Converting my Edge of the Empire solo campaign to So1um Expanded Edition:
Vehicle Combat Rules
After thinking about it for a while I decided to convert my Edge of the Empire campaign to the So1um Expanded Edition ruleset. As I mentioned in my last actual play the FFG system is a little bit to fiddly for my taste for solo play and I really enjoyed my playthrough of the Edge of the Empire Beginner Box adventure using So1um. It just went smooth. Of course I will continue the current storyline and keep my character, just the mechanics will change. To stick close to the original I decided to use the six stats from Edge of the Empire, together with the skills. Basically the skills work just like cliches in So1um: If you have a suitable skill you get +1 die to your pool.
And since vehicle and foremost space combat is an integral part of Star Wars, I put down some vehicle combat rules that I sketched up while playing the space combat encounter of the Beginner Game.
I will share them with the community as an add-on to the So1um Expanded Edition. Credits go to matt jackson for creating So1um.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B57N6qPGHuMaeXVIZXE1R05UV3c/view?usp=sharing
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
The finale of my Scarlet Heroes urban adventure, which sees Cleric Kasumi trying to rescue a physician from an organised crime syndicate.
The finale of my Scarlet Heroes urban adventure, which sees Cleric Kasumi trying to rescue a physician from an organised crime syndicate.
https://moggynomates.angrymog.com/2017/08/31/scarlet-heroes-part-eight-urban-adventure-part-five/
https://moggynomates.angrymog.com/2017/08/31/scarlet-heroes-part-eight-urban-adventure-part-five/
https://moggynomates.angrymog.com/2017/08/31/scarlet-heroes-part-eight-urban-adventure-part-five/
https://moggynomates.angrymog.com/2017/08/31/scarlet-heroes-part-eight-urban-adventure-part-five/
For those of us who post our solo plays to blogs: does it make more sense to keep those integrated with our other RPG blogging, or to set up a standalone blog specifically for that? I've been doing the former (https://skaldforge.wordpress.com) but strongly considering breaking out all my solo RPG stuff into a separate blog.
For those of us who post our solo plays to blogs: does it make more sense to keep those integrated with our other RPG blogging, or to set up a standalone blog specifically for that? I've been doing the former (https://skaldforge.wordpress.com) but strongly considering breaking out all my solo RPG stuff into a separate blog.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Hey community
Hey community,
I have a beginner question and my google fu seems to be too weak to find an answer on my own:
How do you track your progress?
I started playing a Solo RPG in january (with the help of the GM apprentice's card deck) in some kind of hard-boiled detective Setting. I'm using a notebook/calendar/planner of yesteryears (the actual thing made of paper that pile up on every office desk) to keep track of timeline, deadlines etc. (sometimes as keywords, sometimes prose) and a folder for my NPCs.
But still I get lost in the information. I need to skim through my notes repeatedly and read passages I read a dozen times before to get me on track again on every session.
I've been thinking about making a NPC-relationship map but still: All the bookkeeping feels like a chore and even keeps me from proceeding the game now to avoid all the "work".
On the other side, as a GM for my group, I don't take that much notes. All the necessary information is distributed among the hive mind of my gaming group. So, even in my long term campaign I just need a couple of pages and my setting information.
I have a beginner question and my google fu seems to be too weak to find an answer on my own:
How do you track your progress?
I started playing a Solo RPG in january (with the help of the GM apprentice's card deck) in some kind of hard-boiled detective Setting. I'm using a notebook/calendar/planner of yesteryears (the actual thing made of paper that pile up on every office desk) to keep track of timeline, deadlines etc. (sometimes as keywords, sometimes prose) and a folder for my NPCs.
But still I get lost in the information. I need to skim through my notes repeatedly and read passages I read a dozen times before to get me on track again on every session.
I've been thinking about making a NPC-relationship map but still: All the bookkeeping feels like a chore and even keeps me from proceeding the game now to avoid all the "work".
On the other side, as a GM for my group, I don't take that much notes. All the necessary information is distributed among the hive mind of my gaming group. So, even in my long term campaign I just need a couple of pages and my setting information.
Monday, August 28, 2017
An observation: tools like Mythic are referred to as GM emulators. But in my experience so far when soloing, I spend probably at least twice as much time on GM decisions than on PC decisions. Maybe that will balance out a bit with practice. But I think it points to reframing how we think about solo RPGs. Rather than just creating a game for ourselves to play as PC, it's really just as much, if not more so, about turning GMing into a solo game.
An observation: tools like Mythic are referred to as GM emulators. But in my experience so far when soloing, I spend probably at least twice as much time on GM decisions than on PC decisions. Maybe that will balance out a bit with practice. But I think it points to reframing how we think about solo RPGs. Rather than just creating a game for ourselves to play as PC, it's really just as much, if not more so, about turning GMing into a solo game.
My first sit-down with the Hexcrawl was fun, but a little tense. This feels more like an After Action Report than an actual play. I was using the Judges Guild Wilderness Exploration, Mythic GM and Deluxe Tunnels &Trolls for the mechanics.
My first sit-down with the Hexcrawl was fun, but a little tense. This feels more like an After Action Report than an actual play. I was using the Judges Guild Wilderness Exploration, Mythic GM and Deluxe Tunnels &Trolls for the mechanics.
Session 1: I have a party of a warrior, a wizard, and two rogues. As they are my test group, I haven't built up much backstory, but I couldn't help but imagine Gandalf, Aragorn, Merry and Pippin...in fact I may go change their names.
I will be using Saving Rolls for survival, likely vs INT or CON. The SR level will be determined by terrain and the number of hexes since the last sign of civilization (villages, roads, forts, etc). I say probably because I completely I forgot I wanted to factor in wilderness survival until I was half way through the session.
They found an encounter and a Lair on the last hex explored, on the shores of Lake Althode (Hex 0404). I rolled Giant Killer Bees for the encounter, so I opted (without rolling) to make the lair a giant Beehive in the bluffs near the lake. I hadn't forgotten how fun T&T is when you're rolling hand fulls of dice and looking for doubles. The party won with little difficulty, but they took enough damage that they chose not explore the hives.
The Positive: First and foremost, I enjoyed myself. The hexes that were generated made sense, and once I had a few done ideas for event hooks began to pop into my head. The combat was as quick and fun. I think as I get into it more, and remember to incorporate all the components I'm looking for, it will be a fulfilling solo campaign.
The Negatives: This will definitely be a game for early mornings, when the house is quiet and I have some alone time. It feels a bit like hearding cats, and until I've built up some gaming muscle memory for the systems it will be part work and part play.
Session 1: I have a party of a warrior, a wizard, and two rogues. As they are my test group, I haven't built up much backstory, but I couldn't help but imagine Gandalf, Aragorn, Merry and Pippin...in fact I may go change their names.
I will be using Saving Rolls for survival, likely vs INT or CON. The SR level will be determined by terrain and the number of hexes since the last sign of civilization (villages, roads, forts, etc). I say probably because I completely I forgot I wanted to factor in wilderness survival until I was half way through the session.
They found an encounter and a Lair on the last hex explored, on the shores of Lake Althode (Hex 0404). I rolled Giant Killer Bees for the encounter, so I opted (without rolling) to make the lair a giant Beehive in the bluffs near the lake. I hadn't forgotten how fun T&T is when you're rolling hand fulls of dice and looking for doubles. The party won with little difficulty, but they took enough damage that they chose not explore the hives.
The Positive: First and foremost, I enjoyed myself. The hexes that were generated made sense, and once I had a few done ideas for event hooks began to pop into my head. The combat was as quick and fun. I think as I get into it more, and remember to incorporate all the components I'm looking for, it will be a fulfilling solo campaign.
The Negatives: This will definitely be a game for early mornings, when the house is quiet and I have some alone time. It feels a bit like hearding cats, and until I've built up some gaming muscle memory for the systems it will be part work and part play.
No GM? Still No Problem!
No GM? Still No Problem!
Written by David N. Ross, Forest of Secrets is a solo / 1-on-1 adventure, compatible with the fifth edition fantasy SRD. It's meant for 1 cleric, fighter, or similar class character of 2nd level.
Astenforth is a dangerous place, and the Ringwood forest even more so. Things go from bad to worse when you're forced off the road by the Baron Astenforth's men and have a chance encounter with the woman they’re hunting.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/218812/Forest-of-Secrets?affiliate_id=273771&src=buffer
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/218812/Forest-of-Secrets?affiliate_id=273771&src=buffer
Written by David N. Ross, Forest of Secrets is a solo / 1-on-1 adventure, compatible with the fifth edition fantasy SRD. It's meant for 1 cleric, fighter, or similar class character of 2nd level.
Astenforth is a dangerous place, and the Ringwood forest even more so. Things go from bad to worse when you're forced off the road by the Baron Astenforth's men and have a chance encounter with the woman they’re hunting.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/218812/Forest-of-Secrets?affiliate_id=273771&src=buffer
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/218812/Forest-of-Secrets?affiliate_id=273771&src=buffer
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Friday, August 25, 2017
Thoughts on the Scarlet Heroes solo system? I like the way it gives you more specificity (if that's something you want). But, after playing part of an Urban Adventure, I'm not sure I like it out of the box. In particular, while I get the purpose of the 10 VP timer (it's good to have an end point), I'm not sure it feels terribly natural to force an adventure to have a particular length. Interested in any tweaks that people have found useful.
I've been playing around with a random dungeon generator. I really like this aspect of literally not knowing what's around the next corner, but other than the room contents provided by the generator, I feel a bit stuck as to bringing the thing to life. I seem to be a bit prose-heavy and in the dungeon keep finding myself hurriedly slogging through die rolls to get to the next plot element.
I've been playing around with a random dungeon generator. I really like this aspect of literally not knowing what's around the next corner, but other than the room contents provided by the generator, I feel a bit stuck as to bringing the thing to life. I seem to be a bit prose-heavy and in the dungeon keep finding myself hurriedly slogging through die rolls to get to the next plot element.
I'm curious as to how others go about this process, as far as "fleshing out" the environment or atmosphere and other details in an area you're simultaneously creating and discovering as you go. Do you spin your own descriptions or lean on some other process or tool? Is it a part of your solo engine (I'm just using a simple d6 yes/no system)? Or are you less concerned with the "feel" and dungeon crawling just to enjoy the mechanics of your game (ie. maybe the system I'm using is the problem)?
I'm curious as to how others go about this process, as far as "fleshing out" the environment or atmosphere and other details in an area you're simultaneously creating and discovering as you go. Do you spin your own descriptions or lean on some other process or tool? Is it a part of your solo engine (I'm just using a simple d6 yes/no system)? Or are you less concerned with the "feel" and dungeon crawling just to enjoy the mechanics of your game (ie. maybe the system I'm using is the problem)?
One and a half solitaire dungeon rgps in the weekly grab bag. http://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-aug25/
One and a half solitaire dungeon rgps in the weekly grab bag. http://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-aug25/
http://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-aug25/
http://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-aug25/
Finally got around to play with the Covetous Poet Adventure Creator. So far, it seems like an ideal tool when starting from "zero." Maybe not as useful if you have a really cool hook in mind, but when you're not sure what the adventure is going to be about, or not sure what happens NEXT, it's a pretty damn solid tool.
Finally got around to play with the Covetous Poet Adventure Creator. So far, it seems like an ideal tool when starting from "zero." Maybe not as useful if you have a really cool hook in mind, but when you're not sure what the adventure is going to be about, or not sure what happens NEXT, it's a pretty damn solid tool.
Could probably benefit from a 2nd Edition with a different author/editor taking a pass at it, though. It's a bit disorganized.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/129909/The-Covetous-Poets-Adventure-Creator-and-Solo-GM-Guidebook?src=DotD&from_home=1
Could probably benefit from a 2nd Edition with a different author/editor taking a pass at it, though. It's a bit disorganized.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/129909/The-Covetous-Poets-Adventure-Creator-and-Solo-GM-Guidebook?src=DotD&from_home=1
Read this and thought of you guys.
Read this and thought of you guys.
Does this, in fact, count as a Lone Wolf rpg?
Edit: a play note for everybody (from comments below)
Check the list of "winning" behaviors from the dog, remember that if the dog can't just walk off you're breaking the game, and please play responsibly and kindly.
Originally shared by Aura Belle
you must break up with your werewolf boyfriend
play this game with a real dog
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yP2JvwIVkBgp3kbPGw02E0pduLj1xD95UeGe3dEW144/edit?usp=drivesdk
Does this, in fact, count as a Lone Wolf rpg?
Edit: a play note for everybody (from comments below)
Check the list of "winning" behaviors from the dog, remember that if the dog can't just walk off you're breaking the game, and please play responsibly and kindly.
Originally shared by Aura Belle
you must break up with your werewolf boyfriend
play this game with a real dog
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yP2JvwIVkBgp3kbPGw02E0pduLj1xD95UeGe3dEW144/edit?usp=drivesdk
Surprising turn of events towards roleplaying conversations today...
Surprising turn of events towards roleplaying conversations today...
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4203
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4203
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Visemar episode 5 is up. The pacing seems a little strange to me, but it could also be due to there being only four left. http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/visemar-season-1-episode-5.html
Visemar episode 5 is up. The pacing seems a little strange to me, but it could also be due to there being only four left. http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/visemar-season-1-episode-5.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/visemar-season-1-episode-5.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/visemar-season-1-episode-5.html
Todd Mauldin sparked my interest with his hexcrawl. I haven't determined which rules to use yet for the party.
Todd Mauldin sparked my interest with his hexcrawl. I haven't determined which rules to use yet for the party.
The question is which system can I use that has enough depth for magical items, equipment, survival, and spells but doesn't take forever to get through combat? Is there a combat lite OSR rule set I've overlooked?
I'll likely use Judges Guild's Wilderness Exploration for the hex exploration. And I'm considering swapping out JG's encounter tables for BOLD's Waylays and Connections.
I've begun the earliest planning. If anyone has any system recommendations or other input, I'd love to hear it.
Another Edge of the Empire session. I am in desperate need of repairs...
Another Edge of the Empire session. I am in desperate need of repairs...
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
So since getting back into RPGs and learning that solo gaming was a thing, I've been experimenting with a few different systems and tools (Mythic, Gamemaster's Apprentice, Rory's Cubes, the solo rules in Scarlet Heroes, Creature Crafter). I'm learning that I like things about each, as well as their limitations. But, while it's surely possible to use more than one at once, it's also true that there is a lot of potential overlap between them, which leads to... option paralysis. For those that have dabbled, I'm curious how you deal with this. Do you set meta-rules for what you're using for a given campaign or session? Or just do whatever feels right in the moment? Something else?
I had a really good solo skirmish using the Frostgrave rules. I hadn't intended for it to be solo, my son was going to play. Understandably he decided to play games with his friends, but I had just gotten a new set of HoN terrain tiles that needed using.
I had a really good solo skirmish using the Frostgrave rules. I hadn't intended for it to be solo, my son was going to play. Understandably he decided to play games with his friends, but I had just gotten a new set of HoN terrain tiles that needed using.
I ditched the standard activation phases for the solo game. I used a hybrid of my HoN activation and that from mobile frame zero. In short, each unit rolled 1d12 and that number was their order. Then each warband rolled a die and the winner would act first if unit dice were tied.
To give the Wizard and Apprentice more prestige they rolled 1d6 for activation order to increase the chances they would move early in the round. I also allowed them to activate soldiers within 3", as per default, and discarded the soldier's original initiative die.
I also used and odd number of treasure sites to force a final conflict. Each side moved to pick up the treasures nearest their deployment zones, then converged on the final central market.
Their were a few surprises. This was only my second play of the system, I had not realized how useful the Leap spell was for warband mobility. I'll definitely make that a mainstay of future wizards.
The other surprise was how much of the game revolves around positioning. There is lots of terrain to break up LOS, but getting caught out in the open could be disastrous. In fact the Necromancer warband lost half of it's units on account of my poor movement tactics and some exceptionally good rolls from the Witch Doctor band.
I ditched the standard activation phases for the solo game. I used a hybrid of my HoN activation and that from mobile frame zero. In short, each unit rolled 1d12 and that number was their order. Then each warband rolled a die and the winner would act first if unit dice were tied.
To give the Wizard and Apprentice more prestige they rolled 1d6 for activation order to increase the chances they would move early in the round. I also allowed them to activate soldiers within 3", as per default, and discarded the soldier's original initiative die.
I also used and odd number of treasure sites to force a final conflict. Each side moved to pick up the treasures nearest their deployment zones, then converged on the final central market.
Their were a few surprises. This was only my second play of the system, I had not realized how useful the Leap spell was for warband mobility. I'll definitely make that a mainstay of future wizards.
The other surprise was how much of the game revolves around positioning. There is lots of terrain to break up LOS, but getting caught out in the open could be disastrous. In fact the Necromancer warband lost half of it's units on account of my poor movement tactics and some exceptionally good rolls from the Witch Doctor band.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
I designed this to support Solo games.
I designed this to support Solo games.
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
The Exodus System is a new standalone RPG inspired by my favorite systems of all time, including Black Hack, Cortex Prime, Numenera/Cypher System and the Adventurer, Conqueror, King System (ACKS).
Inside is a complete game ready for you to hack. It's suitable for any genre, from stone age historical to sci-fi. Character creation is fast and easy. You get to create your own class by simply choosing two Roles and two Flavors. Every character gets a Role that's useful in combat and one that's non-combat applications so everyone always has time to shine.
This purchase comes in both PDF form, for easy reading, and in a Word document so you can hack the system. Besides the name "Exodus System" and my name, Jacob DC Ross, everything in the book is Open Content with the OGL.
Thiese files have no interior art in order to make printing easier and less expensive. That said, we're working on a new setting called NexEarth, which is going to feature beautiful pieces by some of the best artists in the industry, as well as new mechanics and a rich story.
As a living document, this game is going to get regularly updated, and your purchase here gets you access to those updates. When we release NexEarth everyone whose already purchased the SRD gets a discount coupon, which essentially makes this title FREE.
We want a lot of support for this title, so please get the word out!
http://drivethrurpg.com/product/219694/Exodus-System-SRD?affiliate_id=319435
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
The Exodus System is a new standalone RPG inspired by my favorite systems of all time, including Black Hack, Cortex Prime, Numenera/Cypher System and the Adventurer, Conqueror, King System (ACKS).
Inside is a complete game ready for you to hack. It's suitable for any genre, from stone age historical to sci-fi. Character creation is fast and easy. You get to create your own class by simply choosing two Roles and two Flavors. Every character gets a Role that's useful in combat and one that's non-combat applications so everyone always has time to shine.
This purchase comes in both PDF form, for easy reading, and in a Word document so you can hack the system. Besides the name "Exodus System" and my name, Jacob DC Ross, everything in the book is Open Content with the OGL.
Thiese files have no interior art in order to make printing easier and less expensive. That said, we're working on a new setting called NexEarth, which is going to feature beautiful pieces by some of the best artists in the industry, as well as new mechanics and a rich story.
As a living document, this game is going to get regularly updated, and your purchase here gets you access to those updates. When we release NexEarth everyone whose already purchased the SRD gets a discount coupon, which essentially makes this title FREE.
We want a lot of support for this title, so please get the word out!
http://drivethrurpg.com/product/219694/Exodus-System-SRD?affiliate_id=319435
Actually thinking about kicking off a couple of solo projects this fall and I was pondering formats. My usual style is very narrative, almost more creative writing than game. Sometimes I mix text and game mechanics and other times I put the game notes in a side bar.
Actually thinking about kicking off a couple of solo projects this fall and I was pondering formats. My usual style is very narrative, almost more creative writing than game. Sometimes I mix text and game mechanics and other times I put the game notes in a side bar.
Since one of the projects might involve a group, I was considering a different format, perhaps something like a movie script or Japanese replay. Just curious as to what you all would like or expect to see in a 'script' for a solo game. Would you want the GM to be an active voice/role? Should all the non-actor stuff be handled by 'director instructions' instead? Should following industry standard script writing format be a thing? Thoughts?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_role-playing_game#Replays
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screenplay
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screenplay
Since one of the projects might involve a group, I was considering a different format, perhaps something like a movie script or Japanese replay. Just curious as to what you all would like or expect to see in a 'script' for a solo game. Would you want the GM to be an active voice/role? Should all the non-actor stuff be handled by 'director instructions' instead? Should following industry standard script writing format be a thing? Thoughts?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_role-playing_game#Replays
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screenplay
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screenplay
Starting out a new Traveller game, I feel encouraged to share it with you...
Starting out a new Traveller game, I feel encouraged to share it with you...
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4191
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4191
Monday, August 21, 2017
This seems like a useful method of generating a story.
This seems like a useful method of generating a story.
Maybe keep a long list of replacements.
Welp, time for me to hit the highway.
Welp, time for me to hit the highway.
https://solorpgvoyages.wordpress.com/2017/08/21/we-live-in-omegazone/
https://solorpgvoyages.wordpress.com/2017/08/21/we-live-in-omegazone/
I've been using a system to solo play Heroes of Normandie that I may start using in other systems.
I've been using a system to solo play Heroes of Normandie that I may start using in other systems.
In HoN you have order markers that you use to secretly indicate the order your troops will act during play. You also have bluff markers to throw off your opponent and prevent them from being certain which units are being activated.
In solo play that system doesn't t work. Instead I place all of a force's order markers (real and bluff) face down and mix them up. Then I place them on the units that I think would be useful that round. Once both forces have their markers I flip them over, face up. The result is that 2 units in each force that I thought would activate won't due to receiving bluff markers. The rest of the units that received markers will activate, but in an order that I can't predict.
The bluff tokens keep a level of uncertainty in play that can be difficult to come by in solo wargaming. It also reflects the fallible nature of orders from high command, will they be received and followed or not? The random order of the rest of the units force me to react to changing nature of the battlefield as units I may have had ideas for come in too early or too late to fit my previous plans. To sum it up, it's one of the most satisfying wargames experiences I've had as a solo player.
If you are familiar with HoN you may wonder how I handle the action cards. They are intended to be secret from the opposition. I make concessions for simplicity and play both hands in the open, using any card that is helpful. I keep 4 cards on the table for each force. At the end of the supply phase I discard the whole hand and redraw new cards before the next round begins. The "use them or lose them" method retains some of the feel of not knowing what your opponent holds.
A Blade Against Darkness
A Blade Against Darkness
Continuing the thread from my original post I'm using World of Blades, Whitehack's "Facts", and some rules of my own to experiment with solo roleplaying. I'll post the adventures of Makoto in this thread in the comments below. I will also talk a little bit about how I make my GM and player moves. Fiction in italics. GM talk in bold.
Makoto Prowess 1. Attune and Skirmish
Stress: 0/18
1/2 Kitsune: Can Attune to evoke and control fox fire.
Monk: Bare hands are weapons. Can spend stress for cool martial arts stuff.
Inventory (6): Paper Talismans (spent)
So the last move was Makoto trying to Attune to the magical energies of the dungeon so that she could track down the snake cult living she had chosen to drive out.
So now we have this moment where Makoto folds a tiny paper lantern out of one of her talismans. She holds it to her face and blows on it until a tiny green flame sparks to life. She places the lantern on the water, with the rest of them. We see the lanterns gather on the surface of the water. The green ones drift against the current, deeper into the tunnel. Makoto follows them into the darkness…
This was a Desperate position (+1 XP!) because Makoto is a single (relatively new) acolyte and the entire magical dungeon with an active cult resisting her. It beats her on Scale, Potency, and Quality, so she has Zero effect. She pushes her self (spends 2 Stress) for Limited effect. She has 2 dice (1 to start with +1 for Attune). I take a Devil's Bargain that a giant snake takes notice of her. +1 dice brings us to 3. *Roll is a failure. Now I have to figure out what the consequence is. It's a desperate position so, it's gotta be pretty bad. It seems obvious that the giant snake doesn't just take notice, but grabs her and drags her under the water.
This is just what seems obvious to me as GM. I have to be honest about this. I make the move as I would against another player.*
The massive snake bursts from the stagnant water and with a lightning movement wraps Makoto in its coils. She has just a moment to gasp for breath before the water closes over her head. She tries to lash out at the beast with an elbow strike but it already has her arms and legs pinned. Worse, the air is pressed from her lungs as the snake crushes her in it's coils. She can hear her ribs creak and then begin to crack. Pain lashes through her like a repeated hammer blow to her chest.
So we're in a pretty bad spot. Underwater, trapped in the thing's coils. I decide to Resist the being underwater. I don't know how she'd fight if that were the case. I pay 3 stress to resist because it's a desperate position Now we're merely caught up the thing's coils...
Makoto gets a foot underneath her and kicks off, throwing herself and the snake to dry ground before she begins trying to fight the thing off.
Maktoto tries to Skirmish the thing. All she wants to do at this point is escape, not really damage the sucker. As GM I start a clock for the snake's HP (six segments). Its a Desperate roll (+1 XP) because it's got her all tied up. It's got zero effect (the snake beats her on potency (tied up) and scale (giant predator)) She pushes herself for limited effect. 3 dice (1, Prowess, Skirmish). Roll is a 5, partial with consequences.
Maktoto manages to pull an arm free and with a wicked elbow strike she stuns the snake long enough for her to slip from its coils and leap to her feet
I'm kinda going for a South-east Asian flavor in my mind, so I figure Makoto is more Tony Jaa /Muay Thai than Shaw Bros Kung Fu. She's got rope wrappings on her hands. The ropes are made from the rags worn by saints and threaded with the finger bones of her master. This is a pretty cool weapon, but rare and powerful, so I determine it takes one load slot.
Makoto Prowess 1. Attune and Skirmish
Stress: 7/18
1/2 Kitsune: Can Attune to evoke and control fox fire.
Monk: Bare hands are weapons. Can spend stress for cool martial arts stuff.
Inventory (6): Paper Talismans (spent), Rope Gauntlets,
At this point I realize, even though I've doubled my stress for a single character, I'm over a third spent and I haven't even made it out of the first scene. Blades is rough on a lone PC... That being said, I've made my moves honestly based on how I see the fiction. In a game with other players, this would be a discussion. We would talk about why this or that position was ruled as it was. Here I have to be my own judge. One way or another, I might need to adjust the rules for Stress. Its okay. We play to find out what happens and this is just a test.
More as it develops...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8NRdE-ENo3hQVJLM2hTYkw3ZFE/view?usp=sharing
Continuing the thread from my original post I'm using World of Blades, Whitehack's "Facts", and some rules of my own to experiment with solo roleplaying. I'll post the adventures of Makoto in this thread in the comments below. I will also talk a little bit about how I make my GM and player moves. Fiction in italics. GM talk in bold.
Makoto Prowess 1. Attune and Skirmish
Stress: 0/18
1/2 Kitsune: Can Attune to evoke and control fox fire.
Monk: Bare hands are weapons. Can spend stress for cool martial arts stuff.
Inventory (6): Paper Talismans (spent)
So the last move was Makoto trying to Attune to the magical energies of the dungeon so that she could track down the snake cult living she had chosen to drive out.
So now we have this moment where Makoto folds a tiny paper lantern out of one of her talismans. She holds it to her face and blows on it until a tiny green flame sparks to life. She places the lantern on the water, with the rest of them. We see the lanterns gather on the surface of the water. The green ones drift against the current, deeper into the tunnel. Makoto follows them into the darkness…
This was a Desperate position (+1 XP!) because Makoto is a single (relatively new) acolyte and the entire magical dungeon with an active cult resisting her. It beats her on Scale, Potency, and Quality, so she has Zero effect. She pushes her self (spends 2 Stress) for Limited effect. She has 2 dice (1 to start with +1 for Attune). I take a Devil's Bargain that a giant snake takes notice of her. +1 dice brings us to 3. *Roll is a failure. Now I have to figure out what the consequence is. It's a desperate position so, it's gotta be pretty bad. It seems obvious that the giant snake doesn't just take notice, but grabs her and drags her under the water.
This is just what seems obvious to me as GM. I have to be honest about this. I make the move as I would against another player.*
The massive snake bursts from the stagnant water and with a lightning movement wraps Makoto in its coils. She has just a moment to gasp for breath before the water closes over her head. She tries to lash out at the beast with an elbow strike but it already has her arms and legs pinned. Worse, the air is pressed from her lungs as the snake crushes her in it's coils. She can hear her ribs creak and then begin to crack. Pain lashes through her like a repeated hammer blow to her chest.
So we're in a pretty bad spot. Underwater, trapped in the thing's coils. I decide to Resist the being underwater. I don't know how she'd fight if that were the case. I pay 3 stress to resist because it's a desperate position Now we're merely caught up the thing's coils...
Makoto gets a foot underneath her and kicks off, throwing herself and the snake to dry ground before she begins trying to fight the thing off.
Maktoto tries to Skirmish the thing. All she wants to do at this point is escape, not really damage the sucker. As GM I start a clock for the snake's HP (six segments). Its a Desperate roll (+1 XP) because it's got her all tied up. It's got zero effect (the snake beats her on potency (tied up) and scale (giant predator)) She pushes herself for limited effect. 3 dice (1, Prowess, Skirmish). Roll is a 5, partial with consequences.
Maktoto manages to pull an arm free and with a wicked elbow strike she stuns the snake long enough for her to slip from its coils and leap to her feet
I'm kinda going for a South-east Asian flavor in my mind, so I figure Makoto is more Tony Jaa /Muay Thai than Shaw Bros Kung Fu. She's got rope wrappings on her hands. The ropes are made from the rags worn by saints and threaded with the finger bones of her master. This is a pretty cool weapon, but rare and powerful, so I determine it takes one load slot.
Makoto Prowess 1. Attune and Skirmish
Stress: 7/18
1/2 Kitsune: Can Attune to evoke and control fox fire.
Monk: Bare hands are weapons. Can spend stress for cool martial arts stuff.
Inventory (6): Paper Talismans (spent), Rope Gauntlets,
At this point I realize, even though I've doubled my stress for a single character, I'm over a third spent and I haven't even made it out of the first scene. Blades is rough on a lone PC... That being said, I've made my moves honestly based on how I see the fiction. In a game with other players, this would be a discussion. We would talk about why this or that position was ruled as it was. Here I have to be my own judge. One way or another, I might need to adjust the rules for Stress. Its okay. We play to find out what happens and this is just a test.
More as it develops...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8NRdE-ENo3hQVJLM2hTYkw3ZFE/view?usp=sharing
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Finished all of the Flavors and status conditions. Next up is the enemy generator, which I should have done today since it's going to be an expansion of a previous system of mine. After that I'll do equipment and vehicles. Then comes the dungeon generator and wilderness generator. Final touches should be designer notes.
Finished all of the Flavors and status conditions. Next up is the enemy generator, which I should have done today since it's going to be an expansion of a previous system of mine. After that I'll do equipment and vehicles. Then comes the dungeon generator and wilderness generator. Final touches should be designer notes.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
So what is English Eerie?
So what is English Eerie?
It's going to be a solo horror storytelling game where the player writes entries in a journal over a series of days. The theme is the spectral landscape of England, inspired by M.R. James, Algernon Blackwood and films like The Wicker Man. The player finds themselves being dragged deeper into a sinister tale as tension rises and new clues reveal themselves as they come closer to revealing the final horror.
The rules will contain a series of scenarios to inspire stories, creating a framework for players to live their own tales of rural terror. The idea is to play one scenario over a number of nights, preferably by candlelight.
Preview image of Emi, the beautiful and feared young courtier Hero from Samurai Dice, coming soon on #Kickstarter. #GenCant #SamuraiDice This game system supports group or solo play right out of the box. It's simple to learn and plays quickly, but it has several strategic options.
Preview image of Emi, the beautiful and feared young courtier Hero from Samurai Dice, coming soon on #Kickstarter. #GenCant #SamuraiDice This game system supports group or solo play right out of the box. It's simple to learn and plays quickly, but it has several strategic options.
Just wanted to share my combat grid "arena" I doodled in the back of my solo pocket notebook. Not sure if I want to carry around a pencil, try to laminate the thing for dry erase, or try to come up with a magnet or peg type system to make a portable pocket board.
Just wanted to share my combat grid "arena" I doodled in the back of my solo pocket notebook. Not sure if I want to carry around a pencil, try to laminate the thing for dry erase, or try to come up with a magnet or peg type system to make a portable pocket board.
A fold-up board that fits inside the notebook (or became a cover that wrapped the notebook) might be ideal so as not to flip back and forth when taking notes. If anyone can think of some 1cm size tokens or game pieces, or 3d printing options for a thing like that? I've got some 1cm cubes from my wife's teaching supplies, but they're all identical, so I'd at least have to mark them up or paint them. And there's also the problem of toting them around (not that I dont often have a pocket full of dice these days...).
A fold-up board that fits inside the notebook (or became a cover that wrapped the notebook) might be ideal so as not to flip back and forth when taking notes. If anyone can think of some 1cm size tokens or game pieces, or 3d printing options for a thing like that? I've got some 1cm cubes from my wife's teaching supplies, but they're all identical, so I'd at least have to mark them up or paint them. And there's also the problem of toting them around (not that I dont often have a pocket full of dice these days...).
Waiting for Game of Thrones, I managed a short(?) session. http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/visemar-season-1-episode-4.html
Waiting for Game of Thrones, I managed a short(?) session. http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/visemar-season-1-episode-4.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/visemar-season-1-episode-4.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/visemar-season-1-episode-4.html
I am in sci-fi mode, having preordered the new Starfinder RPG core rulebook, and continue Edge of the Empire. However, I am not sold on it's dice pool mechanic and custom dice...
I am in sci-fi mode, having preordered the new Starfinder RPG core rulebook, and continue Edge of the Empire. However, I am not sold on it's dice pool mechanic and custom dice...
Musing about trying to play an extended game solo... would probably use the GM Apprentice Deck and/or Mythic GM Emulator with the core rules. Advice / comment welcome.
Musing about trying to play an extended game solo... would probably use the GM Apprentice Deck and/or Mythic GM Emulator with the core rules. Advice / comment welcome.
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4185
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4185
Saturday, August 19, 2017
After the last few fantasy one-shots I continued my very slow moving Edge of the Empire campaign. While looking for a new job Cal caught the attention of a bounty hunter.
After the last few fantasy one-shots I continued my very slow moving Edge of the Empire campaign. While looking for a new job Cal caught the attention of a bounty hunter.
Going to be designed for solo play.
Going to be designed for solo play.
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Exodus System now has all Combat Roles, all Party Roles, most of the Flavors and all of the status effects written up. Check out how you can combine Flavors for custom powers. The idea is that you get to come up with the trappings of each power.
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Exodus System now has all Combat Roles, all Party Roles, most of the Flavors and all of the status effects written up. Check out how you can combine Flavors for custom powers. The idea is that you get to come up with the trappings of each power.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
After a long week of hyping and coordinating with other publishers Zach Best Family Benefit Bundle has come to its close.
What fantastic support you all showed! In the end we sold 519 copies of Zach's Book. From Monday through Thursday every day's sales exceed those of the previous day.. Today's sales almost reach those from yesterday but I think in the end all the activity at Gen Con caused a slowdown. Thank you so much for helping out Zach and his vamily.
Thanks, too, to all the bloggers and publishers who spread the word and donated products to te bundle.
I'm leaving Zach's Book up as a pay what you want title in resopnsed to some comments. Folks wanted to be able to add a little more to what they were giving. Now also people who couldn't afford to give 10 bucks can also donate a little bit.
After a long week of hyping and coordinating with other publishers Zach Best Family Benefit Bundle has come to its close.
What fantastic support you all showed! In the end we sold 519 copies of Zach's Book. From Monday through Thursday every day's sales exceed those of the previous day.. Today's sales almost reach those from yesterday but I think in the end all the activity at Gen Con caused a slowdown. Thank you so much for helping out Zach and his vamily.
Thanks, too, to all the bloggers and publishers who spread the word and donated products to te bundle.
I'm leaving Zach's Book up as a pay what you want title in resopnsed to some comments. Folks wanted to be able to add a little more to what they were giving. Now also people who couldn't afford to give 10 bucks can also donate a little bit.
Might be of interest to the community.
Might be of interest to the community.
Originally shared by Gerard Snow
Here's an interesting game. It's an apocalypse powered simple rpg without a gamemaster or hitpoints. It's got lots of good racial abilities and rule mechanics, but only two classes archtypes, Arcanist and Nomad.
The rules are easy to bend or switch out and are great for people who like 2d6+stat gameplay. Just needs some more beefing up.
(It's says 24 pages but only 9.5 have writing do it's pretty small.)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwF75bfO6_4LRm1pUTdMZ2V4YTg/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwF75bfO6_4LRm1pUTdMZ2V4YTg/view
Originally shared by Gerard Snow
Here's an interesting game. It's an apocalypse powered simple rpg without a gamemaster or hitpoints. It's got lots of good racial abilities and rule mechanics, but only two classes archtypes, Arcanist and Nomad.
The rules are easy to bend or switch out and are great for people who like 2d6+stat gameplay. Just needs some more beefing up.
(It's says 24 pages but only 9.5 have writing do it's pretty small.)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwF75bfO6_4LRm1pUTdMZ2V4YTg/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwF75bfO6_4LRm1pUTdMZ2V4YTg/view
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Sophia Brandt on her blog this week linked to the first post on Zach Best's site regarding the discovery and acceptance of his diagnosed esophageal cancer, and it really is an insightful read. It helps to clarify why designers were stumbling over themselves to add content to the wonderful Zach's Book bundle we now have to remember him with (and THANK YOU to everyone who participated!). I almost missed the link in her story, though, so I thought I'd call it out for everyone else to get a chance to read. He truly is a gamer at heart.
Sophia Brandt on her blog this week linked to the first post on Zach Best's site regarding the discovery and acceptance of his diagnosed esophageal cancer, and it really is an insightful read. It helps to clarify why designers were stumbling over themselves to add content to the wonderful Zach's Book bundle we now have to remember him with (and THANK YOU to everyone who participated!). I almost missed the link in her story, though, so I thought I'd call it out for everyone else to get a chance to read. He truly is a gamer at heart.
My weekend will be filled with read-thrus of Zach's published guides (CRGE, I'm coming for you!) and poking around on the great site he was part of, followed by a wonderful time on Sunday spent with my fellow parishioners, but speaking to God 'solo' and asking to keep Zach and his family in His blessings.
Though I'm new to solo RPG gaming and to Zach's guides, this story plays out far too frequently in my own life the longer I'm around. One day, we will beat cancer. One of my children will be dedicating his life's work as a chemical engineer to advancing biomedicine, with hopes that he can help cure diseases in some way. That is the best thing a parent can hope for, to have his child promise to do good, and to do better. In this time of political and social upheaval, it's the only thing I look forward to: for my children to transcend my accomplishments for the benefit of others.
Thank you, Zach!
http://www.killtenrats.com/2016/05/27/cancer-and-crashlands/
My weekend will be filled with read-thrus of Zach's published guides (CRGE, I'm coming for you!) and poking around on the great site he was part of, followed by a wonderful time on Sunday spent with my fellow parishioners, but speaking to God 'solo' and asking to keep Zach and his family in His blessings.
Though I'm new to solo RPG gaming and to Zach's guides, this story plays out far too frequently in my own life the longer I'm around. One day, we will beat cancer. One of my children will be dedicating his life's work as a chemical engineer to advancing biomedicine, with hopes that he can help cure diseases in some way. That is the best thing a parent can hope for, to have his child promise to do good, and to do better. In this time of political and social upheaval, it's the only thing I look forward to: for my children to transcend my accomplishments for the benefit of others.
Thank you, Zach!
http://www.killtenrats.com/2016/05/27/cancer-and-crashlands/
New scene in my ongoing AP for 'Ryerson's Bluff', a sci-fi solo RPG/story game based around Miso RPG... Scene 2.1 now available! (Spoiler: make certain to read all of the 1.x scenes first)
New scene in my ongoing AP for 'Ryerson's Bluff', a sci-fi solo RPG/story game based around Miso RPG... Scene 2.1 now available! (Spoiler: make certain to read all of the 1.x scenes first)
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/ryersons-bluff-scene-2-1/
Side note: Any Wordpress pros out there? I'm trying to figure out the best way to link to previous posts within a post. Seems WP wants to log those as "comments", which looks lame, like I'm trying to drive up my stories' importance. (I'm using a free WP account right now, so... free.)
Side note 2: I want artwork to show in a thumbnail in these AP posts... do I need to embed a graphic at the beginning of the WP post to make it show up here?
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/ryersons-bluff-scene-2-1/
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/ryersons-bluff-scene-2-1/
Side note: Any Wordpress pros out there? I'm trying to figure out the best way to link to previous posts within a post. Seems WP wants to log those as "comments", which looks lame, like I'm trying to drive up my stories' importance. (I'm using a free WP account right now, so... free.)
Side note 2: I want artwork to show in a thumbnail in these AP posts... do I need to embed a graphic at the beginning of the WP post to make it show up here?
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/ryersons-bluff-scene-2-1/
Actual Play / First Time / Custom "Rules"
Actual Play / First Time / Custom "Rules"
So while I was home this summer away from my usual game groups I was itching for a game. To that end, I experimented with solo RPG and found it surprisingly satisfying. I developed something close to a structure that worked for me. So, I thought I'd share my experience and see if it mirrored anyone else’s. I'll put notes about choices I made for design/play in bold I’ll include the fiction in italics.
I used Blades in the Dark, a system I'm very familiar with. One of the things I like the most about it is that it forces the players to engage in a discussion about how strong a character's fictional position is. I wanted something where the fiction mattered. I chose to simply ignore all of the underlying structure for crews, factions, etc. This was the first choice I made. I essentially took the core mechanics of Blades because I was familiar with them and I like their focus on fiction. I ignored everything that didn't apply. I used Scarlet Heroes general Oracle to answer questions that I had, but mostly I was able to solve things on my own.
I wanted to do something with a S&S flavor rather than the core Blades experience. I decided I would be playing Makoto, a wandering monk exiled from her order due to monastic politics. Here I broke with the rules of Blades and did my own thing. I set up my stats, but I didn't choose any special abilities. Instead, I decided I would have 3 slots for "Facts" about my character. I would discover these through play. In the style of Blades, I left gear blank as well. Instead, I set a load limit of 6.
I figured it wouldn't be a S&S adventure if it didn't include a good snake cult. To represent this I chose 3 aspects to represent the snake temple I would purge of evil cultists: Swamp, Cultists, and Cursed Architecture. I gave each of these aspects 2-5 tick-boxes. When I brought one of these aspects into play, I would tick a box. When all boxes were ticked that aspect had been fully explored. This was the second choice I made. I decided that an adventure would have a certain number of aspects and each aspect would have a finite number of uses. This is, in essence, the "Dungeons as Monsters" method from Planar Codex (World of Dungeons). Basically, this gave me a short hand for determining how big the dungeon was.
Next, I set a starting scene this consisted of describing, quietly to myself, the scene as I would as GM. I took some quick notes and wrote down the images.
Room 1: Stone arch and broken buildings open to the night sky. Mangrove trees drive their roots into massive stone faces and knots of carven snakes. The whole place is hip deep water and smells of rot. Tiny paper lanterns float on the water and in the distance, we can hear the chanting of the cult.
Here was another important choice. I took quick notes on the scene so I could pick up the game whenever I wanted and also enjoy the act of creating scenes. I used the basic technique of describing senses and images that leaped to mind. I used paper, but recently I've experimented with Google Keep.
I checked one of the "Cursed Architecture" boxes and noted that this dungeon's geography was actually writhing and shifting like a snake to stop me from finding my way.
Now it was time to act as GM. So, I asked myself "What do you do?" As the player, I needed to find the cult in the maze of the dungeon, so I used the rules of Blades to find my way. I chose an Action, set difficulty and effect, etc. The ins and outs of Blades isn't the purpose of this post, but something I did do something important; I played honestly. I set the difficulty for tasks the same way I would as a GM, but I didn't have anyone else to work with, so I had to take responsibility for how I saw the fiction.
I decided Makoto was going to Attune (use magic) to try and find her way. My position was risky (this was possible, but hard) with zero effect (I was a single adept and this was an ancient dungeon with an active cult that was resisting me). So, I needed to spend some resources to make things easier on myself. So, this character was largely undiscovered so I decided to fill in some of the empty spaces I had to meet these challenges.
I decided Makoto had a bunch of paper talismans in her pack. I wrote that down on her gear list. Because they were small and light I decided they only took one slot. They could have taken 0, but they since they were magical I determined they were rare and therefore, limited. Play honestly. I thought how I would light them and instead of just a torch I decided that Mokoto was ½ Kitsune (a fox spirit) and she would light the lanterns with magical fox fire which would guide her way as they floated out on the water. Here’s another thing I did. I went with the first cool thing that leapt to mind, as long as it didn’t violate the “Play Honestly” maxim. Between this and Pushing Myself (another feature of Blades) I was able to bring my effect up from zero to limited.
So now we have this moment where Makoto folds a tiny paper lantern out of one of her talismans. She holds it to her face and blows on it until a tiny green flame sparks to life. She places the lantern on the water, with the rest of them. We see the lanterns gather on the surface of the water. The green ones drift against the current, deeper into the tunnel. Makoto follows them into the darkness…
Having set up my position, I picked up my dice and made the roll…
And this was the moment that I thought was interesting. This is the reason I play RPG’s. I love setting up the perfect gamble. I love setting the stakes and getting the moment tuned just right so that no matter how the dice fall I will enjoy the result. Usually, this is a collaborative process I share with my friends. But here I was forced to do it all alone. It still worked though. I still got the joy of creating images and characters. I still got to manage resources and fall in love with a character. It was slower, surely. It was more taxing, in some ways. But that moment was still there.
I failed that roll. Rules dictated that a complication occurs. I knew exactly what it was. Say the first cool thing that comes to mind and play honestly.
Just as Makoto steps through the archway a massive serpent bursts from the water, wraps her in its coils, and drags her under…
So while I was home this summer away from my usual game groups I was itching for a game. To that end, I experimented with solo RPG and found it surprisingly satisfying. I developed something close to a structure that worked for me. So, I thought I'd share my experience and see if it mirrored anyone else’s. I'll put notes about choices I made for design/play in bold I’ll include the fiction in italics.
I used Blades in the Dark, a system I'm very familiar with. One of the things I like the most about it is that it forces the players to engage in a discussion about how strong a character's fictional position is. I wanted something where the fiction mattered. I chose to simply ignore all of the underlying structure for crews, factions, etc. This was the first choice I made. I essentially took the core mechanics of Blades because I was familiar with them and I like their focus on fiction. I ignored everything that didn't apply. I used Scarlet Heroes general Oracle to answer questions that I had, but mostly I was able to solve things on my own.
I wanted to do something with a S&S flavor rather than the core Blades experience. I decided I would be playing Makoto, a wandering monk exiled from her order due to monastic politics. Here I broke with the rules of Blades and did my own thing. I set up my stats, but I didn't choose any special abilities. Instead, I decided I would have 3 slots for "Facts" about my character. I would discover these through play. In the style of Blades, I left gear blank as well. Instead, I set a load limit of 6.
I figured it wouldn't be a S&S adventure if it didn't include a good snake cult. To represent this I chose 3 aspects to represent the snake temple I would purge of evil cultists: Swamp, Cultists, and Cursed Architecture. I gave each of these aspects 2-5 tick-boxes. When I brought one of these aspects into play, I would tick a box. When all boxes were ticked that aspect had been fully explored. This was the second choice I made. I decided that an adventure would have a certain number of aspects and each aspect would have a finite number of uses. This is, in essence, the "Dungeons as Monsters" method from Planar Codex (World of Dungeons). Basically, this gave me a short hand for determining how big the dungeon was.
Next, I set a starting scene this consisted of describing, quietly to myself, the scene as I would as GM. I took some quick notes and wrote down the images.
Room 1: Stone arch and broken buildings open to the night sky. Mangrove trees drive their roots into massive stone faces and knots of carven snakes. The whole place is hip deep water and smells of rot. Tiny paper lanterns float on the water and in the distance, we can hear the chanting of the cult.
Here was another important choice. I took quick notes on the scene so I could pick up the game whenever I wanted and also enjoy the act of creating scenes. I used the basic technique of describing senses and images that leaped to mind. I used paper, but recently I've experimented with Google Keep.
I checked one of the "Cursed Architecture" boxes and noted that this dungeon's geography was actually writhing and shifting like a snake to stop me from finding my way.
Now it was time to act as GM. So, I asked myself "What do you do?" As the player, I needed to find the cult in the maze of the dungeon, so I used the rules of Blades to find my way. I chose an Action, set difficulty and effect, etc. The ins and outs of Blades isn't the purpose of this post, but something I did do something important; I played honestly. I set the difficulty for tasks the same way I would as a GM, but I didn't have anyone else to work with, so I had to take responsibility for how I saw the fiction.
I decided Makoto was going to Attune (use magic) to try and find her way. My position was risky (this was possible, but hard) with zero effect (I was a single adept and this was an ancient dungeon with an active cult that was resisting me). So, I needed to spend some resources to make things easier on myself. So, this character was largely undiscovered so I decided to fill in some of the empty spaces I had to meet these challenges.
I decided Makoto had a bunch of paper talismans in her pack. I wrote that down on her gear list. Because they were small and light I decided they only took one slot. They could have taken 0, but they since they were magical I determined they were rare and therefore, limited. Play honestly. I thought how I would light them and instead of just a torch I decided that Mokoto was ½ Kitsune (a fox spirit) and she would light the lanterns with magical fox fire which would guide her way as they floated out on the water. Here’s another thing I did. I went with the first cool thing that leapt to mind, as long as it didn’t violate the “Play Honestly” maxim. Between this and Pushing Myself (another feature of Blades) I was able to bring my effect up from zero to limited.
So now we have this moment where Makoto folds a tiny paper lantern out of one of her talismans. She holds it to her face and blows on it until a tiny green flame sparks to life. She places the lantern on the water, with the rest of them. We see the lanterns gather on the surface of the water. The green ones drift against the current, deeper into the tunnel. Makoto follows them into the darkness…
Having set up my position, I picked up my dice and made the roll…
And this was the moment that I thought was interesting. This is the reason I play RPG’s. I love setting up the perfect gamble. I love setting the stakes and getting the moment tuned just right so that no matter how the dice fall I will enjoy the result. Usually, this is a collaborative process I share with my friends. But here I was forced to do it all alone. It still worked though. I still got the joy of creating images and characters. I still got to manage resources and fall in love with a character. It was slower, surely. It was more taxing, in some ways. But that moment was still there.
I failed that roll. Rules dictated that a complication occurs. I knew exactly what it was. Say the first cool thing that comes to mind and play honestly.
Just as Makoto steps through the archway a massive serpent bursts from the water, wraps her in its coils, and drags her under…
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Hey guys, for those of you doing #GenCant2017 and #GenCon, could you take pictures of yourselves having a good time and put them on Twitter with the hashtag #playoneforzach to support Zach Best?
Hey guys, for those of you doing #GenCant2017 and #GenCon, could you take pictures of yourselves having a good time and put them on Twitter with the hashtag #playoneforzach to support Zach Best?
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Visemar's story continues with a minor tweak. I wasn't entirely happy with how the system(s) ran, so I reworked it to vanilla Fate Accelerated.
Visemar's story continues with a minor tweak. I wasn't entirely happy with how the system(s) ran, so I reworked it to vanilla Fate Accelerated.
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/fate-accelerated-visemar-2.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/fate-accelerated-visemar-2.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/fate-accelerated-visemar-2.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/fate-accelerated-visemar-2.html
Rearranged a little, and now I'm sitting down for a solo battle in Mobile Frame Zero, using Heroes of Normandie map tiles. Have ever mentioned the lengths I'll go to to avoid using rulers?
Rearranged a little, and now I'm sitting down for a solo battle in Mobile Frame Zero, using Heroes of Normandie map tiles. Have ever mentioned the lengths I'll go to to avoid using rulers?
As a bonus, while any 2 of us are playing games on the PC's we have plenty of space for the other 2 to play boardgames, or for Dad to run solo skrimshes, and still all hang out together
Originally shared by ****
Originally shared by ****
Here's a direct link to a more tablet-friendly version of the complete rules for Untold: Adventures Await and you don't need a BoardGameGeek login to get it: http://bit.ly/2uIjYI0
Thanks, Michael!
A fantasy actual play that didn't end too well for the hero. For this one I drew myself a little map which I will reuse in future actual plays and I used a homebrew version of Microlite20, which I really like as a ruleset for solo play.
A fantasy actual play that didn't end too well for the hero. For this one I drew myself a little map which I will reuse in future actual plays and I used a homebrew version of Microlite20, which I really like as a ruleset for solo play.
I used the class rules from Microlite20 but I used all six classic abilities with a 20 point array according to Pathfinder rules. For skills I imported the 13th Age background system, giving myself 10 points instead of 8 for being a human.
I wanted to play an unusal character concept: A mage by ruleset but more of a rogue character. A young mage who didn't like to study and instead went out partying, having fun with the ladies and gambling whenever he could. After he failed to many exams he got kicked out of the academy and also disinherited by his father, who is a minor noble. So as backgrounds I picked "half-trained academy dropout", "quick-witted gambler", "street-smart womanizer" and "disinherited son of a minor noble house".
I also used the tactical combat rules from Pathfinder. I will definetly revisit the concept.
I used the class rules from Microlite20 but I used all six classic abilities with a 20 point array according to Pathfinder rules. For skills I imported the 13th Age background system, giving myself 10 points instead of 8 for being a human.
I wanted to play an unusal character concept: A mage by ruleset but more of a rogue character. A young mage who didn't like to study and instead went out partying, having fun with the ladies and gambling whenever he could. After he failed to many exams he got kicked out of the academy and also disinherited by his father, who is a minor noble. So as backgrounds I picked "half-trained academy dropout", "quick-witted gambler", "street-smart womanizer" and "disinherited son of a minor noble house".
I also used the tactical combat rules from Pathfinder. I will definetly revisit the concept.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
My article for Zach Best's bundle. I hope it helps. Thanks Jacob Ross and everyone who contributed.
My article for Zach Best's bundle. I hope it helps. Thanks Jacob Ross and everyone who contributed.
http://dieheart.net/zach-best/
http://dieheart.net/zach-best/
http://dieheart.net/zach-best/
http://dieheart.net/zach-best/
Ok, so. I'm branching out to some different systems. I'm still playing my Rewind game, but now I'm sampling a bunch of others. But now I'm looking for more advice!
Ok, so. I'm branching out to some different systems. I'm still playing my Rewind game, but now I'm sampling a bunch of others. But now I'm looking for more advice!
RISUS looks really cool. Anyone do a RISUS-based AP? Has it really been out that long?
What about d10RPG?
EDIT:
Also, what about Karl Hendricks One Page Solo Engine? The more I reread it, the more impressed I become with it. Though I need to come up with a wandering encounter list...
RISUS looks really cool. Anyone do a RISUS-based AP? Has it really been out that long?
What about d10RPG?
EDIT:
Also, what about Karl Hendricks One Page Solo Engine? The more I reread it, the more impressed I become with it. Though I need to come up with a wandering encounter list...
This is pretty old but still very good. It got me started with solo miniatures scenario play:
This is pretty old but still very good. It got me started with solo miniatures scenario play:
It is a solo scenario to play with the D&D miniatures and rules. Thanks to the DDMguild you can now download all rules and stat cards for the D&D miniatures legally and for free from their site:
http://ddmguild.org/dd-miniatures-original-edition-rules-and-cards
You can use the rules and the scenario and use whatever miniatures you have on hand or even better, Pathfinder Pawns, to play it. You should have the map however.
There is a second adventure called Reclamation 2 as well and a lot of variants from the community for the first scenario.
http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mi/20060126b
It is a solo scenario to play with the D&D miniatures and rules. Thanks to the DDMguild you can now download all rules and stat cards for the D&D miniatures legally and for free from their site:
http://ddmguild.org/dd-miniatures-original-edition-rules-and-cards
You can use the rules and the scenario and use whatever miniatures you have on hand or even better, Pathfinder Pawns, to play it. You should have the map however.
There is a second adventure called Reclamation 2 as well and a lot of variants from the community for the first scenario.
http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mi/20060126b
Monday, August 14, 2017
Another AP while I know I have time: I have kind of missed D&D, but I know the system requires too much information for my tastes. I thought about Dungeon World, but I just finished a session of Freebooters of the Perilous Wilds. Which reminded me of the Fate Worlds post made by Ryan Macklin. Then Tiny Fate. So, Tiny Worlds of Apocalyptic Peril… Tiny Fate (with the Aspects Only hack from the Fate System Toolkit) meets Dungeon World meets Untold with Apocalypse World's harm clock.
Another AP while I know I have time: I have kind of missed D&D, but I know the system requires too much information for my tastes. I thought about Dungeon World, but I just finished a session of Freebooters of the Perilous Wilds. Which reminded me of the Fate Worlds post made by Ryan Macklin. Then Tiny Fate. So, Tiny Worlds of Apocalyptic Peril… Tiny Fate (with the Aspects Only hack from the Fate System Toolkit) meets Dungeon World meets Untold with Apocalypse World's harm clock.
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/tiny-worlds-of-apocalyptic-fate-1.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/tiny-worlds-of-apocalyptic-fate-1.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/tiny-worlds-of-apocalyptic-fate-1.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/tiny-worlds-of-apocalyptic-fate-1.html
The thrilling (?) conclusion of my 2nd d6 Star Wars adventure is up.
The thrilling (?) conclusion of my 2nd d6 Star Wars adventure is up.
I seem to have accidentally run the whole thing without any action sequences. The third adventure will make up for that eventually, though it takes a rather few scenes to build up to it...
I seem to have accidentally run the whole thing without any action sequences. The third adventure will make up for that eventually, though it takes a rather few scenes to build up to it...
For those of you that have run Solo Star Wars games. I was just wondering if you guys had a system for picking out a start location. I was figuring I could probably come up with a list of possible locations and roll at random, but it felt kind of weird.
For those of you that have run Solo Star Wars games. I was just wondering if you guys had a system for picking out a start location. I was figuring I could probably come up with a list of possible locations and roll at random, but it felt kind of weird.
I guess I've run so many campaigns over the years, that most of the usual starting locations seem old hat for me. Appreciate any advice you can give!
I guess I've run so many campaigns over the years, that most of the usual starting locations seem old hat for me. Appreciate any advice you can give!
I tried out a few things with the start of a new solo attempt. It may be a campaign, but for now I'm just having fun toying with it. For the first session I used the Otherkind dice mechanic as the core rule system. I also tried out my idea of beginning with the ending and playing towards it. However the dice results gave me a different unexpected ending that made sense, so I went with it.
I tried out a few things with the start of a new solo attempt. It may be a campaign, but for now I'm just having fun toying with it. For the first session I used the Otherkind dice mechanic as the core rule system. I also tried out my idea of beginning with the ending and playing towards it. However the dice results gave me a different unexpected ending that made sense, so I went with it.
https://herolutions.blogspot.com/
https://herolutions.blogspot.com/
Ok, so they went back for the coins...
Ok, so they went back for the coins...
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4179
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4179
Continuing my solo adventure using Mythras Classic Fantasy, the GM's Apprentice Deck, and a really old adventure map...
Continuing my solo adventure using Mythras Classic Fantasy, the GM's Apprentice Deck, and a really old adventure map...
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4176
http://ubiquitousrat.net/?p=4176
Sunday, August 13, 2017
I had been running as a team until recently, so my down time has been almost non-existent. Now that I am back to running solo, I can also get back to running solo. To start, I figured I'd run Freebooters again. It ran a lot longer than I expected and turned out differently than I thought.
I had been running as a team until recently, so my down time has been almost non-existent. Now that I am back to running solo, I can also get back to running solo. To start, I figured I'd run Freebooters again. It ran a lot longer than I expected and turned out differently than I thought.
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/freebooters-of-perilous-wilds-1.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/freebooters-of-perilous-wilds-1.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/freebooters-of-perilous-wilds-1.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/08/freebooters-of-perilous-wilds-1.html
I put together a demo video on building and running a solo game with the Fantasy GMA deck! In this case, I used the Cypher System from MCG, but the decks are system-neutral.
I put together a demo video on building and running a solo game with the Fantasy GMA deck! In this case, I used the Cypher System from MCG, but the decks are system-neutral.
https://youtu.be/BhFGWp_N2fk
https://youtu.be/BhFGWp_N2fk
https://youtu.be/BhFGWp_N2fk
https://youtu.be/BhFGWp_N2fk
A trip down memory lane: In 1988 I started roleplaying with the german fantasy rpg Das Schwarze Auge. Back then I didn't have fancy maps, pawns or miniatures. And back then I already played solo because I wanted to play more than anybody had time. My solo gaming back then was simple: I either played a solo adventure (choose your own style) or I drew random dungeons and just fought monsters. This is what I am doing here. Tools used: Microlite20 rules but with 3.x tactical combat rules, the graph paper is the battlegrid, the monsters and PCs are light pencil marks that are easily erased and updated. Random dungeon generation tables from the DungeonBash game, random monster and treasure tables from the 3.x d&d adventure game boxed set that came with black and white cardboard tokens. Great fun.
A trip down memory lane: In 1988 I started roleplaying with the german fantasy rpg Das Schwarze Auge. Back then I didn't have fancy maps, pawns or miniatures. And back then I already played solo because I wanted to play more than anybody had time. My solo gaming back then was simple: I either played a solo adventure (choose your own style) or I drew random dungeons and just fought monsters. This is what I am doing here. Tools used: Microlite20 rules but with 3.x tactical combat rules, the graph paper is the battlegrid, the monsters and PCs are light pencil marks that are easily erased and updated. Random dungeon generation tables from the DungeonBash game, random monster and treasure tables from the 3.x d&d adventure game boxed set that came with black and white cardboard tokens. Great fun.
I took a bit of a breather from this series due to lack of time, but we're back with Scarlet Heroes and Kasumi the Cleric's attempts to rescue a kidnapped doctor from a criminal gang.
I took a bit of a breather from this series due to lack of time, but we're back with Scarlet Heroes and Kasumi the Cleric's attempts to rescue a kidnapped doctor from a criminal gang.
https://moggynomates.angrymog.com/2017/08/13/scarlet-heroes-part-seven-urban-adventure-part-four/
It's swords and sorcery. Of course there's a giant snake.
https://moggynomates.angrymog.com/2017/08/13/scarlet-heroes-part-seven-urban-adventure-part-four/
https://moggynomates.angrymog.com/2017/08/13/scarlet-heroes-part-seven-urban-adventure-part-four/
It's swords and sorcery. Of course there's a giant snake.
https://moggynomates.angrymog.com/2017/08/13/scarlet-heroes-part-seven-urban-adventure-part-four/
Saturday, August 12, 2017
I'm thinking of giving up on my AP series for the World of Darkness Chronicle. I still want to PLAY it, but I feel like the recapping is getting in my way.
I'm thinking of giving up on my AP series for the World of Darkness Chronicle. I still want to PLAY it, but I feel like the recapping is getting in my way.
The thing about modules in general is that there's a plot there. And with the White Wolf one, the plot is pretty overwhelming. As I was working on the latest one, the recapping of the plot and explaining what was going took pages and pages of text, and I began losing the sense of the characters and what they were experiencing in the story.
I could fix it, and make it work, but I fear the result would be practically a novella size series for each module, which takes away from the joy of playing it.
The thing about modules in general is that there's a plot there. And with the White Wolf one, the plot is pretty overwhelming. As I was working on the latest one, the recapping of the plot and explaining what was going took pages and pages of text, and I began losing the sense of the characters and what they were experiencing in the story.
I could fix it, and make it work, but I fear the result would be practically a novella size series for each module, which takes away from the joy of playing it.
I haven't watched professional wrestling in about 20 years, but through the magic of YouTube I found myself watching a video on the process of creating and performing those matches. As we all know, the outcome is predetermined to for the narrative, but what I learned was that the performances themselves are not scripted. The journey to reach the predefined outcome is improvised in the ring as it happens.
I haven't watched professional wrestling in about 20 years, but through the magic of YouTube I found myself watching a video on the process of creating and performing those matches. As we all know, the outcome is predetermined to for the narrative, but what I learned was that the performances themselves are not scripted. The journey to reach the predefined outcome is improvised in the ring as it happens.
What does this have to do with solo gaming? A lot of our efforts are to find the answer for the question, "Where is this story going?". Would it be beneficial to know where we're going, and put our efforts into the journey?
An example, perhaps I know a scene ends with me getting the map to the dungeon from the dwarf behind the bar. I still have to achieve that outcome throughout the course of play using whatever mechanics the game system, oracle's, or other tools allow. If my initial efforts fail, the scene may play out contrary to ally expectations by pushing me into unexpected routes to the predetermined end point. I could have failed to intimidate him, and he won't accept a bribe, so now I'm lurking outside the tavern waiting to mug him when he heads home for the night.
This is theory only at this point, but I intend to put it to the test in the next week if I have time. I'd be interested to hear anyone else thoughts on the matter.
What does this have to do with solo gaming? A lot of our efforts are to find the answer for the question, "Where is this story going?". Would it be beneficial to know where we're going, and put our efforts into the journey?
An example, perhaps I know a scene ends with me getting the map to the dungeon from the dwarf behind the bar. I still have to achieve that outcome throughout the course of play using whatever mechanics the game system, oracle's, or other tools allow. If my initial efforts fail, the scene may play out contrary to ally expectations by pushing me into unexpected routes to the predetermined end point. I could have failed to intimidate him, and he won't accept a bribe, so now I'm lurking outside the tavern waiting to mug him when he heads home for the night.
This is theory only at this point, but I intend to put it to the test in the next week if I have time. I'd be interested to hear anyone else thoughts on the matter.
As a geek dad I do my best to get my kids into gaming. My 5-year old daughter really likes fighting monsters and taking their stuff. We play with simple rules and use a d6. We can move 6 squares and attack. We hit on a 4 or higher. Every hit causes 1 point of damage. We have 5 hitpoints, normal monsters have 1, boss monsters have 3. Monsters also hit on 4+. The tokens are treasures we have to collect. My daughter set up the board, picked the monsters and placed them. Great fun.
As a geek dad I do my best to get my kids into gaming. My 5-year old daughter really likes fighting monsters and taking their stuff. We play with simple rules and use a d6. We can move 6 squares and attack. We hit on a 4 or higher. Every hit causes 1 point of damage. We have 5 hitpoints, normal monsters have 1, boss monsters have 3. Monsters also hit on 4+. The tokens are treasures we have to collect. My daughter set up the board, picked the monsters and placed them. Great fun.
My weekly grab bag has links tons of solitaire dice and roll games.
My weekly grab bag has links tons of solitaire dice and roll games.
http://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-aug11/
Direct links:
https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/6s510s/35_and_counting_solitaire_rollandwrite_games_are/?st=J631W6DR&sh=c3ce9959
https://metalsnail.itch.io/hall-of-the-dwarven-king
https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/150637/untold-adventures-await-first-edition-rulebook
Originally shared by Sophia Brandt
What's new this week?
Untold (storytelling game) Rules v1 by John Fiore are free to download. Dragon Warriors RPG is free and there is a blog series by Charles Akins. Link to Kevin Crawford's AMA on reddit.
cecil howe told me about free solitaire games.
Jennifer Fuss has a weekly crowdfunding overview and Tina Trillitzsch indie RPG goodies.
http://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-aug11/
http://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-aug11/
Direct links:
https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/6s510s/35_and_counting_solitaire_rollandwrite_games_are/?st=J631W6DR&sh=c3ce9959
https://metalsnail.itch.io/hall-of-the-dwarven-king
https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/150637/untold-adventures-await-first-edition-rulebook
Originally shared by Sophia Brandt
What's new this week?
Untold (storytelling game) Rules v1 by John Fiore are free to download. Dragon Warriors RPG is free and there is a blog series by Charles Akins. Link to Kevin Crawford's AMA on reddit.
cecil howe told me about free solitaire games.
Jennifer Fuss has a weekly crowdfunding overview and Tina Trillitzsch indie RPG goodies.
http://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-aug11/
Friday, August 11, 2017
So, upon hearing the news, I had to at least write up my memoir regarding Zach. He had helped me out with this hobby in a way that I didn't realize until now, and for that, I am grateful.
So, upon hearing the news, I had to at least write up my memoir regarding Zach. He had helped me out with this hobby in a way that I didn't realize until now, and for that, I am grateful.
And for those who want to ask, yes. Feel free to include this in Zach's Book if you wish.
https://solorpgvoyages.wordpress.com/2017/08/11/spotlight-zach-best/
And for those who want to ask, yes. Feel free to include this in Zach's Book if you wish.
https://solorpgvoyages.wordpress.com/2017/08/11/spotlight-zach-best/
I dont think I saw this here yet... I know it looks better than the original but I'm not sure if it adds more.
I dont think I saw this here yet... I know it looks better than the original but I'm not sure if it adds more.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/376399785/the-gamemasters-apprentice-a-fantasy-deck-for-any
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/376399785/the-gamemasters-apprentice-a-fantasy-deck-for-any
Francesco Rugerfred Sedda is looking for playtesters for his solitaire game. Just a heads up in case anyone would like to take it for a spin.
Francesco Rugerfred Sedda is looking for playtesters for his solitaire game. Just a heads up in case anyone would like to take it for a spin.
Originally shared by Francesco Rugerfred Sedda (Rugerfred)
Hi, everyone!
I'm looking for playtesters that would like to play a short solitaire-rpg called The Legendary Catch.
It will be a blind playtest, the whole game will not last more than 20-30 minutes, and will require just you, 5 six-sided dices, and a single printed page for an handout (or three pages in total if you want to print all the rules plus the material needed).
So, few things about the game and the test itself if you would like to play it:
- There's a chapter about "documenting" the game. For the playtest you may pick any of these and, when you finish playing, I would like to check and analyze it.
- I would also like a short playtest report aside from the documentation: your opinion on the game's flow, mood, and any peculiar or meaningful thing that you want to add.
- I am also interested in comments regarding the written form of the rules, and general feedback on how polished they are.
- I am not testing the layout or graphic elements: if something is complicated or problematic to read or use, I'm interested in that, but right now not in any other specific graphic detail.
Here's the rule document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b8ZWaWKlTtddWCFIJlLEypLzccbtlzUlK3aXfjlp2BY/edit?usp=sharing
Thanks! <3
Originally shared by Francesco Rugerfred Sedda (Rugerfred)
Hi, everyone!
I'm looking for playtesters that would like to play a short solitaire-rpg called The Legendary Catch.
It will be a blind playtest, the whole game will not last more than 20-30 minutes, and will require just you, 5 six-sided dices, and a single printed page for an handout (or three pages in total if you want to print all the rules plus the material needed).
So, few things about the game and the test itself if you would like to play it:
- There's a chapter about "documenting" the game. For the playtest you may pick any of these and, when you finish playing, I would like to check and analyze it.
- I would also like a short playtest report aside from the documentation: your opinion on the game's flow, mood, and any peculiar or meaningful thing that you want to add.
- I am also interested in comments regarding the written form of the rules, and general feedback on how polished they are.
- I am not testing the layout or graphic elements: if something is complicated or problematic to read or use, I'm interested in that, but right now not in any other specific graphic detail.
Here's the rule document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b8ZWaWKlTtddWCFIJlLEypLzccbtlzUlK3aXfjlp2BY/edit?usp=sharing
Thanks! <3
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Zach Best
The benefit for Zach Best's family is now live. All proceeds go to Zach so his family can take care of expenses. For 10 bucks you get lots of content, including Mythic Mortals, Romance of the Perilous Land, The Baron's Gold, The Sun Below series, Kaigaku Premium Edition and more. Many thanks to John Marvin, Bill DeFranza, Scott Malthouse and David Schirduan for providing awesome content.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/m/product/218759?affiliate_id=319435
Zach Best
The benefit for Zach Best's family is now live. All proceeds go to Zach so his family can take care of expenses. For 10 bucks you get lots of content, including Mythic Mortals, Romance of the Perilous Land, The Baron's Gold, The Sun Below series, Kaigaku Premium Edition and more. Many thanks to John Marvin, Bill DeFranza, Scott Malthouse and David Schirduan for providing awesome content.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/m/product/218759?affiliate_id=319435
I use dice when I want to break my control.
I use dice when I want to break my control.
I want the heroes to win, I want treasure to be discovered. I want the budding romance to blossom.
But I am prepared to delay my gratification in pursuit of immersion.
Why do I trust the dice to give me a better story?
I want the heroes to win, I want treasure to be discovered. I want the budding romance to blossom.
But I am prepared to delay my gratification in pursuit of immersion.
Why do I trust the dice to give me a better story?
Because I'm a fan of random generators in all their forms... :-)
Because I'm a fan of random generators in all their forms... :-)
Originally shared by Phil Vecchione
So you may know that I am a big fan of Manowar. PK Sullivan and I do a whole thing about it on Panda's when he was a guest.
There is a Manowar Lyrics Generator that is pure gold.
But as I am looking at the lyrics...I am thinking that this thing is a DCC adventure generator. Allow me to show my work...
Here is the first verse from one of the songs...
KILL WIND
Fight the brave blood and the wind
Attack all the wind against the sword
I fight their horse and battle
Fight dead metal without death
Ride loud battle
The gods kill our wind with fierce fire
I can totally make an adventure from this. Just look at all the good stuff in there... Dead Metal without Death. Come on...
I think I want to just get a stack of random Dyson maps, this generator, and just make DCC adventures now.
http://dmatoso.com/manowar-lyrics-generator/
Originally shared by Phil Vecchione
So you may know that I am a big fan of Manowar. PK Sullivan and I do a whole thing about it on Panda's when he was a guest.
There is a Manowar Lyrics Generator that is pure gold.
But as I am looking at the lyrics...I am thinking that this thing is a DCC adventure generator. Allow me to show my work...
Here is the first verse from one of the songs...
KILL WIND
Fight the brave blood and the wind
Attack all the wind against the sword
I fight their horse and battle
Fight dead metal without death
Ride loud battle
The gods kill our wind with fierce fire
I can totally make an adventure from this. Just look at all the good stuff in there... Dead Metal without Death. Come on...
I think I want to just get a stack of random Dyson maps, this generator, and just make DCC adventures now.
http://dmatoso.com/manowar-lyrics-generator/
Thursday, August 10, 2017
My 4th session with Kingdom.
My 4th session with Kingdom.
http://diceandwords.blogspot.com/2017/08/lets-play-kingdom-eshbal-c1s4.html?m=1
http://diceandwords.blogspot.com/2017/08/lets-play-kingdom-eshbal-c1s4.html?m=1
Hi everyone
Hi everyone,
Long-time solo player, first-time poster. First, I love how active and engaged this community is. You guys are always beacons of fun and creativity.
Second, a question: in all my solo play I have never attempted emulating a group of players playing their characters. Any advice, resources, examples of/for crafting player personalities to add another dimension to the play experience?
Thanks a lot!
Long-time solo player, first-time poster. First, I love how active and engaged this community is. You guys are always beacons of fun and creativity.
Second, a question: in all my solo play I have never attempted emulating a group of players playing their characters. Any advice, resources, examples of/for crafting player personalities to add another dimension to the play experience?
Thanks a lot!
Hey, just uploaded my OMGAM game for August. Three months in, three solo one page games done!
Hey, just uploaded my OMGAM game for August. Three months in, three solo one page games done!
It's a game of witches and triggered actions and I don't know what I'm gonna do for Halloween now. It's got a heart that's pure pbta and a unique d36 card set for oracles.
I named it "Death Shroud on the World Entire" after a quote from a funny list by Doc Rotwang that Questing Beast posted on reddit a couple of weeks ago.
I think that's the most tags I've ever included in a single post ever.
https://exposit.github.io/katarpgs/superlite/shroud/
And the funny list:
https://xbowvsbuddha.blogspot.com/2017/07/results-of-attacking-darkness-in.html
https://exposit.github.io/katarpgs/superlite/shroud/
It's a game of witches and triggered actions and I don't know what I'm gonna do for Halloween now. It's got a heart that's pure pbta and a unique d36 card set for oracles.
I named it "Death Shroud on the World Entire" after a quote from a funny list by Doc Rotwang that Questing Beast posted on reddit a couple of weeks ago.
I think that's the most tags I've ever included in a single post ever.
https://exposit.github.io/katarpgs/superlite/shroud/
And the funny list:
https://xbowvsbuddha.blogspot.com/2017/07/results-of-attacking-darkness-in.html
https://exposit.github.io/katarpgs/superlite/shroud/
This is the community where I first encountered Zach Best, and it seems that it was for a lot of you, too. This bundle that we're putting together is going to have a PDF called Zach's Book. If any of you want to write a few words for him and his family, put them in the comments below and I'll include them. Alex Yari
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
Originally shared by Jacob Ross
This is URGENT: Hey, folks, I want this post to reach as many small press RPG publishers, writers and artists as possible. We're about to lose a member of our community to a terminal illness. I'd like to get together and brainstorm about what we can do to help. There are GoFundMe pages, DrivethruRPG.com benefit bundles and other ideas.
If you've ever read anything from Conjecture Games then you're familiar with Zach Best. He's posted that he's in hospice care right now, so there isn't much time left.
This is URGENT: Hey, folks, I want this post to reach as many small press RPG publishers, writers and artists as possible. We're about to lose a member of our community to a terminal illness. I'd like to get together and brainstorm about what we can do to help. There are GoFundMe pages, DrivethruRPG.com benefit bundles and other ideas.
If you've ever read anything from Conjecture Games then you're familiar with Zach Best. He's posted that he's in hospice care right now, so there isn't much time left.
Hi again group. Read the https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/wiki/solo section and there it was listed a few solo games. I got interrested in "The mutant epoch" because of the line " The Mutant Epoch - An old school mutants/beasts/robots in the postapocalypse game with built in choose-your-own-adventure mechanics." But when i checked the rpg at drivethru it does not seem to include those choose your own adventure mechanics, or is it? Anyone here knows ? I also looked at a few of the adventures/expansions and there is not stated anywhere that it is solo friendly.. It seems like a cool game though. Might buy it anyway :-D
Hi again group. Read the https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/wiki/solo section and there it was listed a few solo games. I got interrested in "The mutant epoch" because of the line " The Mutant Epoch - An old school mutants/beasts/robots in the postapocalypse game with built in choose-your-own-adventure mechanics." But when i checked the rpg at drivethru it does not seem to include those choose your own adventure mechanics, or is it? Anyone here knows ? I also looked at a few of the adventures/expansions and there is not stated anywhere that it is solo friendly.. It seems like a cool game though. Might buy it anyway :-D
https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/wiki/solo
https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/wiki/solo
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Picking up the discussion from a couple of days ago about portable battlegrids here is an interesting video that illustrates it.
Picking up the discussion from a couple of days ago about portable battlegrids here is an interesting video that illustrates it.
https://youtu.be/QlRTyz7YV44
https://youtu.be/QlRTyz7YV44
I have been really busy the last couple of weeks. I ended up having an unexpected knee surgery thanks to something that happened at work, but I wanted to share with you a couple of play throughs that I was able to get done and really enjoyed.
I have been really busy the last couple of weeks. I ended up having an unexpected knee surgery thanks to something that happened at work, but I wanted to share with you a couple of play throughs that I was able to get done and really enjoyed.
I want to preface this post by saying that I have been using the Game Master Apprentice cards for all dice rolls. The pack of cards I have are sleeved and held together with one of my daughters hair ties. They substitute any and all dice combinations and work incredibly well for on the fly RPG action. I even used them to run my Pathfinder game. I can not recommend them enough. I have enjoyed this product so much that I am planning to pick up all of the expansions for it. If you want to take a look at them here is the link: http://www.drivethrucards.com/product/125685/The-GameMasters-Apprentice-Base-Deck
Game 1: 1572 The Lost Expedition. I can not believe how much game is in this one page set up. (The rules are a few pages but the game itself is on one.) Resource management, exploration, hex crawling and it is free!! I ran through twice. A ton of fun!! "You assume the role of a small party of conquistadors trying to reach the Atlantic Ocean after a failed expedition deep in the New World." I highly recommend the optional journaling phase, it was a lot of fun looking back at what I had accomplished. If your looking for something to play solo for a couple of hours that doesn't take up a ton of space make sure you take a look at this one: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/199269/1572-lost-expedition
Game 2: Hall of the Dwarven King: This is another one page set up. Its a lighter play than 1572, but again a lot of game in a one page set up. This one truly is one page rules and all. You are a group of dwarves mining down into the depths. See how far you can make it in 20 rounds while managing the fun loving drinking and fighting nature of your kin! Again, this is FREE! Well worth the time! Here you go: https://metalsnail.itch.io/hall-of-the-dwarven-king
I want to preface this post by saying that I have been using the Game Master Apprentice cards for all dice rolls. The pack of cards I have are sleeved and held together with one of my daughters hair ties. They substitute any and all dice combinations and work incredibly well for on the fly RPG action. I even used them to run my Pathfinder game. I can not recommend them enough. I have enjoyed this product so much that I am planning to pick up all of the expansions for it. If you want to take a look at them here is the link: http://www.drivethrucards.com/product/125685/The-GameMasters-Apprentice-Base-Deck
Game 1: 1572 The Lost Expedition. I can not believe how much game is in this one page set up. (The rules are a few pages but the game itself is on one.) Resource management, exploration, hex crawling and it is free!! I ran through twice. A ton of fun!! "You assume the role of a small party of conquistadors trying to reach the Atlantic Ocean after a failed expedition deep in the New World." I highly recommend the optional journaling phase, it was a lot of fun looking back at what I had accomplished. If your looking for something to play solo for a couple of hours that doesn't take up a ton of space make sure you take a look at this one: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/199269/1572-lost-expedition
Game 2: Hall of the Dwarven King: This is another one page set up. Its a lighter play than 1572, but again a lot of game in a one page set up. This one truly is one page rules and all. You are a group of dwarves mining down into the depths. See how far you can make it in 20 rounds while managing the fun loving drinking and fighting nature of your kin! Again, this is FREE! Well worth the time! Here you go: https://metalsnail.itch.io/hall-of-the-dwarven-king
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Anyone checked this out? Sounds pretty useful for a D&D style/fantasy Solo game.
Anyone checked this out? Sounds pretty useful for a D&D style/fantasy Solo game.
Originally shared by Alex Welk
IMPROVisr 4.0.0 is live! A game improvisation tool for DM's, including everything from encounters to treasure hoards to NPC's and more. Now customizable with an external excel and with just about every function updated and improved.
http://www.anarchydice.com/2017/08/08/improvisr-4-0-0/
Originally shared by Alex Welk
IMPROVisr 4.0.0 is live! A game improvisation tool for DM's, including everything from encounters to treasure hoards to NPC's and more. Now customizable with an external excel and with just about every function updated and improved.
http://www.anarchydice.com/2017/08/08/improvisr-4-0-0/
In Darkest Warrens - The unepic finale. Nothing happened on the way back to Fallcrest. My employer didn't double cross me. I wanted some more action but my philosophy in solo gaming is let the dice fall as they may. Otherwise it wouldn't be a game but just a short story. I will keep the character and play him some more.
In Darkest Warrens - The unepic finale. Nothing happened on the way back to Fallcrest. My employer didn't double cross me. I wanted some more action but my philosophy in solo gaming is let the dice fall as they may. Otherwise it wouldn't be a game but just a short story. I will keep the character and play him some more.
Hey guys
Hey guys,
Based on some of the feedback I got, I decided to write up a quick "primer" for Vampire, since I'll be using it for my ongoing Actual Play series. For those who aren't familiar with Vampire, does this make sense? For those that are familiar, is there anything I'm missing?
http://www.chimericalrealm.com/2017/08/the-vampire-primer.html
Based on some of the feedback I got, I decided to write up a quick "primer" for Vampire, since I'll be using it for my ongoing Actual Play series. For those who aren't familiar with Vampire, does this make sense? For those that are familiar, is there anything I'm missing?
http://www.chimericalrealm.com/2017/08/the-vampire-primer.html
The post on the diminishing returns of randomness yesterday got me thinking: Do any of you have mechanics in your solo play for putting a stopper in the flow of random elements when there are too many plot elements/characters on the table, or do you just feel the freedom to intercede when things get too crazy as there's nobody to please but yourself to begin with?
The post on the diminishing returns of randomness yesterday got me thinking: Do any of you have mechanics in your solo play for putting a stopper in the flow of random elements when there are too many plot elements/characters on the table, or do you just feel the freedom to intercede when things get too crazy as there's nobody to please but yourself to begin with?
Just imagining a mechanic broadly for a moment, one could record major characters and plot elements on a numbered list, and roll 2d6 (2d10, a d20, whatever...) against it when the game triggers the addition of random content. Rolled above the number of elements? Add a new one as triggered. Equal to or less than the number? Ignore the trigger, or even dedicate to resolving/retiring an active element in the next 3 scenes or so.
Does anyone do something like this?
Just imagining a mechanic broadly for a moment, one could record major characters and plot elements on a numbered list, and roll 2d6 (2d10, a d20, whatever...) against it when the game triggers the addition of random content. Rolled above the number of elements? Add a new one as triggered. Equal to or less than the number? Ignore the trigger, or even dedicate to resolving/retiring an active element in the next 3 scenes or so.
Does anyone do something like this?
Monday, August 7, 2017
Do you get much immersion in your solo gaming?
Do you get much immersion in your solo gaming?
Music? Visual aids? Props? Do you perform lines out loud in character?
I saw our bathroom full of these empty rolls and imagined them as props. A choir of cultists.
An enchanted forest. Pillars in an underground structure.
We are pioneers of self guided meditation. We make the rules.
Music? Visual aids? Props? Do you perform lines out loud in character?
I saw our bathroom full of these empty rolls and imagined them as props. A choir of cultists.
An enchanted forest. Pillars in an underground structure.
We are pioneers of self guided meditation. We make the rules.
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