While many Dungeons & Dragons adventures pit players against world-ending threats, some of the most memorable sessions can be found in simpler, more whimsical tales. One such adventure, "Baker's Doesn't" from the 2024 collection Dragon Delves, offers a charming take on the classic Hansel and Gretel story, replacing epic fantasy tropes with a world of confectionery peril.
This adventure, designed for third-level characters, can be easily integrated into most campaigns. It begins with a supposed arson at a candy shop, where confectioner Edith Applegarth suspects her rival, baker Fill Flourforge. The true culprit, however, is Fill's young ward, Briochebane, a mischievous wyrmling who has since vanished. Following Briochebane's trail leads the players to a candy cottage, a location brimming with peculiar and often edible threats.
The journey to the cottage is fraught with dangers such as a doormat made of fruit leather that attempts to smother unsuspecting adventurers and chocotrices, creatures whose bite can turn victims into chocolate statues. Bugbears are found crafting saltwater taffy, ready to entangle heroes. The adventure even features opportunities for characters to be temporarily transformed into candy creatures, a whimsical effect with no lasting mechanical consequences.
Even the most formidable adversaries, like a construct wielding a lollipop as a greatclub, can be appeased through clever negotiation and the collection of candy. Players might find themselves distracting chocotrices for their eggs or enlisting the help of druids to charm dryads into providing candied apples. The final confrontation is with the hag Uncle Nibblecheek, who has ensnared Briochebane. However, even this encounter can be resolved peacefully by bribing the young dragon with cinnamon buns.
Running "Baker's Doesn't"
The adventure as written provides a solid foundation for a fun, short session. However, some adjustments can enhance the experience. For instance, the adventure notes that Edith is in league with Uncle Nibblecheek, having traded her own brother, Asger, for a steady supply of candy. The original text suggests Edith might repent if confronted, but a more classically villainous portrayal, leading to her arrest or banishment, can provide a more satisfying conclusion. Similarly, the gingerbread people guarding Asger, while conceptually fun, are suggested to use a basic stat block that can make the encounter feel like a tedious slog. Dungeon Masters may wish to adapt this by using more engaging low-level monster stat blocks or creating unique cookie-themed adversaries.
One of the key narrative elements involves Fill Flourforge, a former brigand who stole Briochebane's egg. An alternative approach, inspired by cozy fantasy novels, reimagines Fill as a retired adventurer and dragon slayer attempting to raise the young red dragon for good. This interpretation adds a layer of depth to Fill's character and his motivations for keeping Briochebane a secret from the townspeople.
Ultimately, "Baker's Doesn't" is lauded as an excellent one-shot that encourages player creativity and offers a refreshing departure from typical high-stakes D&D campaigns. By tweaking certain elements, Dungeon Masters can further enhance its charm and deliver a deliciously memorable adventure.