A New Adventure
Welcome to this fan-made Stardew Valley Role-Playing Game. A beginner-friendly adventure based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, simplified to focus on storytelling, exploration, and teamwork. This adventure is perfect for players new to TTRPGs or for those looking for a lighthearted and rules-light experience.
Simplified Rules & Level 0 Gameplay
The players will be at Level 0. They are everyday people, not trained adventurers. This means:
– No complex abilities, spells, or class features. The only minor bonuses they have are from their chosen Abilities and Skills.
– During combat, players can converse, move and take one action. No bonus actions or reactions.
– Ability checks work as usual, but because they all have +0 modifiers, the players simply roll a d20 and try to beat the DC (Difficulty Class).
This stripped-down system keeps things fast, intuitive, and easy to learn, allowing players to focus on their characters, choices, and the world around them.
Player Character Creation
All players need is one of the included character sheets and to choose an Ability and Skill that fits the world. The Abilities and Skills provide a minor mechanical bonus (such as help during fishing or expertise with animals). More importantly, they give the player a background and something to role-play off of. This may help them define their character’s personality, actions and their reason for being in Stardew Valley.
Before starting speak with the players about their characters. What are their names, what is their personality, do they have hobbies and why are they in the bus in which the adventure starts?
Running This Adventure
Unlike traditional dungeon-crawling campaigns, this adventure is about helping a magical valley, forging friendships, and uncovering a mystery. There will be challenges – some puzzles, some combat – but the real heart of the story lies in discovery and cooperation.
As the DM (Dungeon Master), you’re encouraged to keep things flexible and prioritize fun over strict mechanics. Feel free to adjust rules, tailor encounters, and guide your players in a way that best suits your table.
Now, let’s board the bus to Stardew Valley and see what the wind brings.
Enjoying this preview?
The full Stardew Valley package includes printable documents of:
– An easy access, print ready version of this adventure
– 8 player character designs
– Character sheets with abilities that fit the world
– worldmap and NPC list for players
– 9 monster miniatures
– Battle map (print-ready and digital for online play)
– DM NPC list with quests
All puzzles, tables and any further mechanics of this adventure are available in the product.
The Adventure Begins
This adventure starts with the players on an old bus going from the Grampleton area, through Stardew valley to Zuzu City. They are the only passengers and the driver is a talkative, middle-aged woman named Pam.
Pam is chatty and will keep the conversation going. Asking about any characteristics the players may have mentioned and about any of their character backgrounds. Let the players introduce their character’s background, personality and motivations.
Pam suddenly gets serious and mutters “Shoot, seems like the weather is pickin’ up.” As you feel the bus getting rocked by gusts of wind. A minute later it seems to die down for, but after 2 seconds a gale of wind seems to lift the bus up before CRASHING it back down again and everything goes dark. As you come to, you find the wind has passed and the bus has crashed near a bus stop marked “Stardew Valley”. With a groan Pam gets up from the drivers seat and sees that you look dazed but okay and with a chuckle says “Heh, well.. welcome to Stardew Valley. We are not going any further tonight, but at least we are in safe territory. Let’s find you guys a place to stay the night” as she starts heading out. What would you like to do?
Anyone checking the bus sees that this vehicle won’t drive anytime soon.
There are no signs of a cause of the accident. It must have been an extraordinary weather phenomenon. The storm clouds are receding and the wind is dying down, but it is getting late and they have no place to sleep. Phone lines and cellphone connection seems to have gone down because of the storm.
You hear shuffling steps coming from the path and the glow of a lantern approaches. A bearded old man in simple working clothes comes forward and looks at you with concern. “That sounded like an awfull crash. Is everyone allright?”.
The man introduces himself as “Grandpa” because everyone calls him that. He is a patient and kind man that lives alone in a small house on a farm plot that he worked when he was younger. Seeing the players in trouble he offers a place for them to sleep in his house, and to wait out the bus repairs. He has sleeping mats, but alternatively he also has a couple of tents in which they can sleep on his property. When the players go with “Grandpa” Pam says she will try to get help with the bus tomorrow, but that she will go home now.
As you follow “Grandpa” along a short gravel path you see his house a short distance away. While walking you hear some rustling in the bushes.
On a DC10 check they notice a small bright-blue apple-shaped creature hiding in the bushes, but it goes invisible and disappear as they watch.
“Grandpa” opens the door for you and you see a small, cosy cottage that has seen better days, but at least it’s warm and dry.
It was a long day. A day that was supposed to end at the bussling Zuzu City. Now however you are in a sleeping bag in a dusty little town because of some magical wind. Hopefully tomorow you can be on your way again.
After a good night of rest you wake to the sound of a table being set and the smell of toast and eggs and bacon (and/or “Grandpa” coming to get them out of their tents). “Goodmoring! I just got back from the Saloon. I asked Gus to make us some breakfast and he surely delivered! Grab a chair and let’s start the day off right”.
Enjoying this preview?
The full Stardew Valley package includes printable documents of:
– An easy access, print ready version of this adventure
– 8 player character designs
– Character sheets with abilities that fit the world
– worldmap and NPC list for players
– 9 monster miniatures
– Battle map (print-ready and digital for online play)
– DM NPC list with quests
All puzzles, tables and any further mechanics of this adventure are available in the product.
“Grandpa” has the following news during breakfast:
– Pam has let him know that there is no contact outside of town since last nights storm. Landlines are down, there is no service and even both the tunnels leading out of the valley have been closed due to damage by the weird weather. There is no one going in or out of Stardew Valley the next few days, but they are welcome to stay at “Grandpa’s” place as long as it takes.
– The good news is that they can explore the entire valley to their hearts’ content. They can even borrow the book and map made by Jas and Vincent to help get around. Vincent drew a map of the whole Valley and Jas wrote about all the villagers in town which they gave to “Grandpa” because he loves this valley so much.
– They get access to basic tools in case they need them.
When the players go out and thoroughly explore 2 or 3 area’s it will get dark. When it is night or if they are hurt they can go back to their sleepingbags at “Grandpa’s” farm (or use one of his portable tents) and get some rest. After they sleep all damage and negative effects will wear off.
Location: Cindersap Forest
When approached the creature goes to them and frantically points and guides them towards the trees while talking gibberish. After checking to see if it has their attention, it worms its way through a slim gap in the trees, barely large enough for the players to squeeze through.
When entering the Forest Maze
As you enter the dense forest you notice a green haze in the air. Besides the sweet scent of maple syrup you feel there is magic in this forest. A magic that has closed the way behind you. You are now in this magical maze until you find a way out. The apple creature seems surprised as well and hops onto [random trustworthy player’s] shoulder for safety.
Gain quest card: Explore the Maze
A player with some magical knowledge will notice that this magic is neither good or bad. It is merely an abundance of nature magic which will subside over time.
The Forest Maze Encounter Table
Roll on the Maze Encounter table every time they continue exploring the maze.
| 1 | A flock of bats attacks! Roll a DC10 check to run away or take 1 damage. | A beehive overhead has been disturbed! Roll a DC8 check to run away or take 1 poison damage. | This path is blocked by a thick hedgerow. Redo dice roll. |
| 2 | A bush filled with some ripe, delicious berries. 1 Forage when picked. | You find a patch of flowers. 2 forage when picked. | You find a locked door with the words “Only a master of the five ways may enter”. |
| 3 | A gnarled tree whispers: “What has lots of bark, but no bite?”. When answered “A tree” they hear a creaking laugh as walnuts fall down (1 forage). | A gnarled tree whispers: “Whatgrows when it eats but dies when it drinks?”. When answered “Fire” they hear a laugh and walnuts fall (1 forage). | A gnarled tree whispers: “What breaks in the morning?”. When answered “Dawn” they hear a creaking laugh and walnuts fall down (2 forage). |
| 4-20 | Full puzzles, encounters and further mechanics are available in the full one-shot. |
When they meet the Wizard in the Maze
You enter a small clearing where a man with purple hair in wizards robes seem to be meditating until he snaps out of it and approaches you. “There is something stirring in the Valley. This forest’s overgrowth is not natural. I know you are outsiders, but if you want a chance to restore the balance I can help you. I have a potion that can help you communicate with Junimo’s like the one on you shoulder. My name is Rasmodius by the way, known to the villagers as the local Wizard.”
If they accept the potion he summons a large cauldron, adds some herbs and vials from inside his cloak and offers them a sip from the stirring spoon. After drinking they are out of it for a few seconds while seeing floating trees, but afterwards they can talk with the Junimos.
Although the wizard would like to help them further, he needs to stay in this maze to keep this magic here and not have it swallow up the whole town.
After drinking the potion
“Hello? You hear me now?”. It will then ask them to look for a temporary house away from anyone.
Gain quest card: Junimo home
When they exit the maze for the first time, take back the completed quest card: Explore the Maze
If they decline the potion and they enter the Community Center he will come and offer it again after teleporting there.
Forage can be collected for the main objective, but it can also be used as food, healing 1 health or as wood to build with.
Location: Pelican Town center
(If they have started reading Jas’s book)
Some of the people you clearly recognize from Jas’s book of villagers.
The JojaMart shop is almost done. Once the tunnels are open again the workers can finish it and their doors will open. Shane and Sam have already been hired to start working there once it does.
The Museum’s currator has left recently and taken the whole museum collection.
Enjoying this preview?
The full Stardew Valley package includes printable documents of:
– An easy access, print ready version of this adventure
– 8 player character designs
– Character sheets with abilities that fit the world
– worldmap and NPC list for players
– 9 monster miniatures
– Battle map (print-ready and digital for online play)
– DM NPC list with quests
All puzzles, tables and any further mechanics of this adventure are available in the product.
Location: The Beach
Approaching Willy
“Ah! Visitors! Welcome! Why don’t you grab one of my spare fishing poles and join me? You will not be an instant pro like me, but it’s a fine way to pass the time.”
Fishing game rules
Full puzzles, encounters and further mechanics are available in the full one-shot.
Once they have caught a few fish Willy will bait them into a small fishing competition of who can catch more fish in a minute. If they beat him they gain a heart of friendship. With his experience Willy hooks a fish with a 10 or higher.
Gain quest card: Fishing challenge
Looking at the eastern beach
You don’t see a way to the other part of this beach with tide pools and a second dock, but as you look out you see a Junimo floating round and round in one of the tide pools, trying to get out.
If they find a logical or creative way across the river they can rescue the Junimo.
Location: Mountain area / mines
The mines
The entrance to the mines seems to be fenced and locked and the sign on the fence says. “Admittance to the mines can be requested at the Adventure Guild” with an arrow pointing to the building on the right.
The Adventure Guild
Marlon and Gil can unlock the mines and loan them weapons, but they warn them that they need to remain together and try to stay safe.
Combat rules
Combat works different than in normal “Dungeons & Dragons”. It’s quicker and simpler.
Put the monsters on the map according to the table in a random arrangement with between 4 and 8 rocks.
Full puzzles, encounters and further mechanics are available in the full one-shot.
The Old Community Center
This building was probably once the thriving center of community, but has now long been neglected. Nobody ever comes here and in time nothing shall remain.
Entering
The door opens with a creak. This place is a mess. The fishtank is cracked, there are holes in the walls and everything is coated with a thick layer of dust. It seems long deserted until you see a yellow apple-shaped creature pop-up and scurry off into one of the back rooms to the right.
If they haven’t met the Wizard yet there is nothing they can do here yet.
If they declined the wizards potion
In a poof the wizard appears behind you. “I see that you keep digging around. If you want to get involved, can I offer you this potion once more. It will make communicating with that Junimo a whole lot easier.
If they decline the potion again he leaves them with a vial of the potion, wishes them good luck either way and poofs back to keep the maze in check.
If they have had the wizards potion
The Junimo pops off your shoulder and calls out after the other one. They quietly whisper for a little bit before it comes back. “Yes, this will be the home of the Junimo’s for now. But we need your help. Come back here when you have seen what you must do.” With that they walk off and turn invisible.
Take back the completed quest card: Junimo Home.
Once they sleep after finishing the “Junimo home” Quest
As you drift off again you all have the same very vivid dream. You see the wind that stranded you here, but it didn’t stop there. It has been circling the valley ever since, growing stronger and stronger. Stardew Valley is in the eye of the storm and it is a matter of time before it is wiped off the map. Your vision flashes as you see season rewinding faster and faster until it settles once more on this valley. Again it is surrounded by a storm, but in the center there are Junimo’s surrounded by all the elements that represents this valley. Rocks out of the earth, fish from the water, forage grown under the sun and the air thick with the connection and companionship of it’s denizens. As you see the storm begin to slow this dream fades away and you wake up to a new day.
Enjoying this preview?
The full Stardew Valley package includes printable documents of:
– An easy access, print ready version of this adventure
– 8 player character designs
– Character sheets with abilities that fit the world
– worldmap and NPC list for players
– 9 monster miniatures
– Battle map (print-ready and digital for online play)
– DM NPC list with quests
All puzzles, tables and any further mechanics of this adventure are available in the product.
When they return to the Community Center after the dream
They find the Junimo’s there and can discuss the dream. This opens a storage area in which they may collect the ingredients they need for the ritual.
Gain quest card: Prepare
Gain collection board. On this collection board they can store all needed resources. After the minimum amount is collected they are able to start the ritual, but this is strongly discouraged by the Junimo’s. The more resources, the better the chance of success.
When they start the ritual
The Community Center, once abandoned and quiet, is now humming with life. The Junimos, now reunited, float in the air, their small forms glowing like lanterns in the twilight. Strange glyphs flicker across the wooden floors, as if the very building is awakening. Outside, the wind picks up. A low tremor rumbles beneath your feet, barely noticeable at first, but growing stronger. The valley itself seems to be holding its breath. The Wizard appears in the corner of the room, arms crossed, watching with narrowed eyes. “This is it,” he mutters. “The ritual will either succeed… or we may face consequences we cannot undo.” The Junimos begin to chant, soft at first, then rising in harmony, like the wind rustling through the leaves. Their small hands reach out, motioning for you to present the four elements.
Presenting the fish
As the fish offerings are placed in basins, a cool mist rises, swirling around your ankles. The water ripples unnaturally, as if touched by unseen hands. A whispering sound echoes through the room, not quite words, but something close. Outside, the sky darkens as a light rain begins to fall. A sign of the valley responding.
Presenting the gems
The gems pulse faintly with light as they are placed in the ritual circle. A deep rumbling sound spreads through the ground, like a sleeping giant stirring. The walls shake slightly, and dust falls from the rafters. Something ancient is listening.
Presenting the forage
The foraged goods glow with an inner heat, as if they still carry the warmth of the sun. The air grows warm, and a single spark ignites at the center of the circle, small at first, then flickering outward like fireflies in the night. The room brightens, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
Presenting friendship hearts
This elusive element, the spirit of the town itself is represented by the bonds forged during your time in Stardew Valley. And as you step towards the circle the wind howls with excitement and rattles the doors, the spirit of the community stands behind you.
When the 4 elements have been presented
There is a momentairy calm in the storm as the elements seem to flow in slow motion all around you. One Junimo steps forward “We need one more thing. You have been all around the valley, but what else has it shown you? What have you learned or how have you grown during your time in Stardew Valley?” It looks at each of you expectantly..
Least good ending
The ritual comes to a climax, when all the elements come together it merely fizzles.Instead of a golden light, a soft pale glow flickers and then stabilizes, uneven and fragile. The Junimos, not fully restored, blink uncertainly before they drift away to the hidden corners of the Community Center. Taking up residence in the dusty halls, waiting for something – or someone – who can truly restore their home.
The villagers wake with a strange sense of deja vu, like they’ve forgotten something important. They return to their lives, but the forests seem quieter, the mines a little darker, and the shadows in the deep waters linger just a bit longer than they should. Something unnatural hasn’t fully left, merely retreated.
Grandpa thanks you with a smile and a simple nod of appreciation, recognizing your efforts but knowing that the Valley will need another protector in the future. The Wizard studies the shifting energy in the sky and frowns. This wasn’t the perfect solution, but it was enough..for now. More adventures are to come to Stardew Valley.
Better and best endings
Full puzzles, encounters and further mechanics are available in the full one-shot.
The End
DM information – List of all NPC’s and possible side-quests
| Leah | Auburn hair and casual forest-style clothes. | Nature-loving, free-spirited and artistic. | Loves sculpting. Recently moved away from the city (and her ex) to her cottage. Quest: Bring her the Warped Wood from the forest maze. |
| Vincent | Young boy with messy brown hair, shorts and a t-shirt. | Playful, easily excited, young and naive. | Believes in monsters and magic, loves snails and doesn’t like vegetables. Quest: Has a Junimo in his toy chest to keep safe. If he trusts the players he leaves it in their care. |
| Haley | Long blonde hair, stylish dresser and carries a camera. | Snobby (at first), fashionable, secretly kind. | Likes her sister and photography. Misses her parents, but likes having her own room. Quest: No, but in the background of a photo she is proud of they can spot a Junimo in Marnie’s barn. |
| Other 32 villagers |
Full puzzles, encounters and further mechanics are available in the full one-shot. |
Enjoying this preview?
The full Stardew Valley package includes printable documents of:
– An easy access, print ready version of this adventure
– 8 player character designs
– Character sheets with abilities that fit the world
– worldmap and NPC list for players
– 9 monster miniatures
– Battle map (print-ready and digital for online play)
– DM NPC list with quests
All puzzles, tables and any further mechanics of this adventure are available in the product.