a game for a bunch of DnD newbies on short notice and this seemed like a quick way to do it. I read it the night before and was able to run the game without a hitch. Great materail and the author seemed to have thought of everything! The pre-gen characters were used, which saved a lot of time. Definitely worth the price.

  2. Don E. –

    Forever DM since 2E. Recently started 5e and wanted to run my group though something not published by WotC. Found this after a mention on YouTube from the author (great channel, especially if you are OSR like me). Artwork reminded me of Gygax-era stuff, but wish there was more. Module was great and reminded me of old AD&D stuff, yet has all updated monsters and stats for 5e. Great value.

  3. The Grey Grognard –

    Less artwork than Lost Mine of Phandelver, but much better plot for new players IMHO. Plus the money doesn’t go to Wizards.

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