So I'm doing some puttering around on the possibility of running an action movie thing. I was looking for quotes from the stereotypical police chief. I found this. I think it completes me:

So I'm doing some puttering around on the possibility of running an action movie thing. I was looking for quotes from the stereotypical police chief. I found this. I think it completes me:


http://theangrypolicecaptain.com/

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

Free card set for Samurai Dice, whose base rules are also free on Drivethru. Back us on Kickstarter to produce top-quality content for this awesome RPG/dice game!
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/222838/Samurai-Dice-Story-Edition-PrintandPlay-Cards?affiliate_id=319435

Been playing whenever I've had some spare time and made it through the first 3 scenes in Violet Fox's first Amazing Adventure. Not much in the way of horror so far, but that's to be expected as it's still just getting started.

Been playing whenever I've had some spare time and made it through the first 3 scenes in Violet Fox's first Amazing Adventure. Not much in the way of horror so far, but that's to be expected as it's still just getting started.

I marked OOC/Mechanics in red text to try and make it easier to follow.

How do you guys deal with solo situations wherein I want to see if my character knows something or can recall knowledge of something past? Are these kind of situations not conducive to solo play?

Solo gamebook for 5e D&D! It can be run offline or on roll20 or fantasy grounds.

Solo gamebook for 5e D&D! It can be run offline or on roll20 or fantasy grounds.
http://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=5E%20Solo%20Gamebooks

Rain: Season 1, Episode 1, Part 3: Where I experience Runequest 6 (Mythras) combat for the first time. The write up explains why I don't particularly like it as much as I thought I would, and the session puts it into perspective.

Hello guys! I think that probably we already had this topic here somewhere, but I think it's worth returning, so: How did you start your solo RPG life? How was the first idea, insight about play solo?

Hello guys! I think that probably we already had this topic here somewhere, but I think it's worth returning, so: How did you start your solo RPG life? How was the first idea, insight about play solo?
Well, with me it was after a game of "Shotgun Diaries" ... in this game, every time you take "6" in a roll dice you can describe what happens in the scene of your character; and in one of the matches with a friend (the Master), I rolled a 6 ALL times! Then he said, "Man, you did not need me on this adventure!"
And then I thought, "Man, I think I can do it at home ..."
The rest is history ...

The card-dice-RPG hybrid that you can play alone or with friends.

The card-dice-RPG hybrid that you can play alone or with friends.

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

So Samurai Dice is live on Kickstarter! Check it out and back the game at the link below. So pretty, so fast, so fun!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1059971838/samurai-dice

Ever go cross-eyed trying to look up the Probablity of your Mythic GME questions on the Fate Chart? Maybe that's an exaggeration, but I thought it would be fun to turn it into a wheel chart instead. Introducing the Wheel of Fate: 2 pieces of card stock, some adhesive, and a deft x-acto blade and you're in business!

Ever go cross-eyed trying to look up the Probablity of your Mythic GME questions on the Fate Chart? Maybe that's an exaggeration, but I thought it would be fun to turn it into a wheel chart instead. Introducing the Wheel of Fate: 2 pieces of card stock, some adhesive, and a deft x-acto blade and you're in business!

(P.S. Thanks to those of you here who volunteered to construct and test it out!)
http://wispsoftime.com/content/wheel-fate-mythic-fate-chart-alternative/

I wonder how many people mix and match their Oracles? It seems like a lot of people prefer a barebones system, and I certainly understand the appeal of that. I guess I'm not always as creative as I like, or I just really prefer the thrill of being surprised at like...EVERY turn.

I wonder how many people mix and match their Oracles? It seems like a lot of people prefer a barebones system, and I certainly understand the appeal of that. I guess I'm not always as creative as I like, or I just really prefer the thrill of being surprised at like...EVERY turn.

For my current game, I'm using UNE and a custom table for NPC's. I'm using Mythic (with genre-Variation), Covetous Poet, and a derivative of Scarlet Heroes.

I use Scarlet for the "pacing"--using it's "Victory Point" system to keep the game going, setting a hard limit and the chance that my character can "fail" the story without necessarily dying.

Mythic handles the general Oracle duties.

Covetous Poet I use for scene setting. So, say I defeat a thug and interrogate him and succeed (both resolved with base rules), Mythic gives me limits to what the thug ACTUALLY knows, but I'm still left with the question of what the Thug actually tells me. CP steps to give me the next scene setup, which lets me know where I go next, and what kind of situation I'm expecting when I get there.

How many different solo systems do you use at a time? The fewest possible--including perhaps none? Just your favorite? Or do you through anything that strikes your fancy?

Last time I summarized Mythic GME, this round I cover the game I'll be playing for my Rolling Solo finale: Sharp Swords & Sinister Spells! Be sure to check out the freebie from Mike Janvrin at the end of the post.

Last time I summarized Mythic GME, this round I cover the game I'll be playing for my Rolling Solo finale: Sharp Swords & Sinister Spells! Be sure to check out the freebie from Mike Janvrin at the end of the post.
http://wispsoftime.com/content/rolling-solo-chapter-6-part-ii-sharp-swords-sinister-spells/

A month or two ago i said i'd let you all know when the 2nd 7th Continent Kickstarter went live. Normally i would consider such posts to be horribly off-topic here, but 7C is closely related to choose-your-own-path books, which seem to be a common thread in this community. So...

A month or two ago i said i'd let you all know when the 2nd 7th Continent Kickstarter went live. Normally i would consider such posts to be horribly off-topic here, but 7C is closely related to choose-your-own-path books, which seem to be a common thread in this community. So...

It funded in about 2 minutes.

Originally shared by Cory Meade

the 7th Continent Kickstarter just opened up 3 minutes ago and already is over $100,000. Holy cow.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1926712971/the-7th-continent-what-goes-up-must-come-down/comments
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1926712971/the-7th-continent-what-goes-up-must-come-down/comments

One of the best aspects of solo gaming is the ability to stop by the used book store, find something great and not worry about whether you can convince your friends to play.

One of the best aspects of solo gaming is the ability to stop by the used book store, find something great and not worry about whether you can convince your friends to play.

With that in mind I have picked up my next solo projects that will, hopefully, see me through the fall and winter. Numenera is a particular exciting find since I've always thought it would be a great solo game since I read about it a while back. The dice mechanic that has only the players rolling even in combat give me high hopes.

Infinity on the other hand has been on my To-Play lost for quite a while.. There are no default solitaire rules, so I may default to my usual "both ends to the middle" method. There are a few fan made templates for solo play I've seen though, so I may give those a try first once I've assembled the squads.

It's been a long time since I've created solo-plays for public consumption, but I've decided to start a new campaign specifically toward that end. Hoping to get the first session in this week, if my work schedule will allow it.

I thought I had my "Rolling Solo" series about wrapped up, but when I was reviewing the huge, monolithic post, I decided it needed to be broken up. So here's part 1 of 3, where I summarize Mythic GME for new players with a brief example.

I thought I had my "Rolling Solo" series about wrapped up, but when I was reviewing the huge, monolithic post, I decided it needed to be broken up. So here's part 1 of 3, where I summarize Mythic GME for new players with a brief example.
http://wispsoftime.com/content/rolling-solo-chapter-6-part-mythic-game-master-emulator/

Any good tools for randomizing relationships between characters? Like, if you have a group of 8 NPC's, how they all feel about each other.

Any good tools for randomizing relationships between characters? Like, if you have a group of 8 NPC's, how they all feel about each other.

Char A has STRONG feelings for 3 Characters, AVERAGE for 2 Characters, and LOW for remainder.

STRONG: Char A HATES Char B, LOVES Char C, and COMPLETELY TRUSTS Char D

AVERAGE: Char A LIKES Char E, and DISTRUSTS Char F

LOW: Knows but has no strong feelings for Char's G and H.

Whereas H LUSTS for Char A.

etc, etc.

Hi all, new to the community but longtime lurker. Just a quick thought I have been reflecting on recently - how many of you solo using pen and paper, and how many do so digitally (OneNote, Google Docs, etc.)? I have mostly used the former for solo gaming to try and escape my screen, and have used OneNote extensively for running group sessions in D&D and SWRPG.

Hi all, new to the community but longtime lurker. Just a quick thought I have been reflecting on recently - how many of you solo using pen and paper, and how many do so digitally (OneNote, Google Docs, etc.)? I have mostly used the former for solo gaming to try and escape my screen, and have used OneNote extensively for running group sessions in D&D and SWRPG.

Just curious!

The next installment of my Star Wars d20 bounty hunt.

The next installment of my Star Wars d20 bounty hunt.

Due to some unlucky rolls my hero once again bites the dust. I was hit two times in a row for maximum damage while missing a little too often at the same time. Anyhow, I had fun and will "reboot" Vince Kain to start another hunt (which might evolve into a campaign if I survive).

I will re-create him using some tweaked rules. I am currently working on my own little d20 hack using modern d20 mechanics and I will make a few adjustments before the next test run.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/0UhERtU2Wy5iljH52

Rain: Season 1, Episode 1, Part 2: A minor shortcoming of Mythras and an unexpected ally: http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/rain-season-1-episode-1-part-2.html

Rain: Season 1, Episode 1, Part 2: A minor shortcoming of Mythras and an unexpected ally: http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/rain-season-1-episode-1-part-2.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/rain-season-1-episode-1-part-2.html

What is it about horror stories that makes them scary? Is it the descriptions? The suspense? Is there a formula that can be translated into tabletop?

I've made a toy... errr, tool for Mythic GME. I'm hoping to get 2 or 3 people to test drive it and critique before I revise and share it on my blog. You'll need two sheets of card stock, some adhesive, and scissors/xacto. Curious?! Tam H​

Dx I think breaking up the scenes made my post longer!! Oh well. Rain, Scene 1 is up!

Dx I think breaking up the scenes made my post longer!! Oh well. Rain, Scene 1 is up!

http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/rain-season-1-episode-1-part-1.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/rain-season-1-episode-1-part-1.html

With the chill now in the air and Halloween approaching, I'm interested in finding a good horror RPG. Any recommendations for games that work well for solo play? Bonus points if they lean more towards atmosphere than action.

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

Presenting the Big Bad of the base set of Samurai Dice, Lord Miura. Miura is a member of the Imperial families, and his personal fighting style is a variant of the Chisaten's Shining Carp. He doesn't follow that school's devotion to honor, but pursues his own path. Miura also prefers to use a fan instead of a jitte.

https://solounmondodicarta.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/scrolling-sci-fi-miniature-games/

https://solounmondodicarta.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/scrolling-sci-fi-miniature-games/
https://solounmondodicarta.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/scrolling-sci-fi-miniature-games/

I didn't create this system, but I thought it might be of interest to some here. I've recently begun reading Ars Magica, and this looks like an inrtiguing way to run that particular system solo.

I didn't create this system, but I thought it might be of interest to some here. I've recently begun reading Ars Magica, and this looks like an inrtiguing way to run that particular system solo.

This makes me wonder about "generic," tools vs systems specifically designed for a particular game system. The impression I get around here is that most people seem to prefer generic oracles.
http://forum.atlas-games.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=30648&p=224634&hilit=solo+adventure#p224634

My Savage Worlds write-up of Gordon Freeman.

My Savage Worlds write-up of Gordon Freeman.
http://overstandbasics.tumblr.com/post/165524528349/gordon-freeman-savage-worlds

I spent a fair bit of time this week wondering why my warbands would be fighting. As I did, a few things happened concurrently.

I spent a fair bit of time this week wondering why my warbands would be fighting. As I did, a few things happened concurrently.

First I began rereading a favorite book series, The Change novels by SM Stirling in which 20th century humanity is thrust into medieval lifestyles due to global loss of power.

Second I began to think of my bandit warband as rebels against the imperial rather than mere brigands.

And finally my game turned into a campaign with a fair bit of role play. The role play bits we're done using basic mythic rolls to determine whether out of game occurrences went the way I expected or not.

All of this is coming together, and today I had my first game of a campaign set in a world where ours has gone the way of the Romans and the inheritors dig through our ruins and relics for items they consider 'magic'. In the first skirmish both the rebels and the imperial forces have arrived on the scene of an abandoned factory, hoping to find something that will make the trip and the danger worthwhile.

The bandits managed to hold the factory grounds in the end, just barely. Unfortunately none of the search roles turned up anything useful. Out of combat wrap up may be tense since they lost some seasoned men for nothing.

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

The greatest solo RPG of all time just had its second edition released. Go ahead and check it out. Tell Simon that I sent you.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/233361/doctor-who-solitaire-story-game-second-edition

My Star Wars bounty hunt continues in session 2...

My Star Wars bounty hunt continues in session 2...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/bLvchtMNQa0XJRRT2

Not my blog post, but saw a link to this on my Facebook news feed the other day and I've found some of the tables helpful for a modern game I'm playing. Instead of going through the entire process, I've been picking and choosing which tables I need for a specific encounter. I especially like the "What are they armed with?" table, as using a different size die can cap the possible results.

Not my blog post, but saw a link to this on my Facebook news feed the other day and I've found some of the tables helpful for a modern game I'm playing. Instead of going through the entire process, I've been picking and choosing which tables I need for a specific encounter. I especially like the "What are they armed with?" table, as using a different size die can cap the possible results.
https://www.rpgrpgrpg.com/blogs/rpg/creating-spy-encounters-on-the-fly

As a group of folks who tend to share and read actual plays more regularly, what are your thoughts on post length?

As a group of folks who tend to share and read actual plays more regularly, what are your thoughts on post length?

Originally shared by Spencer Salyer

Greetings, all. I'm curious as to everyone's opinion on blog post length. I know there's likely minimums as far as usefulness and SEO, but is their a ceiling? I ask this as I approach 8k words on an "actual play" / tutorial style article -- is this length too extreme, or to be expected for something more prose-like, for an audience that perhaps tends towards reading lengthy works? Thanks for your help!

Have you used solo play to elicit peak experiences?

Have you used solo play to elicit peak experiences?
As a sort of autohypnosis, can you immerse yourself enough to feel exhilarated as you dive into battle from the back of a pterodactyl or get teleported off planet or fall in love?
In short, can you make yourself more alive through these games?
Its a bit like tickling yourself from the inside.

Stay Frosty by Casey G. is on sale until the end of September. 3.34$, less than 3 EUR. I just picked my copy... I will have to invest 3 more bucks in plastic insects :)

Stay Frosty by Casey G. is on sale until the end of September. 3.34$, less than 3 EUR. I just picked my copy... I will have to invest 3 more bucks in plastic insects :)

http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/206742/Stay-Frosty
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/206742/Stay-Frosty

After my Edge of the Empire campaign came to an abrupt end (as it is usually the case when the main character dies) of course I needed to start a new Star Wars campaign. This time as a freelance bounty hunter who was a former imperial army trooper.

After my Edge of the Empire campaign came to an abrupt end (as it is usually the case when the main character dies) of course I needed to start a new Star Wars campaign. This time as a freelance bounty hunter who was a former imperial army trooper.

Since my Starfinder Core Rulebook still hasn't arrived in print and is delayed until sometime in October I basically had no choice but to try out a lightweight freeform d20 system that I am toying around with in my head at the moment.

So meet Vince Kain, freelancing bounty hunter, on his first hunt...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nVrD7bb3Rh80oYUG2

It's out. Solo rules on the first page! Full of encounter charts.

It's out. Solo rules on the first page! Full of encounter charts.

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

When an enormous kaiju pursues a foreign army into Kaigaku, the Empire heeds the call for aid from their oldest allies. This campaign takes the PCs far from home to exotic vistas. Can you save the world from an onslaught of mutated beasts?

This sandbox campaign features dozens of new creatures, 2 new classes, 9 new ryu and much more. Combine the dungeon generator in this book with the NPC generator in the Premium Edition of Kaigaku to keep the adventure going forever.
http://drivethrurpg.com/product/221738/The-Ruined-Kingdom?affiliate_id=319435

Solo Wargame: Battle of Marathon

Solo Wargame: Battle of Marathon

https://lostpangolin.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/solo-wargaming-battle-of-marathon/

I am sharing the new tools from this week. Nothing new on the solo gaming front if you follow this community but l hope to spread the word.

I am sharing the new tools from this week. Nothing new on the solo gaming front if you follow this community but l hope to spread the word.
Spencer Salyer​ Carsten Rossner​ roryb bracebuckle​
https://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-sep15/
https://dieheart.net/friday-grab-bag-sep15/

Keep your eyes peeled for this contest. I have a feeling a solo role-player might win it! :)

Keep your eyes peeled for this contest. I have a feeling a solo role-player might win it! :)

Originally shared by Diogo Nogueira

Would there be any interest in a Sharp Swords & Sinister Spells Give Away?

People would have to get the PDFs (that are PWYW) and use the Adventure Idea and Adventure Title Generator to generate the results and write a paragraph or two synthesizing the adventure to give it some context. We could compile all the entries in a free PDF too!

The winner would get a copy of both the rulebook and the Addendum.

If you've been following along, here's the next installment in my "rolling solo" beginner's journey. It introduces the so1um solo engine, more random generation, and sees an end to my Hero Kids adventures. Next time, I'll be sharing an actual play of a "serious" OSR-inspired game: Sharp Swords and Sinister Spells with Mythic GME!

If you've been following along, here's the next installment in my "rolling solo" beginner's journey. It introduces the so1um solo engine, more random generation, and sees an end to my Hero Kids adventures. Next time, I'll be sharing an actual play of a "serious" OSR-inspired game: Sharp Swords and Sinister Spells with Mythic GME!
http://wispsoftime.com/content/rolling-solo-chapters-4-5-still-learning-aeryn-reborn/

I experiment with Tiny Dungeon again. This time with a randomly generated character and the Dungeon Master's Design Kit. Up next: Mythras/RuneQuest.

I experiment with Tiny Dungeon again. This time with a randomly generated character and the Dungeon Master's Design Kit. Up next: Mythras/RuneQuest.

http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/artair-s01e01.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/artair-s01e01.html

With the start of school and extra curriculars it's been a busy house this month. However I was lucky enough to squeeze in a solo skirmish this afternoon. I've been collecting Minifigures over the summer and now have enough that most of my wargaming can be played with them.

With the start of school and extra curriculars it's been a busy house this month. However I was lucky enough to squeeze in a solo skirmish this afternoon. I've been collecting Minifigures over the summer and now have enough that most of my wargaming can be played with them.

Today I had an imperial patrol trying to keep bandits / rebels from crossing the river. The rebels on the other hand were attempting to locate a lost relic to assist their cause.

The rebels had archers while the patrol had none, but a a good series of rolls off the bat allowed the imperials to take up defensive positions while their wizard cast a mist over the battlefield. The mist greatly limited line of sight, negating the archers somewhat.

The turning point was when I got over zealous with the rebel leader and moved in close enough to start shooting at the imperials holding the bridge. A poor roll and follow up had him surrounded and slain in short order. Most of the rest of the rebels headed for the hills, while those remaining were underpowered for the job at hand.

My OMGAM for September, Blank Slate, is up. A bit of a scramble this month; I like to have these up and done by the first or so and this month I realized very late that, while I had November's done and a solid, workable prototype for October, I hadn't even an idea for September!

My OMGAM for September, Blank Slate, is up. A bit of a scramble this month; I like to have these up and done by the first or so and this month I realized very late that, while I had November's done and a solid, workable prototype for October, I hadn't even an idea for September!

So I thought it'd be fun to go back to that first game many of us played, the one where you have no idea what's going on and just start asking oracle questions.

You start with a blank slate and create Traits, positive and negative, as they're revealed in play by your rolls and choices. Instead of a strict "board game" structure, it has a very gentle framework based on meters that's designed to work with the included page of tables to push-pull through a story arc to an ending.

It uses a simple 2d6 mechanic inspired by Apocalypse World and the teetotum.

Play-testing is minimal (as usual for OMGAM) but what I did do was fun! Please let me know if I didn't explain something clearly or made some sort of huge logic error or something, haha.

Now on to October. :)

#OMGAM
https://exposit.github.io/katarpgs/superlite/blankslate/

This was a very quick one-shot I ran on 6/4/17 using GURPS. This was my first time GMing a group of emulated PCs using GURPS. I was really enjoying watching the Liam O'Brien's post-apocalyptic (part 1) one-shot for Crit Role.

This was a very quick one-shot I ran on 6/4/17 using GURPS. This was my first time GMing a group of emulated PCs using GURPS. I was really enjoying watching the Liam O'Brien's post-apocalyptic (part 1) one-shot for Crit Role.

I decided to use the cast's self-insert characters as the emulated PCs to GM for.

To all:

To all:

One of the things posted recently about having "player archetypes" for characters made me think:

How often do you have characters (PC or NPC) act "out of character" or in contradiction of archetype?

I find that when I play on my own, I tend to have characters tend to follow their personality all the time, but...everyone acts out of the norm once in a while, right?

two characters ready to play in my next Tunnels & Dragons adventure

two characters ready to play in my next Tunnels & Dragons adventure
https://lostpangolin.wordpress.com/2017/09/11/ashrozz-and-zychell-the-blessed/
https://lostpangolin.wordpress.com/2017/09/11/ashrozz-and-zychell-the-blessed/

So I just released a fantasy city generator, aimed at generating story seeds on rpgnow.

So I just released a fantasy city generator, aimed at generating story seeds on rpgnow.

If someone on this group wants to do a short review of it and post it to the group, specifically with an eye towards solo RPG'ing, I'll fling them a free copy.

Just give me a ping.

I've used it for solo RPG'ing myself but it was written primarily for group play with a regular GM, so I didn't want to advertise it here yet.

I continued my So1um fantasy adventure, using my expanded version of So1um, and once again my hero dies...I have to admit, melee combat is deadly since you can be hit even when you are the acting character. That, together with the need for a disengage check, makes combat really tense. Maybe the boss in the boss fight was a little too tough, however, is escort was dealt with quickly. Just read for yourself...

I continued my So1um fantasy adventure, using my expanded version of So1um, and once again my hero dies...I have to admit, melee combat is deadly since you can be hit even when you are the acting character. That, together with the need for a disengage check, makes combat really tense. Maybe the boss in the boss fight was a little too tough, however, is escort was dealt with quickly. Just read for yourself...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hLA0WiJ8fTVivonD3

A Tunnels and Trolls 7.x quick encounter setting I wrote up on 5/28/17.

A Tunnels and Trolls 7.x quick encounter setting I wrote up on 5/28/17.

I created the neothelids as an 'acceptable' homebrew of the Mindflayers + Aboleth. Enjoy~ :)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N888Sn1mFKddUe0v6i7uHknyu6hoBF6v5YsPGryx1Xo/edit?usp=sharing

Small solo adventure!

Small solo adventure!

Originally shared by Scott Malthouse

A short solo adventure for OSR games

the Beta of my fantasy sourcebook for Bivius is ready :)

the Beta of my fantasy sourcebook for Bivius is ready :)


https://lostpangolin.wordpress.com/2017/09/10/tunnels-dragons/
https://lostpangolin.wordpress.com/2017/09/10/tunnels-dragons/

Hi. This is my first post on the community.

Hi. This is my first post on the community.

I have been a gamer all my life and have a wide range of experience in different types of games. Being interested in board games and design, I have followed a tabletop game podcast called "Ludology" which covers all aspects of tabletop game design.

Now, most board games are multiplayer affairs and so not designed for solo play but there has been an increase in the number of games that can be played solo such as Pandemic.

A recent episode was about making single player variants of multi player board games and I thought it may be of interest to some of you. It lasts about an hour and can be found here:

http://ludology.libsyn.com/ludology-episode-154-leave-me-alone

If you have the time to listen, I would be interested in any opinion you may have about the podcast content. What do you think of it?
http://ludology.libsyn.com/ludology-episode-154-leave-me-alone

I've slowly been transcribing my solitaire notebook into blog posts in an effort to help others new to solo play. This is the 2nd installment in the series and my first "actual play" using Hero Kids and the simple d6 solo engine from Tabletop Diversions.

I've slowly been transcribing my solitaire notebook into blog posts in an effort to help others new to solo play. This is the 2nd installment in the series and my first "actual play" using Hero Kids and the simple d6 solo engine from Tabletop Diversions.

I'm curious to know your thoughts on my soloing approach and also about the formatting of the actual play portion. I hope you enjoy reading along. :)
http://wispsoftime.com/content/rolling-solo-chapters-2-3-tutorial-mode-first-solo/

Truth tables that resolve yes/no questions are often referred to as "oracles" here. So how about calling things like Rory's Story Cubes, the Mythic Event table, or any of the other abstract idea generators "muses"? Seems to me like some combination of oracle and muse are essential to the solo toolkit.

I had a moment of inspiration and came up with something new. It's simple, but it's been helping me to shape my solo gaming sessions. Introducing, Impetus...

I had a moment of inspiration and came up with something new. It's simple, but it's been helping me to shape my solo gaming sessions. Introducing, Impetus...

After Cal's demise in my Star Wars campaign I wanted to play some more So1um and started a fantasy adventure with So1um rules. For my character I used the classic six abilities and Pathfinder skills. A skill adds one die to the pool, for abilities I assigned the array 3,3,2,2,1,1. The hero is Vincent de Vega, a minor noble and fencer.

After Cal's demise in my Star Wars campaign I wanted to play some more So1um and started a fantasy adventure with So1um rules. For my character I used the classic six abilities and Pathfinder skills. A skill adds one die to the pool, for abilities I assigned the array 3,3,2,2,1,1. The hero is Vincent de Vega, a minor noble and fencer.

Taking a break from Visemar and trying Tiny Dungeons with Greygor. http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/greygor-s01e01.html

Taking a break from Visemar and trying Tiny Dungeons with Greygor. http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/greygor-s01e01.html
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2017/09/greygor-s01e01.html

I was bored and decided to take my first dip into solo RPGs.

I was bored and decided to take my first dip into solo RPGs.

Tools: GameMaster Apprentice, assorted Warhammer FRP 3rd edition (cards).

******************************************
[ Vienekar’s Song ]

Scene 1: Deep in the Talien Woods...

I make camp overnight but the gloom of the forest does not offer solace. I left Kriiergard three days prior. Only the gods know if I will survive the Skael winter… these you see, are the Norse proving grounds.

The fire burns as the eyes of this cursed place watch me. The gray Ravens report my every move to whatever evil governs these ancient woods.

>> Do I fear an attack? No!
I sleep through the night undisturbed. The fire dies as the first light of dawn pierces the forest canopy. Covered in frost, I gather my meager belongings and continue the journey.

a few hours pass…
>> I hear the shuffling of leaves… I look around but I discern no familiarity in these woods. I stop and string my bow… waiting… listening (the sounds of a storm and crackling of lighting booms in the distance)

>> Do I detect any sound? or see anything? Yes, up in the high trees, a forest spirit has been stalking me… a small winged dog-like creature with yellow eyes. Its teeth and sharp claws clearly visible, ready to pounce…

>>Does the creature attack? No.
I lay there motionless carefully lining up the arrow for my shot. I hold my breath. The creature stares back, with a hiss it takes flight and quickly disappears among the trees. I lower my weapon, the cold air filling my lungs again. I fear that this will be a long journey… the enemies already know my purpose.

My name is Vienekar, Son of Rein, born in the fishing village of Kriiegard. Many tales of the sacred sword have been told, but only the Sightless One (the Oracle) has predicted my journey north. As the why I was chosen, that is for the gods to tell. I am to retrieve something that was taken, more like stolen from my people; The sacred sword of the Toriinil first king of the Skael…. TBC
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Any one on here using open D6? I absolutely love it. I also like Mythic Emulator.

I'm still spinning my wheels on my OMGAM entry for September over here, but I did manage to get something accomplished. And I still have like 25 days left.

I'm still spinning my wheels on my OMGAM entry for September over here, but I did manage to get something accomplished. And I still have like 25 days left.

Anyway, this is PET. It's a system agnostic, one page framework for creating and running virtual players.

I took an old idea and rewrote it from scratch, with an eye towards incorporating all the fun stuff I've learned about design and about what I personally like in a game. And there's an entire page of tables designed to create mayhem and drive the action.

It's not as polished as it could be but I've been pleased with my play-testing so far. It's fun when you really want a character to act and they do, but they're Inept instead of On Point, haha
https://exposit.github.io/katarpgs/superlite/playeremulator/

Is it just me, or are "mission based' RPG's a LOT easier to run solo than "emergent narrative" ones? I have driven myself half mad trying to coax solo systems into providing "hidden information" style play with emergent narrative & slow reveals in the horror genre. But I picked up a few generators for action/adventure over the weekend & played around with them & BOOM, I was ready to go off & running with an action thing.

Is it just me, or are "mission based' RPG's a LOT easier to run solo than "emergent narrative" ones? I have driven myself half mad trying to coax solo systems into providing "hidden information" style play with emergent narrative & slow reveals in the horror genre. But I picked up a few generators for action/adventure over the weekend & played around with them & BOOM, I was ready to go off & running with an action thing.

Sadly, it seems it's a lot easier knowing who you are, where you're going, & what you're doing up front rather than tease those & other details out of the non-purpose dedicated random oracles during play.

#SoloHorrorRPG

Solo or group play.

Solo or group play.

Originally shared by Jacob Ross

Playtest files for Samurai Dice. Nicely organized, printer-friendly, and includes art samples.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/220781/Samurai-Dice-Playtest?affiliate_id=319435

updated link for RanDM Solo --

updated link for RanDM Solo --

Originally shared by Mike Overbo

Dropbox recently changed the way they do public folders. Long story short, the old links for RanDM Solo aren't going to work anymore. If you use this tool, you should be able to reach it again on GitHub.

That's all, back to mostly lurking.

https://overbo.github.io/randm-solo.html
https://overbo.github.io/randm-solo.html

Mythic GM Emulator is a major shared touchstone for a lot of solo RPers. I see its influence in lots of products, both free and paid.

Mythic GM Emulator is a major shared touchstone for a lot of solo RPers. I see its influence in lots of products, both free and paid.

Do you think that Mythic's well known mechanics bias you when you're designing how your own solo RP experience will work?

And has anything since Mythic been so impressive to you that you feel it inarguably moved the state of the art forward for solo RP? To the point that some major part of Mythic's framework should be replaced?

Running Mongoose Traveller, I did some more solo play tonight. Starting a patrol mission, and somebody meets an old friend. I used one of the encounters from "Old Flames" in Compendium 2 here.

Running Mongoose Traveller, I did some more solo play tonight. Starting a patrol mission, and somebody meets an old friend. I used one of the encounters from "Old Flames" in Compendium 2 here.
http://travellersandbox.blogspot.com/2017/09/on-patrol-part-i.html

I'm very intrigued by this game, which I just discovered via a post back in 2013 on the Storygames forum from Todd Zircher. I'm not sure how solo friendly it could be just based on my first read through, but I think it could be do-able.

I'm very intrigued by this game, which I just discovered via a post back in 2013 on the Storygames forum from Todd Zircher. I'm not sure how solo friendly it could be just based on my first read through, but I think it could be do-able.

What really intrigues me about it is the mechanics: In a nutshell, you have a dice pool of 9 dice, representing your overall well being. You risk these to overcome challenges & earn bonus dice. Bonus dice are used to buy clues to answer the questions at the core of the mystery.

I find this compelling. The idea of a wager/press your luck mechanic to gain a tangible currency to purchase concrete narrative control somehow scratches in itch in my brain on how to handle solo mysteries in an emergent narrative environment.

The reason being is now there is a compel to drive the action forward: you have to make wagers & take risks by overcoming challenges & obstacles to gain in-game currency to buy concrete narrative control to proceed. Which also means that the clues/facts of the mystery can/will make sense, as you are the one to narrate/establish them. It should also free one from the feeling of "making it all up", "driving the narrative where you want it to go", or having to "tease" clues or answers out of the narrative, as you have EARNED these through in-game action, & they are a specific mechanic of the game itself.

It gives you something tangible & solid to DO, with a specific outcome or reward as a result, which drives the story forward at the same time.

Something tells me that this idea with something like "Movie Night" http://77studios.blogspot.com/2017/05/movie-night-resources.html (with its mechanical bonuses for allies, gear, & so on) or "Fright Night" http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/164760/Fright-Night (with it's built in pacing mechanism) could be interesting.

Time to let this percolate a bit.

#SoloHorrorRPG
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/63429/Ocean

Edge of the Empire: Session 15 - A hero's end

Edge of the Empire: Session 15 - A hero's end

I played another session of Edge of the Empire. So1um ran smooth and I enjoyed a tense session. However, I didn't make it as I had a streak of bad luck but that is part of the fun.

I was almost able to bluff myself out of trouble as things went from bad to worse. But read for yourself...

If I may flog my wares here for a minute, one of the challenges I run into with solo gaming is character backgrounds.

If I may flog my wares here for a minute, one of the challenges I run into with solo gaming is character backgrounds.

Well, no more. With a simple deck of playing cards and this generator, you can create an interesting character background in a manner of minutes, whether you need it for a character, an NPC or something else entirely.

It's geared towards D&D style fantasy but can be worked into lower-magic or even medieval worlds just fine.

It's 1.99 from rpgnow or wargame vault.
Hope you'll forgive the crass commercialism :)

If you click the blog link, I've included two examples of how it works.

Originally shared by Ivan Sorensen

These magnetic-receptive white boards arrived today. Is anyone else as excited by this as me? :-)

These magnetic-receptive white boards arrived today. Is anyone else as excited by this as me? :-)

Seems like I preface every post with "I'm new at this, but/so/how/and...". As such, I've probably got no right to be "teaching" how to solo role-play. This post is a much-edited retelling of the notes I took when first learning, but I'm interested to hear your veteran takes on it. I can't accept too much credit for the content, however, as most of the ideas within are simply regurgitated info from, well.. you guys and gals.

Seems like I preface every post with "I'm new at this, but/so/how/and...". As such, I've probably got no right to be "teaching" how to solo role-play. This post is a much-edited retelling of the notes I took when first learning, but I'm interested to hear your veteran takes on it. I can't accept too much credit for the content, however, as most of the ideas within are simply regurgitated info from, well.. you guys and gals.

Maybe the last thing we need is another "intro to solo" post, particularly from a novice, but I plan to go through my notebook and log the majority of it as guides, tutorials, reviews, and actual plays. All from the newbie perspective at this point, of course. I hope someone finds it useful or at least entertaining. Thanks in advance if you check it out! ;)
http://wispsoftime.com/content/rolling-solo-chapter-1-beginnings/