So what do you guys use for solo RPGing?
A published system? Something written specifically for solo gaming (like Mythic)? Something you cooked up yourself?
Do you prefer games with lots of random encounter tables and the likes?
Do you run published adventures?
GURPS has been my go to system, usually with a solo engine bolted on (such as Mythic GME or Perilous Intersections). Lately though I've been doing stuff with Savage Worlds because of the high automation available with Fantasy Grounds... it makes for much faster sessions.
ReplyDeleteI have not used random encounter tables, nor have I run published adventures. Someday I plan on attempting the latter, though.
I've used Scarlet Heroes as the full product that it is (and love it).
ReplyDeleteFor other rules, I've used Ruins and Ronin (Swords and Wizardry: Whitebox with oriental flavor) and Lost Songs of the Nibelungens (http://the-disoriented-ranger.blogspot.com/).
I draw heavily on random tables and images (RND) and an Oracle, whether from CRGE or a standard 1d6.
Lately, I have been using a homebrew randomizer that creates a story arc.
I don't usually solo game, but when I do, I use a horrifying frankenstein of the best and worst parts of various OSR and big-money d20-based systems that I'm publishing for SGAM 2016.
ReplyDeleteI'm a guy who likes to try out different systems and mixing and matching different engines. It's born from my first and primary exposure to RPGs, playing one-shots.
ReplyDeleteI prefer random encounters and tables and the like, if only to spice up my RPGs. An RPG is much different to a standard computer RPG, as it often gives you a different story every time you play if you play it a certain way.
The only published Adventure I ever ran was one by Avalon Quests.
I'm about 50/50 on published adventures vs. rolling the dice against tables. I like the first couple books of a few adventure paths, and a few other adventures, preferably adventures for L1 parties.
ReplyDeleteGame Master's Apprentice decks. Love them. Use them solitaire or with my wife and I playing and emulating the GM.
ReplyDeleteJonathan Holen do tell more :)
ReplyDeleteIvan Sorensen
ReplyDeletePosted a review on G+ here: https://plus.google.com/102133135325942054355/posts/4D4WHC6Z59E
I use a trait-based variant of Scarlet Heroes, mostly, for the mechanics and adventure frameworks. FU oracle for yes/no/and/but. A few different cobbled together overlay systems for narrative direction and things like factions, psychic visions, and vampires.
ReplyDeletePythia-oracle is kind of my personal playground for random generators exactly the way I like them. Interpretive but too vague (usually)! I have my own random events tables and use triggers to add some extra surprises.
I like Mythic quite a bit, but ultimately I'm satisfied with FU. I have not run a published adventure solo (unless gamebooks count). Trying one is definitely on my todo list though!
Chris Stieha a homebrew randomizer that creates a story arc ... this sounds very interesting. Have you published it or do you plan to publish it?
ReplyDeletefortunately we have multiple choices in gaming, I'm using different games and settings, right now I'm playing my last creation (the brutally simple Bivius) and I have not enough time to use it in all the adventures and settings which I have in mind
ReplyDeleteTake bits and pieces from different engines.
ReplyDeleteRandom tables galore but not necessarily random encounters.
No published adventures.
Different game systems (kinda the point for me is to play systems that won't see the table with a full group).
I play lots of different games. I ususally use Mythic (with my own modifications) as the oracle, and UNE for NPC interactions. I have a lot of other generators and random tables that I almost always use for certain things. I like random encounter tables, sometimes borrowing them from other games than the one I'm playing.
ReplyDeleteI used to play a lot of published adventures before I discovered Mythic. Now I almost never do, except for T&T and DSA solo adventures.
evandro novel my homebrew system is in the "something from my brain" in RND issue 3. It's a stupidly simple process that creates a major conflict and then three minor conflicts within that larger framework with some added random encounters. And by create I mean interpret things to give you a conflict.
ReplyDeleteChris Stieha I love stupidly simple :)
ReplyDeleteSo far my go-to, industrial strength game has either by 1974 Style or Microlite20. I've also thought of using FUDGE but have yet to get around to actually testing it. After a bit of playing in my own right there are a couple of things that I look for in a game.
ReplyDeletePrefer a simple resolution mechanic, ala, a d20 roll or in my iteration of FUDGE a roll of 3d6.
-I like to avoid exploding dice after a recent debacle with Mini Six. I like the settings and I like the community behind Open d6, but I really don't like re-rolling and adding more numbers.
-I think Swords & Wizardry is also good. I like it's single Saving Throw mechanic I don't like Thief skills that are not either A) A d20 roll or B) A d6 roll. S&W as is is a percentile roll or a d6 roll.
Oh! The solo side of thing. Mythic is fine. That or the Covetous Poet's Adventure creator is works as well.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/129909/The-Covetous-Poets-Adventure-Creator-and-Solo-GM-Guidebook
drivethrurpg.com - The Covetous Poet's Adventure Creator and Solo GM Guidebook
Sophia Brandt Appreciate the links!
ReplyDeleteSophia Brandt you showed me the GMA on your blog.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, HQ2 is excellent.