Fantasy One-Shot

The PCs are all part of the same crew of a ship who must discover the plans of a cursed gang of tricksters. It might involve shapechangers.
There is a desperate scout who has important information for them. they share a hobby with a character.
The characters start with an escaped monster. Early on they encounter a natural barrier blocking their path. If things slow down something betrays them.
It finishes with the start of an apocalypse. Possible sequel... an evil organisation's plans were ruined and try to take revenge on the characters

The PCs are are desperate locals who must destroy a cult. It might involve shapechangers.
There is an old merchant who wants to do the same thing. they are the parent of a character.
The characters start at a burning tavern. At some point they meet a lover of a character. If things slow down they find a written note.
Afterwards there is a family gathering.

The PCs are are penniless brigands who must establish a base in a walled tree village. Two of the characters have fallen in love. It might involve underwater.
There is a mysterious sage who betrays them partway through. they are the close relations of a character.
The characters start with an attempted theft. Partway through there is a romantic complication. If things get stuck they discover a magic item.
Afterwards there is a reward of a song about their deeds.

The PCs are are penniless travellers who must take part in a tournament for adventurers. It might involve goblinoids.
There is a well-dressed alchemist who betrays them partway through.
The characters start waking at a shipwreck. Early on they encounter a guardian monster that hinders their progress. If things are going nowhere a planar portal opens.
Afterwards there is a reward of blessing of a deity.

The characters are imprisoned urchins who must defend a hidden golem factory.
It is at a dismal bridge which is associated with nature magic.
There are a pack of thirsty ogres playing with an item - bag of caltrops. And a mysterious wizard wants to recover a magnificent collection of books.
At some point something starts following the group.
As the adventure progresses a series of spectral laughs signal the arrival of a titan