Monday, April 30, 2018
Four Against the Darkness and Ruins of the Undercity both expect the player to make full Labyrinth Lord characters. That seems like a lot of book keeping. I was thinking about trying it with Maze Rats but magic will be wonky.
Four Against the Darkness and Ruins of the Undercity both expect the player to make full Labyrinth Lord characters. That seems like a lot of book keeping. I was thinking about trying it with Maze Rats but magic will be wonky.
I spent so long this weekend trying to write up my second Experiment that I forgot to post the end of the first. Here is the conclusion of my Silent Legions adventure, which is followed by my thoughts on how it all worked.
I spent so long this weekend trying to write up my second Experiment that I forgot to post the end of the first. Here is the conclusion of my Silent Legions adventure, which is followed by my thoughts on how it all worked.
On playing scenes you're not looking forward to.
On playing scenes you're not looking forward to.
I finally played through the mass battle that I'd cornered my solo SWN character into. He'd partnered up with some mercs to attack a den of smugglers who were sabotaging off-world weapon shipments to squeeze out competition and keep prices high.
I think I'd been dreading it for over a month as I tried to find satisfying ways to consolidate the die rolling to squads and have more interesting objectives than both sides firing volleys until one tapped out. I cobbled in some Blades in the Dark style clocks in hopes that I could make a tense fight over a weapons cache, and made my squads of smugglers and mercs into single characters with abnormally high HP totals.
I didn't like how it went.
The hero and his mercenary allies were winning so easily by the end of the second round of combat that I rolled to see if the bad guys had some kind of contingency to amp up the challenge. Even after I granted the smugglers a random idea roll that generated a Pretech "confusion grenade", they got trounced and surrendered a few attacks later.
But the good news is, that scene is OVER. It was sloppy and unsatisfying from a mechanical standpoint, but it's canon to my adventure now. I have a little better idea of how strong SWN 'Heroic' variant PCs are, and if there's another mass battle, I'm not handcuffed to the mechanics that didn't work out.
Best of all, now I can get back to the story I really want to advance, which is my character trying to network his way to contacts who can get him off of his Tech Level 2 homeworld and into some more futuristic sci-fi adventure.
TL;DR - The perfect is the enemy of the good. If you're struggling to find the 'perfect' way to process a scene, remind yourself that it's just one scene among many. The sooner you pick a method and resolve the scene, the sooner you can get back to driving your solo sessions forward to new experiences.
I finally played through the mass battle that I'd cornered my solo SWN character into. He'd partnered up with some mercs to attack a den of smugglers who were sabotaging off-world weapon shipments to squeeze out competition and keep prices high.
I think I'd been dreading it for over a month as I tried to find satisfying ways to consolidate the die rolling to squads and have more interesting objectives than both sides firing volleys until one tapped out. I cobbled in some Blades in the Dark style clocks in hopes that I could make a tense fight over a weapons cache, and made my squads of smugglers and mercs into single characters with abnormally high HP totals.
I didn't like how it went.
The hero and his mercenary allies were winning so easily by the end of the second round of combat that I rolled to see if the bad guys had some kind of contingency to amp up the challenge. Even after I granted the smugglers a random idea roll that generated a Pretech "confusion grenade", they got trounced and surrendered a few attacks later.
But the good news is, that scene is OVER. It was sloppy and unsatisfying from a mechanical standpoint, but it's canon to my adventure now. I have a little better idea of how strong SWN 'Heroic' variant PCs are, and if there's another mass battle, I'm not handcuffed to the mechanics that didn't work out.
Best of all, now I can get back to the story I really want to advance, which is my character trying to network his way to contacts who can get him off of his Tech Level 2 homeworld and into some more futuristic sci-fi adventure.
TL;DR - The perfect is the enemy of the good. If you're struggling to find the 'perfect' way to process a scene, remind yourself that it's just one scene among many. The sooner you pick a method and resolve the scene, the sooner you can get back to driving your solo sessions forward to new experiences.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Given that +JohnFiore was such an active member of this community and co-designer on Untold: Adventures Await, I wanted to let everyone know he recently chose to delete his profile. He’s taken on a role in a challenging school that encouraged him to remove his social media presence.
Given that +JohnFiore was such an active member of this community and co-designer on Untold: Adventures Await, I wanted to let everyone know he recently chose to delete his profile. He’s taken on a role in a challenging school that encouraged him to remove his social media presence.
If you have any Untold related questions, please tag me, and I’ll respond ASAP.
If you have any Untold related questions, please tag me, and I’ll respond ASAP.
Friday, April 27, 2018
I feel like Funhouse RPG is a good fallback system. It's not really enough in my mind to run a campaign, but it's great when I want to learn a new relevant system but don't have the time.
I feel like Funhouse RPG is a good fallback system. It's not really enough in my mind to run a campaign, but it's great when I want to learn a new relevant system but don't have the time.
Memetic Ninja Sci Fi Action GO
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cj4BvbhrSpUXi_cuwSefN2wgKqpMZqe5Q1ubg_tzr0c
This was heavily inspired by Neo Shinobi Vengeance, http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/neo-shinobi-vendetta-fate-pre-gens.html - which has some fantastic material. The powers post, setting, and some actual plays are linked in there. Lowell Francis has written some stuff that has lit my mind on fire and encouraged me to try some Fate RPGing in the future.
Memetic Ninja Sci Fi Action GO
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cj4BvbhrSpUXi_cuwSefN2wgKqpMZqe5Q1ubg_tzr0c
This was heavily inspired by Neo Shinobi Vengeance, http://ageofravens.blogspot.com/2018/02/neo-shinobi-vendetta-fate-pre-gens.html - which has some fantastic material. The powers post, setting, and some actual plays are linked in there. Lowell Francis has written some stuff that has lit my mind on fire and encouraged me to try some Fate RPGing in the future.
What sort of roleplaying experience did you PRIMARILY have before becoming interested in solo rpgs?
What sort of roleplaying experience did you PRIMARILY have before becoming interested in solo rpgs?
I can't make multiple choice polls in G+. If you have similar amounts of experience with multiple types of roleplaying, give priority to TTRPGs. If you started with solo RPGs (including gamebooks), just choose "no prior experience."
Thanks!
If your'e not sure how to categorize something just use the Other category and leave a comment (polls are limited to five by G+).
Notes:
CRPG = Computer Role Playing Game
TTRPG = Table Top Role Playing Game
Also, apologies to those who voted in the previously deleted poll. I made a mistake on that one.
I can't make multiple choice polls in G+. If you have similar amounts of experience with multiple types of roleplaying, give priority to TTRPGs. If you started with solo RPGs (including gamebooks), just choose "no prior experience."
Thanks!
If your'e not sure how to categorize something just use the Other category and leave a comment (polls are limited to five by G+).
Notes:
CRPG = Computer Role Playing Game
TTRPG = Table Top Role Playing Game
Also, apologies to those who voted in the previously deleted poll. I made a mistake on that one.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Stars Without Number has this ingenious faction system for GMs to run the behind the scenes intrigue and conflict of major organizations in their sandbox campaign.
Stars Without Number has this ingenious faction system for GMs to run the behind the scenes intrigue and conflict of major organizations in their sandbox campaign.
Has anyone done something with this, or something like it, in their own solo/solitaire games?
Has anyone done something with this, or something like it, in their own solo/solitaire games?
Looking back on some of my hand-written play records, everything's a bit dry and lifeless. There's enough description that I could go back and relive the moments, but the descriptions would be significantly less comprehensible to anyone else.
Looking back on some of my hand-written play records, everything's a bit dry and lifeless. There's enough description that I could go back and relive the moments, but the descriptions would be significantly less comprehensible to anyone else.
I wanted to share two links I'm looking at in my search for solutions.
The Bullet Journal for Game Masters Community - https://plus.google.com/communities/110082948640893810864
Perhaps there's some crossover between our communities already, but if you haven't dropped in over there, I encourage you to take a look. Some people prioritize beautiful layouts, while others make clean, efficient ones. There are a lot of ideas to harvest there to take your session records in whatever direction you'd like.
Sketchnoting - https://www.jetpens.com/blog/sketchnotes-a-guide-to-visual-note-taking/pt/892
This is just one of many overviews on the topic, but the basic idea was to make lecture notes more effective by visualizing connections and emphases using layouts and graphics. For hand written session reports, establishing a language of icons, containers, and connectors might look nicer than stream-of-consciousness paragraphs.
I haven't tried any of the above ideas out yet (newborn in the house, what is free time anymore?), but if I do, I'll make sure to share pics.
I wanted to share two links I'm looking at in my search for solutions.
The Bullet Journal for Game Masters Community - https://plus.google.com/communities/110082948640893810864
Perhaps there's some crossover between our communities already, but if you haven't dropped in over there, I encourage you to take a look. Some people prioritize beautiful layouts, while others make clean, efficient ones. There are a lot of ideas to harvest there to take your session records in whatever direction you'd like.
Sketchnoting - https://www.jetpens.com/blog/sketchnotes-a-guide-to-visual-note-taking/pt/892
This is just one of many overviews on the topic, but the basic idea was to make lecture notes more effective by visualizing connections and emphases using layouts and graphics. For hand written session reports, establishing a language of icons, containers, and connectors might look nicer than stream-of-consciousness paragraphs.
I haven't tried any of the above ideas out yet (newborn in the house, what is free time anymore?), but if I do, I'll make sure to share pics.
Ok, so I’ve decided to share the Fate/Fudge dice Oracle system, in case anyone needs it.
Ok, so I’ve decided to share the Fate/Fudge dice Oracle system, in case anyone needs it.
First and foremost, do you have any Fate/Fudge dice (Fd’s)? If not, you can easily create your own by taking a bunch of d6, a sharpie, and the image I’m including attached. It’s a cheap and easy solution that works just like the real deal!
Now, with your Fd’s ready, here’s the Oracle. You just need 2Fd’s for it. The meanings would be as follows:
+ + = Yes, and... (Or exceptional/critical YES!)
+ [] = Yes
+ - = Yes, but...
[] [] = No, but...
[] - = No
- - = No, and... (Or exceptional/critical NO!)
[] = a blank
Also, thanks to +Sam H’s suggestion, you could add another level of depth to your Oracle: Do you need to determine the level of probability of something happening? Roll 2Fd’s.
+ + = Very likely
+ [] = Likely
+ - = 50/50
[] [] = 50/50
[] - = Unlikely
- - = Very unlikely
If you obtain a Likely, roll the Oracle for a Yes/No and then move your result 1 level towards a more favorable result:
i.e A no, but... becomes a yes, but... if it’s Likely.
The Unlikely is the same as the Likely, except it alters your result towards a more unfavorable one.
A Very Likely result moves your Yes/No Oracle 2 levels towards a favorable result:
i.e A no, but... becomes a Yes if it’s Very Likely.
The Very Unlikely is the same as the Very Likely, except it alters your result towards a more unfavorable one.
A 50/50 result does not alter your Yes/No Oracle result.
Enjoy!
First and foremost, do you have any Fate/Fudge dice (Fd’s)? If not, you can easily create your own by taking a bunch of d6, a sharpie, and the image I’m including attached. It’s a cheap and easy solution that works just like the real deal!
Now, with your Fd’s ready, here’s the Oracle. You just need 2Fd’s for it. The meanings would be as follows:
+ + = Yes, and... (Or exceptional/critical YES!)
+ [] = Yes
+ - = Yes, but...
[] [] = No, but...
[] - = No
- - = No, and... (Or exceptional/critical NO!)
[] = a blank
Also, thanks to +Sam H’s suggestion, you could add another level of depth to your Oracle: Do you need to determine the level of probability of something happening? Roll 2Fd’s.
+ + = Very likely
+ [] = Likely
+ - = 50/50
[] [] = 50/50
[] - = Unlikely
- - = Very unlikely
If you obtain a Likely, roll the Oracle for a Yes/No and then move your result 1 level towards a more favorable result:
i.e A no, but... becomes a yes, but... if it’s Likely.
The Unlikely is the same as the Likely, except it alters your result towards a more unfavorable one.
A Very Likely result moves your Yes/No Oracle 2 levels towards a favorable result:
i.e A no, but... becomes a Yes if it’s Very Likely.
The Very Unlikely is the same as the Very Likely, except it alters your result towards a more unfavorable one.
A 50/50 result does not alter your Yes/No Oracle result.
Enjoy!
Now available in hardcover and 3rd on RPG Now... I'm beginning to sense a trend. A kind of awesome trend? To make old stuff available because new stuff is... not so cool?
Now available in hardcover and 3rd on RPG Now... I'm beginning to sense a trend. A kind of awesome trend? To make old stuff available because new stuff is... not so cool?
http://www.rpgnow.com/product/16995/Dawn-of-the-Emperors-Thyatis-and-Alphatia-Basic?src=hottest&it=1
http://www.rpgnow.com/product/16995/Dawn-of-the-Emperors-Thyatis-and-Alphatia-Basic?src=hottest&it=1
I'm looking at the Index Card rpg. It looks intriguing. I'm especially drawn to the fact that there are no levels.
I'm looking at the Index Card rpg. It looks intriguing. I'm especially drawn to the fact that there are no levels.
I have a few of questions: how well does it work as a solo system? And can you build a truly badass character right away?
Also, is it easy to convert other Ogl material to this system?
I have a few of questions: how well does it work as a solo system? And can you build a truly badass character right away?
Also, is it easy to convert other Ogl material to this system?
I am starting a small series of solo games I have played and recommend. Quick write ups and what I pair with them drink wise. I started strong with Chainsaw Warrior.
I am starting a small series of solo games I have played and recommend. Quick write ups and what I pair with them drink wise. I started strong with Chainsaw Warrior.
http://adrinkinhandgaming.blogspot.com/2018/04/solo-board-games-worth-playing-chainsaw.html
http://adrinkinhandgaming.blogspot.com/2018/04/solo-board-games-worth-playing-chainsaw.html
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
With Tabletop Day approaching, I figured I'd write up some board game sessions. The first is a review of a solitaire game that I enjoyed: Onirim.
With Tabletop Day approaching, I figured I'd write up some board game sessions. The first is a review of a solitaire game that I enjoyed: Onirim.
https://solorpgvoyages.wordpress.com/2018/04/25/onirim-review/
https://solorpgvoyages.wordpress.com/2018/04/25/onirim-review/
Elena's second face off with the Wan Brothers corp.
Elena's second face off with the Wan Brothers corp.
Still continuing to use concordances, but now I'm mixing that up with using a Bayesian formula to come up with the odds of some things given facts established in the fiction (or made up on the spot, as needed). Bayes comes mostly into play when I have some assumptions about how the flow should go but don't want to fiat things, or when I've constructed a potential flow out of concordances I've collected.
I've asked a few questions about using Bayesian inference as an Oracle of sorts here and on RPGNet. I'm still not sure I'm doing Bayesian inference correctly, but at least it looks like I'm getting consistent numbers to roll against. Feel free to chime in about that if you have any ideas.
#SoloPlayWithAlgorithms #SoloActualPlay #SoloRpg #Solo #ActualPlay #RememberTomorrow
Still continuing to use concordances, but now I'm mixing that up with using a Bayesian formula to come up with the odds of some things given facts established in the fiction (or made up on the spot, as needed). Bayes comes mostly into play when I have some assumptions about how the flow should go but don't want to fiat things, or when I've constructed a potential flow out of concordances I've collected.
I've asked a few questions about using Bayesian inference as an Oracle of sorts here and on RPGNet. I'm still not sure I'm doing Bayesian inference correctly, but at least it looks like I'm getting consistent numbers to roll against. Feel free to chime in about that if you have any ideas.
#SoloPlayWithAlgorithms #SoloActualPlay #SoloRpg #Solo #ActualPlay #RememberTomorrow
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
I am studying philosophy these days, and I found this curious text. And YES, is related to Solo RPG. And my question is:
I am studying philosophy these days, and I found this curious text. And YES, is related to Solo RPG. And my question is:
Did Aristotle play solo RPG????
"Aristotle stated that the tragedy should imitate a whole action, which means that the events follow each other by probability or necessity, and that the causal chain has a beginning and an end. There is a knot, a central problem that the protagonist must face. The play has two parts: complication and unravelling. During complication, the protagonist finds trouble as the knot is revealed or tied; during unraveling, the knot is resolved.
Two types of scenes are of special interest: the reversal, which throws the action in a new direction, and the recognition, meaning the protagonist has an important revelation.Reversals should happen as a necessary and probable cause of what happened before, which implies that turning points needs to be properly set up.
Complications should arise from a flaw in the protagonist"
Did Aristotle play solo RPG????
"Aristotle stated that the tragedy should imitate a whole action, which means that the events follow each other by probability or necessity, and that the causal chain has a beginning and an end. There is a knot, a central problem that the protagonist must face. The play has two parts: complication and unravelling. During complication, the protagonist finds trouble as the knot is revealed or tied; during unraveling, the knot is resolved.
Two types of scenes are of special interest: the reversal, which throws the action in a new direction, and the recognition, meaning the protagonist has an important revelation.Reversals should happen as a necessary and probable cause of what happened before, which implies that turning points needs to be properly set up.
Complications should arise from a flaw in the protagonist"
Monday, April 23, 2018
I figured I’d pose this to folks here as YOU’RE probably pretty familiar with second person perspective/pronouns.
I figured I’d pose this to folks here as YOU’RE probably pretty familiar with second person perspective/pronouns.
I had a dream about a month ago. It was incredibly vivid, involving time travel, memory loss and espionage. I took notes on waking and have mentioned it a bit on Twitter. I plan on writing a short story, or maybe a novella or something, depending how concise and expressive I get with it. It will be titled either “The Office Post” or “The U.S. Office Post”.
I’m considering writing it in second person present tense for the bulk of it, but I’m not sure if that might seem jarring or odd. It’s an experiment I intend to try unless I get very negative feedback on its use.
Thanks for your thoughts.
I had a dream about a month ago. It was incredibly vivid, involving time travel, memory loss and espionage. I took notes on waking and have mentioned it a bit on Twitter. I plan on writing a short story, or maybe a novella or something, depending how concise and expressive I get with it. It will be titled either “The Office Post” or “The U.S. Office Post”.
I’m considering writing it in second person present tense for the bulk of it, but I’m not sure if that might seem jarring or odd. It’s an experiment I intend to try unless I get very negative feedback on its use.
Thanks for your thoughts.
To those who have played solo with several different RPG rule sets, have you found any pattern as to what sorts of game mechanics offer you the easiest solo play experience? Dice pools vs. additive systems? Fixed spell lists vs. off the cuff spell creation? Etc...
To those who have played solo with several different RPG rule sets, have you found any pattern as to what sorts of game mechanics offer you the easiest solo play experience? Dice pools vs. additive systems? Fixed spell lists vs. off the cuff spell creation? Etc...
To be clear, I'm not asking about oracles or idea generators here. Strictly RPG rule sets that you're pulling into the solo paradigm.
To be clear, I'm not asking about oracles or idea generators here. Strictly RPG rule sets that you're pulling into the solo paradigm.
Another Bayes Theorem question as it would apply to my solo gaming.
Another Bayes Theorem question as it would apply to my solo gaming.
So you have Bayes THeorem: (P(A|B) = P(B|A) * P(A))/p(B). I am not sure what to do with p(B|A), p(A) and P(B) when I have no idea of their probabilities, other than to set their odds at 50% to start with. I don't really have a problem with that, but I would like to update their probabilities based on the outcome of that 50/50 roll-- and that I'm not sure how to do best or correctly.
I had a notion of maybe increasing or decreasing their probability by a each time or half a percent, but I really have no clue if that would be good or not. What approaches could one take to this?
So you have Bayes THeorem: (P(A|B) = P(B|A) * P(A))/p(B). I am not sure what to do with p(B|A), p(A) and P(B) when I have no idea of their probabilities, other than to set their odds at 50% to start with. I don't really have a problem with that, but I would like to update their probabilities based on the outcome of that 50/50 roll-- and that I'm not sure how to do best or correctly.
I had a notion of maybe increasing or decreasing their probability by a each time or half a percent, but I really have no clue if that would be good or not. What approaches could one take to this?
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Hey guys
Hey guys,
Not sure if anyone has posted this here or not, but I just heard about a Kickstarter campaign that might interest some folks here. It's a campaign to translate and publish a series of French game books. It's a series of 5, though each is a seperate game. Like, in one you play as the mayor of a small town in the Old West, in another you are a werewolf, and in another you play as Sherlock Holmes.
Anyway, figured I'd let folks here know about it. It's fully funded, but in its final hours.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vanrydergames/graphic-novel-adventures?ref=user_menu
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vanrydergames/graphic-novel-adventures?ref=user_menu
Not sure if anyone has posted this here or not, but I just heard about a Kickstarter campaign that might interest some folks here. It's a campaign to translate and publish a series of French game books. It's a series of 5, though each is a seperate game. Like, in one you play as the mayor of a small town in the Old West, in another you are a werewolf, and in another you play as Sherlock Holmes.
Anyway, figured I'd let folks here know about it. It's fully funded, but in its final hours.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vanrydergames/graphic-novel-adventures?ref=user_menu
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vanrydergames/graphic-novel-adventures?ref=user_menu
I have played the 11th session of my Ironsworn / Song of Blades and Heroes campaign. Typically, I drop my campaigns before the tenth episode, so this is a success. The current story is interesting and the main character is facing a dire moment: I am curious to see how it goes :)
I have played the 11th session of my Ironsworn / Song of Blades and Heroes campaign. Typically, I drop my campaigns before the tenth episode, so this is a success. The current story is interesting and the main character is facing a dire moment: I am curious to see how it goes :)
https://solounmondodicarta.wordpress.com/2018/04/22/amara-of-whitebridge-11-a-trollish-setback/
https://solounmondodicarta.wordpress.com/2018/04/22/amara-of-whitebridge-11-a-trollish-setback/
https://solounmondodicarta.wordpress.com/2018/04/22/amara-of-whitebridge-11-a-trollish-setback/
https://solounmondodicarta.wordpress.com/2018/04/22/amara-of-whitebridge-11-a-trollish-setback/
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Taking the advice from this amazing community I spent down time at work trying to figure out way to incorporate the people who are fighting my imaginary battles. I had a few ideas, but the one that stuck was making sure each combatant had a face and a name. Those two things should remind me that it's not just equipment stats and vehicles. To try this out I decided to start putting together a new Bolt Action campaign, where human tragedy and folly played out on a grand scale. To go with it I started working on a new set of Maptool tokens to emphasize the people on the ground and try out the advice given about creating the narrative on the battlefields. It's a rough draft, but I think it emphasizes the person hood of the soldier and will hopefully inspire many stories. Random national name generators are going to be the real MVP of this project.
Taking the advice from this amazing community I spent down time at work trying to figure out way to incorporate the people who are fighting my imaginary battles. I had a few ideas, but the one that stuck was making sure each combatant had a face and a name. Those two things should remind me that it's not just equipment stats and vehicles. To try this out I decided to start putting together a new Bolt Action campaign, where human tragedy and folly played out on a grand scale. To go with it I started working on a new set of Maptool tokens to emphasize the people on the ground and try out the advice given about creating the narrative on the battlefields. It's a rough draft, but I think it emphasizes the person hood of the soldier and will hopefully inspire many stories. Random national name generators are going to be the real MVP of this project.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Is anybody here familiar with Bayes who can tell me if this is the appropriate way to consider multiple pieces of evidence for one event?
Is anybody here familiar with Bayes who can tell me if this is the appropriate way to consider multiple pieces of evidence for one event?
I was wondering whether it would be possible to calculate an event with multiple evidence instances one by one, and using the posterior probability of each calculation as the next calculation's prior probability (i.e. P(A | B) becomes P(A) for P(A | C).
I was able to get similar numbers to the Bayesian network by using a calculator like this, but I'm not sure if it's coincidence.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thenewboston.katherine
I was wondering whether it would be possible to calculate an event with multiple evidence instances one by one, and using the posterior probability of each calculation as the next calculation's prior probability (i.e. P(A | B) becomes P(A) for P(A | C).
I was able to get similar numbers to the Bayesian network by using a calculator like this, but I'm not sure if it's coincidence.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thenewboston.katherine
The sci-fi bug bit hard this week. Horizon Wars has provided a few good games, but really it was calling me for more in-depth stompy robot action. One of the problems I've had with Heavy Gear Arena is that I never seem to find a good narrative that will keep me coming back to it. For fellow solo wargamers, how important do you find the story being told in the battles? And what tricks have you found for more effectively telling those stories on the battle field?
The sci-fi bug bit hard this week. Horizon Wars has provided a few good games, but really it was calling me for more in-depth stompy robot action. One of the problems I've had with Heavy Gear Arena is that I never seem to find a good narrative that will keep me coming back to it. For fellow solo wargamers, how important do you find the story being told in the battles? And what tricks have you found for more effectively telling those stories on the battle field?
Topics - Falling Off The Tracks.
Topics - Falling Off The Tracks.
Asking For Unwanted Dice Rolls.
Players Defend Your Player Agency.
https://youtu.be/WaEYZzdD1KY
https://youtu.be/WaEYZzdD1KY
Asking For Unwanted Dice Rolls.
Players Defend Your Player Agency.
https://youtu.be/WaEYZzdD1KY
https://youtu.be/WaEYZzdD1KY
In which I showcase some of the solo sessions I am working on.
In which I showcase some of the solo sessions I am working on.
http://dungeonsanddutchovens.blogspot.com/2018/04/upcoming-solo-sessions.html
http://dungeonsanddutchovens.blogspot.com/2018/04/upcoming-solo-sessions.html
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Difficulty / Target Numbers
Difficulty / Target Numbers
Two questions:
1) How do you decide how difficult something will be?
2) If you were given absolute discretion in setting task/challenge difficulty, what could incentivize you to choose something difficult and challenging?
Two questions:
1) How do you decide how difficult something will be?
2) If you were given absolute discretion in setting task/challenge difficulty, what could incentivize you to choose something difficult and challenging?
The second installment of my Silent Legions experiment is now up. Herein the fearless investigators uncover a truly sinister conspiracy at the heart of their sleepy community.
The second installment of my Silent Legions experiment is now up. Herein the fearless investigators uncover a truly sinister conspiracy at the heart of their sleepy community.
For no particular reason, earlier today I was thinking of the Aladdin Technique, posted by +John Fiore back in 2014. I cannot find the original post, but Aleksandar Battreps blogged about it and thankfully copy and pasted the original post. It's a smart idea to randomise and enrich a scene description. I guess that new people here might not have seen it yet....
For no particular reason, earlier today I was thinking of the Aladdin Technique, posted by +John Fiore back in 2014. I cannot find the original post, but Aleksandar Battreps blogged about it and thankfully copy and pasted the original post. It's a smart idea to randomise and enrich a scene description. I guess that new people here might not have seen it yet....
http://battreps.blogspot.com/2014/07/alladin-technique.html
Just going to throw this out here without comment:
Just going to throw this out here without comment:
When solo roleplaying, what if instead of trying to figure out a target difficulty for you to roll against as a player, things were reframed as you setting your player roll ahead of time as the difficulty for the "GM" to beat if she wants to stop the player from achieving a result?
So, I make my roll, and then that becomes the difficulty for the GM to beat. It's a bit like the Cortex system if you've ever played it or read about it.
I don't know the probabilities, but intuitively, I think one side effect would be that the player would have more chances of succeeding.
When solo roleplaying, what if instead of trying to figure out a target difficulty for you to roll against as a player, things were reframed as you setting your player roll ahead of time as the difficulty for the "GM" to beat if she wants to stop the player from achieving a result?
So, I make my roll, and then that becomes the difficulty for the GM to beat. It's a bit like the Cortex system if you've ever played it or read about it.
I don't know the probabilities, but intuitively, I think one side effect would be that the player would have more chances of succeeding.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
I got a chance to play Horizon Wars again this afternoon. The cat had kindly decided I was done with my last game when he batted all of my chits around. I found most of them, but decided maybe I'd go back to MapTool. The maps are from VASSAL Squad Leader modules, and the Chits were made on game-icons.net.
I got a chance to play Horizon Wars again this afternoon. The cat had kindly decided I was done with my last game when he batted all of my chits around. I found most of them, but decided maybe I'd go back to MapTool. The maps are from VASSAL Squad Leader modules, and the Chits were made on game-icons.net.
The Gaian's (Red) are a convoy on the move, about to be ambushed. The Confederation (Blue) are a bit behind schedule and aren't in place in time. The Confederation can bring a number of units onto a map edge equal to the round number plus 1. Meanwhile, the Gains (who began dead center of the map) have to either push through to their destination or turn back.
I chose to run them through. They aren't heading this way without reason, and a few rebels aren't enough to turn them back.
The Heavy Cavalry Tanks and Medium Mech on the Imperial side did a much better job than I'd expected neutralizing the Confederation fast moving Mechs.
They also chose to stick close in a convoy formation. It made sense to be able to focus fire on any obstacles, but I was hoping I could get the Confederates in play in time to throw up a considerable road block.
In the end the Confederate roster wasn't well tuned for this scenario. The Recon units are intended to work in tandem with the Heavy Mech to throw out a wide net of damage via indirect fire. The convoy got through the city before I even got the eyes & ears in place.
In the end the imperial convoy did make it across the map with the requisite half force to claim victory. I'm going to go back to the drawing board and put together an intercept force for the next game. For the imperials it's likely they'v been in communication with HQ, so they'll need to swap in some heavy hitters too.
The Gaian's (Red) are a convoy on the move, about to be ambushed. The Confederation (Blue) are a bit behind schedule and aren't in place in time. The Confederation can bring a number of units onto a map edge equal to the round number plus 1. Meanwhile, the Gains (who began dead center of the map) have to either push through to their destination or turn back.
I chose to run them through. They aren't heading this way without reason, and a few rebels aren't enough to turn them back.
The Heavy Cavalry Tanks and Medium Mech on the Imperial side did a much better job than I'd expected neutralizing the Confederation fast moving Mechs.
They also chose to stick close in a convoy formation. It made sense to be able to focus fire on any obstacles, but I was hoping I could get the Confederates in play in time to throw up a considerable road block.
In the end the Confederate roster wasn't well tuned for this scenario. The Recon units are intended to work in tandem with the Heavy Mech to throw out a wide net of damage via indirect fire. The convoy got through the city before I even got the eyes & ears in place.
In the end the imperial convoy did make it across the map with the requisite half force to claim victory. I'm going to go back to the drawing board and put together an intercept force for the next game. For the imperials it's likely they'v been in communication with HQ, so they'll need to swap in some heavy hitters too.
Shawn Tomkin is taking suggestions for the next Ironsworn worlds.... time to speak your mind!
Shawn Tomkin is taking suggestions for the next Ironsworn worlds.... time to speak your mind!
Originally shared by Shawn Tomkin
This is entirely premature, but it's fun to think and talk about, so let's do it anyway.
My plan/hope after I get Ironsworn sorted is to start work on a compendium of alternate settings and supporting mechanics. The working title is "Ironsworn Worlds".
I am undecided if this is a series of mini-supplements under the "Worlds" banner, or a collected compendium, or both.
This would include mild alternations to moves and mechanics to support different settings and genres. For example, it'll have rules for introducing vehicles as a sub-character with its own assets.
Each World would include info similar to what I do for the Ironlands in the core book (regions, NPCs, your truths,maybe some custom oracles, etc.). Assets for each would be provided as separate downloads. My thoughts on what to include changes almost daily, but I've got some notes on the following:
* Gritty, spacebound adventures in the maelstrom, a region of chaotic space inhabited by outcasts.
* Adrenaline-fueled adventures on the wastelands of mars. Think John Carter meets Fury Road.
* Age of Sail and musketry in a frozen post-apocalypse. "The Terror" on AMC arrived at just the right time to move this one up higher in my wish-list.
* High-fantasy in the Eternal Weald, an endless, sentient forest of shifting realities.
For each setting, the core precepts of Ironsworn would remain. Dangerous environments, sworn vows, and quest-driven stories. Even if you ignore the settings (as many do with the core), the assets and tweaks would allow you to adapt Ironsworn to your own campaigns in different genres.
Art will be an issue here. I like the photo-aesthetic of Ironsworn, but it won't work for Worlds. So, I'll have to decide whether to release in minimalist form, or make a significant investment in art.
Sorry for the long post, but it's been on my mind, particularly as Ironsworn has gotten a bit of wind in its sails over the past couple of weeks. Thoughts? What settings/genres would you like to see? Would you prefer a single compendium which consolidates the rules/options/settings, or multiple smaller releases that let you pick-and-choose?
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Hey, people, I would like to know what solo systems you are playing these days.
Hey, people, I would like to know what solo systems you are playing these days.
Nowadays, I am playing Bivius Tunnels and Dragons, and Mythic (sometimes together with Cthullhu Dark, sometimes together with Minimal d6...). I want to start an Ironsworn game, but i am still uncertain if I can handle with the rules...
What about you?
Nowadays, I am playing Bivius Tunnels and Dragons, and Mythic (sometimes together with Cthullhu Dark, sometimes together with Minimal d6...). I want to start an Ironsworn game, but i am still uncertain if I can handle with the rules...
What about you?
I just bought the Mythic GM Emulator book. Not going to lie, its a little much to take all in and understand it.
I just bought the Mythic GM Emulator book. Not going to lie, its a little much to take all in and understand it.
So my first question is, is there some where on the net that will show me how to use it more clear or maybe a video?
My second question is, I can use this same method or Emulator to play board games correct?
So my first question is, is there some where on the net that will show me how to use it more clear or maybe a video?
My second question is, I can use this same method or Emulator to play board games correct?
Hello! I am experienced in playing pen&paper RPGs but I am new to playing them solo. I want to give this a try. Not sure which system will be best for playing solo: Basic Fantasy, D&D 5e, Pathfinder. I also thought about The One Ring RPG , Beyond the Wall and Symbaroum.
Hello! I am experienced in playing pen&paper RPGs but I am new to playing them solo. I want to give this a try. Not sure which system will be best for playing solo: Basic Fantasy, D&D 5e, Pathfinder. I also thought about The One Ring RPG , Beyond the Wall and Symbaroum.
What is your opinion on these games for solo roleplaying?
What is your opinion on these games for solo roleplaying?
I've been playing around with the idea of a solo LARP. My idea is that you would work up a play sheet that would have the basic precept of the conspiracy and a handful of symbols or hallmarks of it.
I've been playing around with the idea of a solo LARP. My idea is that you would work up a play sheet that would have the basic precept of the conspiracy and a handful of symbols or hallmarks of it.
You would play an investigator. If you stumble across one of these hallmarks in the real world or online a series of draws from a deck of cards would reveal whether you've found a valid clue, which of your skills (Instinct, Psyche, Investigation, and History) is used to understand the clue, and on a strong success a 3 card draw that gives you greater understanding of the evidence you've found.
It's still very much a WIP. It would seem to be a game that doesn't have a solid end goal, I can't decide if it would need one. Not to trivialize the people we meet day to day, but I also have a few ideas for how to utilize them as unwitting NPCs. Currently the risk factor is also unknown. I like the idea that a certain number of failed draws would draw attention from who/whatever is behind the conspiracy and they would "disappear" your character in appropriate style.
As a concept what are people's thoughts?
You would play an investigator. If you stumble across one of these hallmarks in the real world or online a series of draws from a deck of cards would reveal whether you've found a valid clue, which of your skills (Instinct, Psyche, Investigation, and History) is used to understand the clue, and on a strong success a 3 card draw that gives you greater understanding of the evidence you've found.
It's still very much a WIP. It would seem to be a game that doesn't have a solid end goal, I can't decide if it would need one. Not to trivialize the people we meet day to day, but I also have a few ideas for how to utilize them as unwitting NPCs. Currently the risk factor is also unknown. I like the idea that a certain number of failed draws would draw attention from who/whatever is behind the conspiracy and they would "disappear" your character in appropriate style.
As a concept what are people's thoughts?
People, on Youtube we can find this Ironsworn Extended Play example. I think it can help new players or some of us who wants to know the game better!
People, on Youtube we can find this Ironsworn Extended Play example. I think it can help new players or some of us who wants to know the game better!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSmtF8lf9QI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSmtF8lf9QI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSmtF8lf9QI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSmtF8lf9QI
Not sure if this counts as an RPG, but it's a 1-6 players card game, so it fits the solitaire niche?! Justin Sirois might be able to tell us more on the solitaire mode.
Not sure if this counts as an RPG, but it's a 1-6 players card game, so it fits the solitaire niche?! Justin Sirois might be able to tell us more on the solitaire mode.
Originally shared by Justin Sirois
I like to think of this as an OSR card game that RPG fans can play on the fly. It's portable, brutal, and weird with b/w artwork and a very simple D20 system. It's also part of the Beneath the Inverted Church series.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/justinsirois/sickest-witch?ref=creator_nav
This week I received a new pen as a gift, so I was in the mood to do some writing. When a pseudo-antique ledger I'd been keeping my eye on went on clearance I knew it meant that a new Traveller Star Trader game was be called for.
This week I received a new pen as a gift, so I was in the mood to do some writing. When a pseudo-antique ledger I'd been keeping my eye on went on clearance I knew it meant that a new Traveller Star Trader game was be called for.
With luck Samuel Tamwood survived character creation, and picked up a rival, an enemy, and a travel companion (Sara Evans) along the way. Even better, the Star Trade relationship table made them inseparable buddies who were secretly in love with each other. Lots of plot hooks there.
I went with the Trade Without A Ship option for this campaign. I like keeping up with the ship minutiae, but I wanted to focus more on the trading and character interaction this time. Bring on a different ship each trip opens up different options.
Do far it's off to a good start. I got a good price on Petrochemicals which we're transporting to Rech (an restrictive ice planet under rule by a dictator). Despite putting most of our funds into our first haul the TamEv Commerce decided a weekend at a resort would be a good idea to offset having. To spend a few weeks on Rech.
It would have been a good idea, since I decided that the relaxation would give me a 1 on social rolls for the trip. Unfortunately it took 3 weeks to find a ship with enough space that was heading to our destination. The warehouse fees took a toll that could have been offset by the resort fees. Oh well.
During the jump the Recycling System malfunctioned, restricting us to our cabin for most of the trip. We chose to share one in order to cut costs, and I thought this might lead to a good relationship benchmark. Instead we apparently argued about art a lot with great conviction. Some would say we were using art to mask our feelings, but I say that Sara just can't appreciate ancient 21st Century Modern.
I had to pack it up, so I'll have to wait to find out what happens on Rech next session.
With luck Samuel Tamwood survived character creation, and picked up a rival, an enemy, and a travel companion (Sara Evans) along the way. Even better, the Star Trade relationship table made them inseparable buddies who were secretly in love with each other. Lots of plot hooks there.
I went with the Trade Without A Ship option for this campaign. I like keeping up with the ship minutiae, but I wanted to focus more on the trading and character interaction this time. Bring on a different ship each trip opens up different options.
Do far it's off to a good start. I got a good price on Petrochemicals which we're transporting to Rech (an restrictive ice planet under rule by a dictator). Despite putting most of our funds into our first haul the TamEv Commerce decided a weekend at a resort would be a good idea to offset having. To spend a few weeks on Rech.
It would have been a good idea, since I decided that the relaxation would give me a 1 on social rolls for the trip. Unfortunately it took 3 weeks to find a ship with enough space that was heading to our destination. The warehouse fees took a toll that could have been offset by the resort fees. Oh well.
During the jump the Recycling System malfunctioned, restricting us to our cabin for most of the trip. We chose to share one in order to cut costs, and I thought this might lead to a good relationship benchmark. Instead we apparently argued about art a lot with great conviction. Some would say we were using art to mask our feelings, but I say that Sara just can't appreciate ancient 21st Century Modern.
I had to pack it up, so I'll have to wait to find out what happens on Rech next session.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
I know a few of you are fans... new community for Dungeon Solitaire.
I know a few of you are fans... new community for Dungeon Solitaire.
Originally shared by Spencer Salyer
Be sure to join the Dungeon Solitaire group if you've played or are interested in the games (and associated works of fiction)!
Originally shared by Spencer Salyer
Be sure to join the Dungeon Solitaire group if you've played or are interested in the games (and associated works of fiction)!
Game Master Advice "Creative Combat Encounters" -
Game Master Advice "Creative Combat Encounters" -
https://youtu.be/V5NURCuJyLY
https://youtu.be/V5NURCuJyLY
https://youtu.be/V5NURCuJyLY
https://youtu.be/V5NURCuJyLY
Hi Condor DM here, just want to introduce myself, you can visit my youtube channel to learn more about me.
Hi Condor DM here, just want to introduce myself, you can visit my youtube channel to learn more about me.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp6qxNFROfaKSs-vPoTlMUg?view_as=subscriber
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp6qxNFROfaKSs-vPoTlMUg?view_as=subscriber
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp6qxNFROfaKSs-vPoTlMUg?view_as=subscriber
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp6qxNFROfaKSs-vPoTlMUg?view_as=subscriber
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Here is the link to the folder with my actual plays and the homebrew mechanics and rules I use for it (basically GURPS super-lite with some modifications here and there) Along with some of the world building I've been working on. Wanted to share this and see what others might think about it.
Here is the link to the folder with my actual plays and the homebrew mechanics and rules I use for it (basically GURPS super-lite with some modifications here and there) Along with some of the world building I've been working on. Wanted to share this and see what others might think about it.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MFrEU34lOizovRwSQOwo-JaimUzgh0kV
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MFrEU34lOizovRwSQOwo-JaimUzgh0kV
Here is the second chapter of my GURPS campaign! I finally decided on the name "Terra-Mana" as it fits the setting quite well (despite how unimaginative the name is haha). After the first chapter I did some overhauling of GURPS mechanics to fit my playstyle, allowing for gameplay that is crunchy enough to keep my attention, but lite enough to allow for my creative writing side to take over here and there. I also did a lot of world building since last chapter, so Ill be posting that in a different post along with some of the tables that I made to handle new mechanics that I introduced, like freeform spellcasting. The combat part of this session was a bit messy since it was basically a test run of these new mechanics, but I believe they work quite nicely. Enjoy! let me know if its any good.
Working on new characters for my Ironsworn campaign....
Working on new characters for my Ironsworn campaign....
People, I decided to take advantage of the fact that we are in the Soccer World Cup year and create the "World Cup RPG", a solo soccer game RPG.
People, I decided to take advantage of the fact that we are in the Soccer World Cup year and create the "World Cup RPG", a solo soccer game RPG.
The goal is to make each Group Cup match using RPG Rules, and in the end finding out who will be the great Champion ... before the cup begins! Kkkkk
I know some technical terms related to soccer are not correct - my English related to sports is lousy - but there are only 2 pages of rules, and the rules are very simple, so you can turn around ...
It is just to have fun; I usually do not follow these things-soccer-stuffs, and I always get lost when people start talking to me about it.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FHgjWp49OrPRfn-oHKG8Ki1C2hrRUWl3
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FHgjWp49OrPRfn-oHKG8Ki1C2hrRUWl3
The goal is to make each Group Cup match using RPG Rules, and in the end finding out who will be the great Champion ... before the cup begins! Kkkkk
I know some technical terms related to soccer are not correct - my English related to sports is lousy - but there are only 2 pages of rules, and the rules are very simple, so you can turn around ...
It is just to have fun; I usually do not follow these things-soccer-stuffs, and I always get lost when people start talking to me about it.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FHgjWp49OrPRfn-oHKG8Ki1C2hrRUWl3
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FHgjWp49OrPRfn-oHKG8Ki1C2hrRUWl3
Friday, April 13, 2018
In honour of Friday the 13th, I have started a series of experiments with horror games.
In honour of Friday the 13th, I have started a series of experiments with horror games.
The first experiment uses Silent Legions, and is an attempt to see how the random Adventure Templates can be used to create a solo horror adventure as you play.
The first experiment uses Silent Legions, and is an attempt to see how the random Adventure Templates can be used to create a solo horror adventure as you play.
Originally shared by Justin Gordon
Originally shared by Justin Gordon
Some thoughts on how to use Oracle rolls in Ironsworn to drive the story
Some thoughts on how to use Oracle rolls in Ironsworn to drive the story
I'm curious -- how many of you employ cards in some form, or prefer to stick to dice? Bonus points for card-related suggestions in the comments.
I'm curious -- how many of you employ cards in some form, or prefer to stick to dice? Bonus points for card-related suggestions in the comments.
When I first got back into RPGs, I was turned off to using playing cards for stuff, because I wanted to chuck some dice for nostalgia's sake. Lately, though, after trying out Dungeon Solitaire, I've been on a card kick and seem to be accumulating playing card and tarot decks faster than is reasonable.
There don't seem to be too many RPGs based solely around cards (Castle Falkenstein being a prominent exception, and I've found another called, simply, No Dice). But I know there's plenty of card-based generators and tools out there such as John Yorio's dungeon generator and I'd even include the Gamemaster Apprentice cards as either a tool or an RPG, depending how you use them.
Recent posts about cartomancy have fueled my interest and I'm wondering what all is out there, especially in regards to solo play: Using cards as an oracle, a means of generating RPG elements (NPCs, encounters, plot), and even as a mechanic to replace dice in one or more ways.
So, I'm curious -- how many of you employ cards in some form, or prefer to stick to dice? Bonus points for card-related suggestions in the comments.
When I first got back into RPGs, I was turned off to using playing cards for stuff, because I wanted to chuck some dice for nostalgia's sake. Lately, though, after trying out Dungeon Solitaire, I've been on a card kick and seem to be accumulating playing card and tarot decks faster than is reasonable.
There don't seem to be too many RPGs based solely around cards (Castle Falkenstein being a prominent exception, and I've found another called, simply, No Dice). But I know there's plenty of card-based generators and tools out there such as John Yorio's dungeon generator and I'd even include the Gamemaster Apprentice cards as either a tool or an RPG, depending how you use them.
Recent posts about cartomancy have fueled my interest and I'm wondering what all is out there, especially in regards to solo play: Using cards as an oracle, a means of generating RPG elements (NPCs, encounters, plot), and even as a mechanic to replace dice in one or more ways.
So, I'm curious -- how many of you employ cards in some form, or prefer to stick to dice? Bonus points for card-related suggestions in the comments.
So I may have spoken of this idea on here before, I'm not sure.
So I may have spoken of this idea on here before, I'm not sure.
I'm not even halfway through reading Archipelago but I'm fiending to start solo with it. I've got the cards and am happy to draw out [crappy/REALLY rough] maps and all else it requires.
BUT. Central to the driving force of Archipelago are machinations of other players, though not as their PCs. It's a variation on troupe style GMless, I guess you could say..
So my solution is to bake up "proxy player personalities" complete with how they feel about one another and me, and couple these proxies with secondary PCs to my own.
Had anyone done something like this before? I don't want a detailed "check for response every time" setup, just an initial guideline on how they might treat me when they draw Fate cards etc.
I'm not even halfway through reading Archipelago but I'm fiending to start solo with it. I've got the cards and am happy to draw out [crappy/REALLY rough] maps and all else it requires.
BUT. Central to the driving force of Archipelago are machinations of other players, though not as their PCs. It's a variation on troupe style GMless, I guess you could say..
So my solution is to bake up "proxy player personalities" complete with how they feel about one another and me, and couple these proxies with secondary PCs to my own.
Had anyone done something like this before? I don't want a detailed "check for response every time" setup, just an initial guideline on how they might treat me when they draw Fate cards etc.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Bayesian Probabilities & Oracles?
Bayesian Probabilities & Oracles?
I’m not a mathematical person, but I am a crazy guy, so I’ve always wanted to use Bayes Theorem to determine Mythic/Oracle odds for me.
I quite like the idea of assigning the odds through an unbiased calculation that allows me to somewhat eliminate my own biases from the equation. It would make the illusion of an autonomous oracle stronger for me because I wouldn’t be directly deciding the odds of the roll (yet they would be consistent with my assumptions about how the setting behaves).
——-
Today I may have gotten a little closer to executing this idea, though a a free iOS app that performs Bayesian network calculations. (App name is mBayes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mbayes/id1086016884?mt=8 ).
The screenshots here area based on a question of whether a fictional set of Hyperborean-ish tribe will raid based on four criteria: enmity, fear, whether they want something your tribe has, and whether they can only get it from your tribe.
The first picture shows the prior probabilities of being raided given a set of conditions and their assumed probabilities (starting at a base %50):
# Whether they’re your enemies (+5%)
# whether they fear you (-5%)
# whether you have something they want (+5%)
# whether they can get the same thing elsewhere (-5% )
The next picture shows the probability of being raided when the all the conditions are unknown. The next one shows the probability given true or false values for the variables. The last two show the calculations in reverse showing the probability of the variables depending on whether you’ve been raided or not.
This felt like a mini game in of itself.
I’m not a mathematical person, but I am a crazy guy, so I’ve always wanted to use Bayes Theorem to determine Mythic/Oracle odds for me.
I quite like the idea of assigning the odds through an unbiased calculation that allows me to somewhat eliminate my own biases from the equation. It would make the illusion of an autonomous oracle stronger for me because I wouldn’t be directly deciding the odds of the roll (yet they would be consistent with my assumptions about how the setting behaves).
——-
Today I may have gotten a little closer to executing this idea, though a a free iOS app that performs Bayesian network calculations. (App name is mBayes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mbayes/id1086016884?mt=8 ).
The screenshots here area based on a question of whether a fictional set of Hyperborean-ish tribe will raid based on four criteria: enmity, fear, whether they want something your tribe has, and whether they can only get it from your tribe.
The first picture shows the prior probabilities of being raided given a set of conditions and their assumed probabilities (starting at a base %50):
# Whether they’re your enemies (+5%)
# whether they fear you (-5%)
# whether you have something they want (+5%)
# whether they can get the same thing elsewhere (-5% )
The next picture shows the probability of being raided when the all the conditions are unknown. The next one shows the probability given true or false values for the variables. The last two show the calculations in reverse showing the probability of the variables depending on whether you’ve been raided or not.
This felt like a mini game in of itself.
AI generated horror imagery. Might be useful for horror game inspiration, since horror is at least 60% dread and fear of what's out there, these should lead your imagination in the right direction.
AI generated horror imagery. Might be useful for horror game inspiration, since horror is at least 60% dread and fear of what's out there, these should lead your imagination in the right direction.
http://nightmare.mit.edu/
http://nightmare.mit.edu/
I've now run two skirmish battles with Horizon Wars. This is a great system. It abstracts a lot of the minutiae, which 90% of the time I like. I can see some house rules brewing, but I need to play a bit more before I start tinkering. At patrol scale (the lowest point value per army) A 30 minute battle is deffinitely doable. At the high end (27 points) I could still see 90 minutes assuming I don't stare at the board too long pondering the next move.
I've now run two skirmish battles with Horizon Wars. This is a great system. It abstracts a lot of the minutiae, which 90% of the time I like. I can see some house rules brewing, but I need to play a bit more before I start tinkering. At patrol scale (the lowest point value per army) A 30 minute battle is deffinitely doable. At the high end (27 points) I could still see 90 minutes assuming I don't stare at the board too long pondering the next move.
I've enjoyed it enough to start setting up a campaign. I decided to give it some context this time. Typically my wargame backstory only goes far enough to explain why the forces are fighting on this particular battlefield. I went a little further back for this one. It's not great literature, but it was fun to do the write up.
http://diceandwords.blogspot.com/2018/04/horizon-wars-gaia-campaign.html
I've enjoyed it enough to start setting up a campaign. I decided to give it some context this time. Typically my wargame backstory only goes far enough to explain why the forces are fighting on this particular battlefield. I went a little further back for this one. It's not great literature, but it was fun to do the write up.
http://diceandwords.blogspot.com/2018/04/horizon-wars-gaia-campaign.html
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
I've asked about posting stuff on this site that I'm sure would be of interest to everyone on this site. I understand that I would have to post through Google drive. However, I'm concerned that if I do that it will be possible for someone to access my entire Google drive account.
I've asked about posting stuff on this site that I'm sure would be of interest to everyone on this site. I understand that I would have to post through Google drive. However, I'm concerned that if I do that it will be possible for someone to access my entire Google drive account.
Is this an unfounded worry? I hope so because I have something I'm sure everyone will like.
Is this an unfounded worry? I hope so because I have something I'm sure everyone will like.
Just retrieved the first four volumes of 4AD, markers for my Rocketbook and more cubes with storage for my Untold collection. ^_^
Just retrieved the first four volumes of 4AD, markers for my Rocketbook and more cubes with storage for my Untold collection. ^_^
For iOS only, as far as I can tell:
For iOS only, as far as I can tell:
A minimalist dungeon solitaire game based on a poker deck. It's got some good reviews, but I haven't tried it yet. The cards have a good design on them, though abstract.
Looks like a good way to kill some time on a commute.
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id976367718?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id976367718?mt=8
A minimalist dungeon solitaire game based on a poker deck. It's got some good reviews, but I haven't tried it yet. The cards have a good design on them, though abstract.
Looks like a good way to kill some time on a commute.
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id976367718?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id976367718?mt=8
A question about Ironsworn moves....
A question about Ironsworn moves....
I'm still reading through this book. It's really interesting and I can't wait to play. I've been mulling over possible play situations in my head while driving, etc. and I want to clear up some of my confusion before I get around to playing.
But before posting the question, I just want to say this is a beautifully produced document. The black and white photos are great, the writing is clear and tight, it's well-organized with lots of white space, etc. So, good job to the creator.
Now, the issue I'm having is trying to better understand the difference between Face Danger and Secure an Advantage. The big thing seems to be FD is reactive, while SaA is proactive. I'm thinking of situations where you want to take away an advantage of the opponent. Which move is that? Examples: if an opponent has grabbed me and is holding me down, that's clearly reactive and I would roll FD. If an opponent doesn't see me, and I sneak up on him, that's clearly proactive and I would roll SaA.
What about a situation where you are under attack, but still have some degree of agency? Maybe there is a fairly obvious way to neutralize the enemy's main attack. Say, you're under fire and you flip a table sideways and dive behind it. Or maybe there are some howling bat-winged monsters swooping down at you from the sky, and you want to run to a grove of trees so they have to fight you on foot instead of from the air.
In both cases, the expected narrative is that you are still going to fight, you're just not letting the enemy dictate the circumstances. Also in both cases, it seems clear that you are both facing danger and securing an advantage. Or, reversing the semantics, you are trying to avoid danger and deny the opponent an advantage.
Anyway, to boil it down to a specific question, what move do you choose when you are not just trying to avoid a specific attack, but are also trying to prevent that whole means of attack. Maybe you do both moves? Otherwise, which one?
The reason it's relevant is because Secure an Advantage is strictly better in the mechanical (munchkin) sense because the reward for success is higher.
I'm still reading through this book. It's really interesting and I can't wait to play. I've been mulling over possible play situations in my head while driving, etc. and I want to clear up some of my confusion before I get around to playing.
But before posting the question, I just want to say this is a beautifully produced document. The black and white photos are great, the writing is clear and tight, it's well-organized with lots of white space, etc. So, good job to the creator.
Now, the issue I'm having is trying to better understand the difference between Face Danger and Secure an Advantage. The big thing seems to be FD is reactive, while SaA is proactive. I'm thinking of situations where you want to take away an advantage of the opponent. Which move is that? Examples: if an opponent has grabbed me and is holding me down, that's clearly reactive and I would roll FD. If an opponent doesn't see me, and I sneak up on him, that's clearly proactive and I would roll SaA.
What about a situation where you are under attack, but still have some degree of agency? Maybe there is a fairly obvious way to neutralize the enemy's main attack. Say, you're under fire and you flip a table sideways and dive behind it. Or maybe there are some howling bat-winged monsters swooping down at you from the sky, and you want to run to a grove of trees so they have to fight you on foot instead of from the air.
In both cases, the expected narrative is that you are still going to fight, you're just not letting the enemy dictate the circumstances. Also in both cases, it seems clear that you are both facing danger and securing an advantage. Or, reversing the semantics, you are trying to avoid danger and deny the opponent an advantage.
Anyway, to boil it down to a specific question, what move do you choose when you are not just trying to avoid a specific attack, but are also trying to prevent that whole means of attack. Maybe you do both moves? Otherwise, which one?
The reason it's relevant is because Secure an Advantage is strictly better in the mechanical (munchkin) sense because the reward for success is higher.
Pretty nice interview and article.
Pretty nice interview and article.
http://www.firstcomicsnews.com/calvins-commentaries-journey-to-the-overland/
http://www.firstcomicsnews.com/calvins-commentaries-journey-to-the-overland/
Hello everyone, here is my new solo adventure: Back to the Temple of Chaos. The idea is to use the keep of the borderlands campaign set (again), but after the events described in the original module. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave me a comment
Hello everyone, here is my new solo adventure: Back to the Temple of Chaos. The idea is to use the keep of the borderlands campaign set (again), but after the events described in the original module. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave me a comment
Hello everyone, here is my new solo adventure: Back to the Temple of Chaos. The idea is to use the keep of the borderlands campaign set (again), but after the events described in the original module. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave me a comment
https://lbrpg.blogspot.fr/2018/04/solo-rpg-return-to-temple-of-evil-chaos.html
Hello everyone, here is my new solo adventure: Back to the Temple of Chaos. The idea is to use the keep of the borderlands campaign set (again), but after the events described in the original module. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave me a comment
https://lbrpg.blogspot.fr/2018/04/solo-rpg-return-to-temple-of-evil-chaos.html
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Mobile users: I've discovered it's possible to search within a specific community (ie. Lone Wolf Roleplaying) in the mobile app, which I had previously thought only possible by accessing the G+ website on a desktop computer.
Mobile users: I've discovered it's possible to search within a specific community (ie. Lone Wolf Roleplaying) in the mobile app, which I had previously thought only possible by accessing the G+ website on a desktop computer.
If you're familiar with the GMail search filters like "in:all" or "from:George", many of the same work in the G+ search as well, but you'll need to grab the ID number from the subject's URL.
To search for a term only in the Lone Wolf Roleplaying community, use in:116965157741523529510.
Example: tarot in:116965157741523529510
Found via the G+ Help > Advanced Searching topic.
If you're familiar with the GMail search filters like "in:all" or "from:George", many of the same work in the G+ search as well, but you'll need to grab the ID number from the subject's URL.
To search for a term only in the Lone Wolf Roleplaying community, use in:116965157741523529510.
Example: tarot in:116965157741523529510
Found via the G+ Help > Advanced Searching topic.
Sharing over here for new oracle ideas...
Sharing over here for new oracle ideas...
Originally shared by Brian Holland
Just for a fun exercise I used Rory's Story Cubes for L.O.G. and the 3 Ts...
L.O.G.
Location: A secret, underground laboratory in the count's castle
Obstacle: The patrolling Castle Guard
Goal: Recover if possible (and destroy if necessary) a new invention that could change the course of the war.
Final Room
Timer: When it counts down, the gears turn and new monsters come out of the machines (the new invention).
Threat: The chaotic magic that fuels the machines fills the room like fog. It disrupts normal magic and prolonged exposure causes mutation.
Treat: Several large pieces of lodestone are scattered throughout the room. The lodestone repulses the chaotic magic, leaving small pockets of safety.
This is not a project i'm personally going to back, but it sounds very much like what many of you describe when playing solo RPGs:
This is not a project i'm personally going to back, but it sounds very much like what many of you describe when playing solo RPGs:
<<>>
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1537872810/journey-away-a-non-challenge-based-fantasy-rpg
KS ends: Thu, May 10 2018 4:33 PM CEST.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1537872810/journey-away-a-non-challenge-based-fantasy-rpg
<<
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1537872810/journey-away-a-non-challenge-based-fantasy-rpg
KS ends: Thu, May 10 2018 4:33 PM CEST.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1537872810/journey-away-a-non-challenge-based-fantasy-rpg
Monday, April 9, 2018
I just came across this solo engine. I don't believe I have any familiarity with the 7th Sea rpg. So I can't comment on this game. http://www.rpgnow.com/product/239218/Solo-Engine-for-7th-Sea-Role-Playing-Game?src=also_purchased
I just came across this solo engine. I don't believe I have any familiarity with the 7th Sea rpg. So I can't comment on this game. http://www.rpgnow.com/product/239218/Solo-Engine-for-7th-Sea-Role-Playing-Game?src=also_purchased
http://www.rpgnow.com/product/239218/Solo-Engine-for-7th-Sea-Role-Playing-Game?src=also_purchased
http://www.rpgnow.com/product/239218/Solo-Engine-for-7th-Sea-Role-Playing-Game?src=also_purchased
Originally shared by John Feldman
Originally shared by John Feldman
from smoke filled cavern sword in hand she emerged sometimes dragons lose
http://bureauofdragons.com/2018/04/09/a-heros-haiku/
from smoke filled cavern sword in hand she emerged sometimes dragons lose
http://bureauofdragons.com/2018/04/09/a-heros-haiku/
I'm glad that my schedule has returned to the land of sanity a d I can begin to kick around some of the gaming projects I've been pondering. I recently picked up Horizon Wars from Osprey Games, a combined arms sci-fi rule set. Spending some time figuring out how I want to build units.
I'm glad that my schedule has returned to the land of sanity a d I can begin to kick around some of the gaming projects I've been pondering. I recently picked up Horizon Wars from Osprey Games, a combined arms sci-fi rule set. Spending some time figuring out how I want to build units.
So far I've got the early drafts for Lt. Cavalry, Med Tank, Ltm Mecha, Basic Air Transport, Recon, Lt. infantry, and Heavy Infantry. My colors are a bit limited ATM, so a trip to Lego Land or ebay may be in order.
So far I've got the early drafts for Lt. Cavalry, Med Tank, Ltm Mecha, Basic Air Transport, Recon, Lt. infantry, and Heavy Infantry. My colors are a bit limited ATM, so a trip to Lego Land or ebay may be in order.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
4AD play report. Not sure why it formats weird.
4AD play report. Not sure why it formats weird.
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2018/04/four-against-darkness-session-1-cave-of.html?m=1
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2018/04/four-against-darkness-session-1-cave-of.html?m=1
Browsing through rpgnow, I was wondering why the Rules Cyclopedia was #1. Turns out, it's now POD...
Browsing through rpgnow, I was wondering why the Rules Cyclopedia was #1. Turns out, it's now POD...
http://www.rpgnow.com/product/17171/DD-Rules-Cyclopedia-Basic?src=hottest&it=1
http://www.rpgnow.com/product/17171/DD-Rules-Cyclopedia-Basic?src=hottest&it=1
A while ago (in a set of comments that I can no longer find) I promised to share a windows app of the Mythic GME (and potentially the source code if you really want). If you would like a copy of this app, please let me know and I will mail you a dropbox link - if you can demonstrate that you have purchased a copy of the actual emulator (it is a someone's IPR and livelihood after all).
Saturday, April 7, 2018
If you put aside (or find a way to repurpose) the Fate-specific deck, the other three decks in this set could come in handy for solo roleplaying.
If you put aside (or find a way to repurpose) the Fate-specific deck, the other three decks in this set could come in handy for solo roleplaying.
Originally shared by Mark Chance
Do you play Fate Accelerated? Do you have It's Not My Fault Cards!? If you answered "yes" and then "no", you're half wrong. Don't be half wrong.
http://spesmagna.com/archives/4102
Originally shared by Mark Chance
Do you play Fate Accelerated? Do you have It's Not My Fault Cards!? If you answered "yes" and then "no", you're half wrong. Don't be half wrong.
http://spesmagna.com/archives/4102
Friday, April 6, 2018
With only a half hour of down time, I gave the Tiny Details, Quill and Zero Tarot module a try.
With only a half hour of down time, I gave the Tiny Details, Quill and Zero Tarot module a try.
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2018/04/quill-forgotten-future-1.html?m=1
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2018/04/quill-forgotten-future-1.html?m=1
I know there are a few Fate (Core/Accelerated) soloists out there... Does anyone have some Actual Plays posted where the mechanics of Fate are shown in detail? I've been toying with using at least parts of Fate for my upcoming tavern management gameplay, but I'm just really having a tough time visualizing the use of the system solo.
I know there are a few Fate (Core/Accelerated) soloists out there... Does anyone have some Actual Plays posted where the mechanics of Fate are shown in detail? I've been toying with using at least parts of Fate for my upcoming tavern management gameplay, but I'm just really having a tough time visualizing the use of the system solo.
I'm mostly hung up on how to convert compels to something my PC (which is classically an NPC, a tavern barkeep/owner) can utilize to send others out on adventures, and how to use active/passive difficulty. I "think" I have Aspects figured out, but this is still early stages. TIA!
I'm mostly hung up on how to convert compels to something my PC (which is classically an NPC, a tavern barkeep/owner) can utilize to send others out on adventures, and how to use active/passive difficulty. I "think" I have Aspects figured out, but this is still early stages. TIA!
Thursday, April 5, 2018
I am always looking for inspiration for single hero adventures from movies and such. Found a great example series on Netflix: Frankenstein Chronicles. The system used for this is clearly Gumshoe... What do you have?
I am always looking for inspiration for single hero adventures from movies and such. Found a great example series on Netflix: Frankenstein Chronicles. The system used for this is clearly Gumshoe... What do you have?
https://www.netflix.com/title/80161335
https://www.netflix.com/title/80161335
https://www.netflix.com/title/80161335
https://www.netflix.com/title/80161335
It occurs to me that Quill uses a five paragraph structure, and Untold uses five scenes... Would that be "Unwritten" or "Unspoken?"
It occurs to me that Quill uses a five paragraph structure, and Untold uses five scenes... Would that be "Unwritten" or "Unspoken?"
Either way, that'd be one really quick way to generate scenarios on the fly. You just need two interpretations of a die and test to see which you use.
Either way, that'd be one really quick way to generate scenarios on the fly. You just need two interpretations of a die and test to see which you use.
Using the PWYW Tiny Details (http://www.rpgnow.com/m/product/199459), Quill (http://www.rpgnow.com/m/product/170400), and Tarot results from Tangent Zero, Zero Tarot, I think this could be my next Quill module. Posting it here first in case anyone finds interest in trying it.
Using the PWYW Tiny Details (http://www.rpgnow.com/m/product/199459), Quill (http://www.rpgnow.com/m/product/170400), and Tarot results from Tangent Zero, Zero Tarot, I think this could be my next Quill module. Posting it here first in case anyone finds interest in trying it.
Word count goal: 500 not including preamble.
-- KNIGHT APPARATUS --
The Order of Knights Apparatus are monastic caretakers of dying technology. After The Pulse, higher grade machinery faltered. Failed. Only a dedicated few could maintain what was left or search the country for lost tech.
Knights Apparatus have excellent penmanship, as they're forced to rewrite discovered documents, a strong command of language, but rarely embellish their writing to avoid confusion.
Penmanship Good
Language Average
Heart Poor
Upgrade: Inspiring Words: Once per letter, gain +1 dice during a Heart test.
-- BRIEFING --
This message will be delivered to Brother McConnell, the archivist in the local chapter of the Order. This is a field update regarding the discovery of some lost technology, to which you were assigned to recover.
-- THE STORY --
Fool: began / embarked
Tower: brokedown / dissolved
Emperor: control / discipline
Star: peace / unity
Hanged Man: weak / vulnerable
Devil: fought / confronted
Lovers: feelings / relationship
Strength: brave / courageous
Death: changed / transformed
-- THE POOL --
Chariot: enthusiastic / ambitious
Hermit: calm / patient
Hierophant: teacher / advisor
-- THE MESSAGE --
http://www.rpgnow.com/m/product/199459
Word count goal: 500 not including preamble.
-- KNIGHT APPARATUS --
The Order of Knights Apparatus are monastic caretakers of dying technology. After The Pulse, higher grade machinery faltered. Failed. Only a dedicated few could maintain what was left or search the country for lost tech.
Knights Apparatus have excellent penmanship, as they're forced to rewrite discovered documents, a strong command of language, but rarely embellish their writing to avoid confusion.
Penmanship Good
Language Average
Heart Poor
Upgrade: Inspiring Words: Once per letter, gain +1 dice during a Heart test.
-- BRIEFING --
This message will be delivered to Brother McConnell, the archivist in the local chapter of the Order. This is a field update regarding the discovery of some lost technology, to which you were assigned to recover.
-- THE STORY --
Fool: began / embarked
Tower: brokedown / dissolved
Emperor: control / discipline
Star: peace / unity
Hanged Man: weak / vulnerable
Devil: fought / confronted
Lovers: feelings / relationship
Strength: brave / courageous
Death: changed / transformed
-- THE POOL --
Chariot: enthusiastic / ambitious
Hermit: calm / patient
Hierophant: teacher / advisor
-- THE MESSAGE --
http://www.rpgnow.com/m/product/199459
Ironsworn is now available on Drive-thru RPG! If you've read and enjoyed the game, please consider "buying" it through DTRPG and leaving a review to support the author (it's free!)
Ironsworn is now available on Drive-thru RPG! If you've read and enjoyed the game, please consider "buying" it through DTRPG and leaving a review to support the author (it's free!)
Originally shared by Shawn Tomkin
The Ironsworn RPG is now available as a free download at DriveThruRPG. You'll find it here: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/238369/Ironsworn
I'll keep the files updated there and at the Ironsworn website (ironswornrpg.com). A print-on-demand version will be available at DrivethruRPG once the PDF rulebook is as final as I can make it.
If you like to have your PDF library consolidated at DriveThruRPG, go grab your copy! Perhaps even leave a review while you're there.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/238369/Ironsworn
Originally shared by Shawn Tomkin
The Ironsworn RPG is now available as a free download at DriveThruRPG. You'll find it here: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/238369/Ironsworn
I'll keep the files updated there and at the Ironsworn website (ironswornrpg.com). A print-on-demand version will be available at DrivethruRPG once the PDF rulebook is as final as I can make it.
If you like to have your PDF library consolidated at DriveThruRPG, go grab your copy! Perhaps even leave a review while you're there.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/238369/Ironsworn
$20 for the Interface Zero Mega-bundle... I think I know where some of my paycheck is going...
$20 for the Interface Zero Mega-bundle... I think I know where some of my paycheck is going...
http://www.rpgnow.com/m/product/238706
http://www.rpgnow.com/m/product/238706
If you got a hankering for some solo sci-fi exploration, I just posted No GM's Sky on DTRPG as a PWYW project. It's built around Traveller/Cepheus Engine, but it should be flexible enough to support a number to game systems out there. http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/238659/No-GMs-Sky
If you got a hankering for some solo sci-fi exploration, I just posted No GM's Sky on DTRPG as a PWYW project. It's built around Traveller/Cepheus Engine, but it should be flexible enough to support a number to game systems out there. http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/238659/No-GMs-Sky
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/238659/No-GMs-Sky?affiliate_id=319435
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/238659/No-GMs-Sky?affiliate_id=319435
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Need a hex map generator for your solo hexcrawl? This one is gorgeous...
Need a hex map generator for your solo hexcrawl? This one is gorgeous...
Originally shared by Stephan Beal
Here's a world map generator which produces hex maps in its own distinct style:
http://www.dmmuse.com/#/hexmap
It not only generates maps, but lets you edit the results. Creating an account allows one to save/restore maps.
Uplifted from a comment posted by Spencer Salyer.
http://www.dmmuse.com/#/hexmap
Originally shared by Stephan Beal
Here's a world map generator which produces hex maps in its own distinct style:
http://www.dmmuse.com/#/hexmap
It not only generates maps, but lets you edit the results. Creating an account allows one to save/restore maps.
Uplifted from a comment posted by Spencer Salyer.
http://www.dmmuse.com/#/hexmap
Session 9 of Keep on the Shadowfell. With a Walking Dead flavored zombie bite and back to abstract and cinematic combat (no grid).
Session 9 of Keep on the Shadowfell. With a Walking Dead flavored zombie bite and back to abstract and cinematic combat (no grid).
This curse might make for an interesting solo adventure seed. (explicit language)
This curse might make for an interesting solo adventure seed. (explicit language)
Originally shared by Red Flanagan
Curses are interesting. Not the "you reroll all successes" type of curse, but the "star giant is going to chase you every fucking night until you die" kind can be kind of awesome. It's a motivating factor for PCs- and I've found it works really well to give them a tool to fuck with NPCs and shake things up in the game.
So obviously, Underneath Orion's Sword is a "star giant is going to chase you every fucking night until you die" kind of curse, in fact that's EXACTLY what it does. Check it out and give it a shot in your game. It'll mess things up less than you think and prompt some referee creativity, which is always fun.
Written in the Weird Magic style of Lamentations of the Flame Princess and compatible with all old-school type games.
http://bdsmrpg.blogspot.com/2018/04/spells-that-are-fucking-metal.html
Originally shared by Red Flanagan
Curses are interesting. Not the "you reroll all successes" type of curse, but the "star giant is going to chase you every fucking night until you die" kind can be kind of awesome. It's a motivating factor for PCs- and I've found it works really well to give them a tool to fuck with NPCs and shake things up in the game.
So obviously, Underneath Orion's Sword is a "star giant is going to chase you every fucking night until you die" kind of curse, in fact that's EXACTLY what it does. Check it out and give it a shot in your game. It'll mess things up less than you think and prompt some referee creativity, which is always fun.
Written in the Weird Magic style of Lamentations of the Flame Princess and compatible with all old-school type games.
http://bdsmrpg.blogspot.com/2018/04/spells-that-are-fucking-metal.html
Episode 2 and the first two scenes of "Night of a Thousand Screams." It took longer, because I had to rewrite it a few times as my brain wrapped around FU. It's growing on me, but it's just different enough from Fate, it doesn't play how I thought it would.
Episode 2 and the first two scenes of "Night of a Thousand Screams." It took longer, because I had to rewrite it a few times as my brain wrapped around FU. It's growing on me, but it's just different enough from Fate, it doesn't play how I thought it would.
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2018/04/untold-rokugan-2037-season-1-episode-2.html?m=1
http://gamingwhiledriving.blogspot.com/2018/04/untold-rokugan-2037-season-1-episode-2.html?m=1
Fighting Fantasy fans: apparently a new book in that line will be released tomorrow...
Fighting Fantasy fans: apparently a new book in that line will be released tomorrow...
Originally shared by Neil Robinson
This is quite a good read and there is a new Fighting Fantasy book being published tomorrow. Exciting times!
I played a couple of these, back in the 1980s, did anyone else?
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/apr/04/fighting-fantasy-game-books-charlie-higson-interview
Originally shared by Neil Robinson
This is quite a good read and there is a new Fighting Fantasy book being published tomorrow. Exciting times!
I played a couple of these, back in the 1980s, did anyone else?
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/apr/04/fighting-fantasy-game-books-charlie-higson-interview
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
I don't recall seeing this G+ group posted here before: https://plus.google.com/communities/100206388326394936317
I don't recall seeing this G+ group posted here before: https://plus.google.com/communities/100206388326394936317
Free download fun.
Free download fun.
Originally shared by Red Dice Diaries
http://savevsdragon.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/hex-crawl-week-day-5-d30-hex-terrain.html
Originally shared by Red Dice Diaries
http://savevsdragon.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/hex-crawl-week-day-5-d30-hex-terrain.html
Monday, April 2, 2018
More on my tavern management game play, where I attempt to flesh out the rules/mechanics I'll follow:
More on my tavern management game play, where I attempt to flesh out the rules/mechanics I'll follow:
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/simple-starter-rules/
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/simple-starter-rules/
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/simple-starter-rules/
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/simple-starter-rules/
Just got back from a big social media break, during which I got some solo RP done. Rather than spit out a giant blow-by-blow log, I just wanted to share some of the procedural stuff that's working for me. I struggled to get solo play off the ground and feeling natural for quite a while, so maybe some of my solutions will help those of you in the same boat.
Just got back from a big social media break, during which I got some solo RP done. Rather than spit out a giant blow-by-blow log, I just wanted to share some of the procedural stuff that's working for me. I struggled to get solo play off the ground and feeling natural for quite a while, so maybe some of my solutions will help those of you in the same boat.
The Kit
- Stars Without Number (Revised, Deluxe) for task resolution
- Mythic GM Emulator simplified with Morning Coffee Solo Variations for general improvisation and GM processing
- Gamemaster's Apprentice Deck (Sci-fi) for ideas, prompts, and events
The Experience (and Tips)
1 - Randomly generate your character's backstory.
If you rolled up a character's stats, but just can't seem to decide what to have them do in your solo game, generate the backstory. By turning prompts into events, you'll start to create the supporting cast and factions, and have interactions that form your character's opinion of them.
Li Jianyu, my psychic warrior, came from a planet knocked back to pre-automotive industrial tech by The Scream (SWN's galaxy-wide psychic feedback wave that crippled most of the super technology leaving tons of convenient, adventurable ruins). Planet tags included Mercenaries and Pretech Cultists (people who worship any of the old super technology that still functions).
Armed with that info, I created a few categories of formative events (psychic power origin, warrior skill origin, youth, adult life), and drew prompts to flesh out the details of each. The resulting backstory nuggets were only 2 to 3 sentences each, but they made me decide what Jianyu thought of the mercenary factions, the pretech cultists, his family, the city government, and so on.
He turned out to be kind of a jerk who felt his psychic teleportation powers made him superior to everyone. Play would begin shortly after he'd lost his job and ruined his reputation, putting him in prime position to have an interesting story about proving himself and overcoming his toxic, reckless nature.
2 - Start in motion.
SWN contains tons of random adventure hooks, both as elements rolled and combined from tables, or as fill-in-the-blank frameworks seeded from your planet tags. At first, when I generated my hook, I struggled to start the scene where it would be delivered and negotiated.
To get past that block, I just decided how the adventure started as an element of backstory, rather than play it out as a scene at all. A mercenary General knew Li Jianyu had past experience with smugglers, and offered him a few thousand credits to hunt down their hideout.
This way, I could jump straight into my actual first scene of clear tension (Jianyu escorting a shipment of dummy weapons through the jungle to bait out smuggler saboteurs) rather than playing out a scene that basically had to go well in order to get the game off the ground.
In your later adventures, when you've got tons of context to make quest setup interesting and nuanced, playing out negotiations and such could be fun. But don't be afraid to start your first session right in the action. Find the earliest encounter that offers chaos or a chance for interesting success/failure, and start there.
3 - It's okay to be the audience.
This is probably the largest departure in how I play from what the Lone Wolf community led me to expect. While the "camera" follows Li Jianyu, so to speak, I play him in an almost third person omniscient style, allowing myself to know things he doesn't know.
For example, later in the adventure, a random prompt generated a crashed starship. This is a big deal on a world knocked back to late 1800s technology. Factions will race to scavenge and exploit it, and it actually significantly modified the main plot by offering an opportunity to attack the smuggler hideout while most of their number were out fighting for the ship.
But to get back to the point, when my prompt generated the ship, I drew another prompt to figure out what the ship's purpose was even before Jianyu attempted to investigate the wreck. It turned out to be carrying biological weapons, which lined up with a previous rumor that one of the smuggler leaders had a bio-weapon on a dead-man's-switch.
Upon investigation, Jianyu found the ship wreckage too dangerous and incomprehensible to explore on his own, but I (the audience) know what's inside well in advance.
That doesn't bother me. Nor would it bother me to know that a trap or an ambush is coming up since I'm not playing from Li Jianyu's perspective, but as his audience. For me, play is watching him, documenting his quest, and being nervous about whether or not he succeeds at things. Treating him more like an observed character has freed me from the player role expectations that I couldn't seem to fulfill, and that therefore disappointed me.
The Conclusion
That first adventure isn't over yet. I expect the next scene to be a big mercenaries vs. smugglers combat, and I'm finding traditional RPG combat to be a slog when played solo. I'm brainstorming ways to speed up combat so that it can be consequential without being over-simple (and I welcome suggestions). Maybe a system of 3 exchanges (Engagement, Struggle, Climax) after which the advantaged side wins at a cost based on how many opponents refused to retreat?
Anyway, hope some of this helped or interested you. Questions welcome.
The Kit
- Stars Without Number (Revised, Deluxe) for task resolution
- Mythic GM Emulator simplified with Morning Coffee Solo Variations for general improvisation and GM processing
- Gamemaster's Apprentice Deck (Sci-fi) for ideas, prompts, and events
The Experience (and Tips)
1 - Randomly generate your character's backstory.
If you rolled up a character's stats, but just can't seem to decide what to have them do in your solo game, generate the backstory. By turning prompts into events, you'll start to create the supporting cast and factions, and have interactions that form your character's opinion of them.
Li Jianyu, my psychic warrior, came from a planet knocked back to pre-automotive industrial tech by The Scream (SWN's galaxy-wide psychic feedback wave that crippled most of the super technology leaving tons of convenient, adventurable ruins). Planet tags included Mercenaries and Pretech Cultists (people who worship any of the old super technology that still functions).
Armed with that info, I created a few categories of formative events (psychic power origin, warrior skill origin, youth, adult life), and drew prompts to flesh out the details of each. The resulting backstory nuggets were only 2 to 3 sentences each, but they made me decide what Jianyu thought of the mercenary factions, the pretech cultists, his family, the city government, and so on.
He turned out to be kind of a jerk who felt his psychic teleportation powers made him superior to everyone. Play would begin shortly after he'd lost his job and ruined his reputation, putting him in prime position to have an interesting story about proving himself and overcoming his toxic, reckless nature.
2 - Start in motion.
SWN contains tons of random adventure hooks, both as elements rolled and combined from tables, or as fill-in-the-blank frameworks seeded from your planet tags. At first, when I generated my hook, I struggled to start the scene where it would be delivered and negotiated.
To get past that block, I just decided how the adventure started as an element of backstory, rather than play it out as a scene at all. A mercenary General knew Li Jianyu had past experience with smugglers, and offered him a few thousand credits to hunt down their hideout.
This way, I could jump straight into my actual first scene of clear tension (Jianyu escorting a shipment of dummy weapons through the jungle to bait out smuggler saboteurs) rather than playing out a scene that basically had to go well in order to get the game off the ground.
In your later adventures, when you've got tons of context to make quest setup interesting and nuanced, playing out negotiations and such could be fun. But don't be afraid to start your first session right in the action. Find the earliest encounter that offers chaos or a chance for interesting success/failure, and start there.
3 - It's okay to be the audience.
This is probably the largest departure in how I play from what the Lone Wolf community led me to expect. While the "camera" follows Li Jianyu, so to speak, I play him in an almost third person omniscient style, allowing myself to know things he doesn't know.
For example, later in the adventure, a random prompt generated a crashed starship. This is a big deal on a world knocked back to late 1800s technology. Factions will race to scavenge and exploit it, and it actually significantly modified the main plot by offering an opportunity to attack the smuggler hideout while most of their number were out fighting for the ship.
But to get back to the point, when my prompt generated the ship, I drew another prompt to figure out what the ship's purpose was even before Jianyu attempted to investigate the wreck. It turned out to be carrying biological weapons, which lined up with a previous rumor that one of the smuggler leaders had a bio-weapon on a dead-man's-switch.
Upon investigation, Jianyu found the ship wreckage too dangerous and incomprehensible to explore on his own, but I (the audience) know what's inside well in advance.
That doesn't bother me. Nor would it bother me to know that a trap or an ambush is coming up since I'm not playing from Li Jianyu's perspective, but as his audience. For me, play is watching him, documenting his quest, and being nervous about whether or not he succeeds at things. Treating him more like an observed character has freed me from the player role expectations that I couldn't seem to fulfill, and that therefore disappointed me.
The Conclusion
That first adventure isn't over yet. I expect the next scene to be a big mercenaries vs. smugglers combat, and I'm finding traditional RPG combat to be a slog when played solo. I'm brainstorming ways to speed up combat so that it can be consequential without being over-simple (and I welcome suggestions). Maybe a system of 3 exchanges (Engagement, Struggle, Climax) after which the advantaged side wins at a cost based on how many opponents refused to retreat?
Anyway, hope some of this helped or interested you. Questions welcome.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
So here's an announcement from Solo Roleplaying Voyages detailing what my plans are for my sessions going up to Session 100.
So here's an announcement from Solo Roleplaying Voyages detailing what my plans are for my sessions going up to Session 100.
https://solorpgvoyages.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/road-to-the-100th-session/
https://solorpgvoyages.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/road-to-the-100th-session/
Originally shared by John Feldman
Originally shared by John Feldman
Recap Re9 goblins killed (45xp) 1 goblin bodyguard (15xp) Recap of last foray to the Caves of Chaos 1 ogre (70xp) 130xp total 50xp for the elven encounter north of Keep. 180/4 = 45xp per PC Approximately 25% of the goblins are killed. The ogre is dead.…
http://damnelfpress.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/recap/
Recap Re9 goblins killed (45xp) 1 goblin bodyguard (15xp) Recap of last foray to the Caves of Chaos 1 ogre (70xp) 130xp total 50xp for the elven encounter north of Keep. 180/4 = 45xp per PC Approximately 25% of the goblins are killed. The ogre is dead.…
http://damnelfpress.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/recap/
Following up on my ideas about a solo "tavern management" type of game play, I posted up a bit of background on my thoughts on the matter. Before I knew it, a few points turned into a far more detailed look at the game from a high level than I had imagined starting out with!
Following up on my ideas about a solo "tavern management" type of game play, I posted up a bit of background on my thoughts on the matter. Before I knew it, a few points turned into a far more detailed look at the game from a high level than I had imagined starting out with!
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/creating-the-bardic-vintners-respite/
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/creating-the-bardic-vintners-respite/
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/creating-the-bardic-vintners-respite/
https://abandonedbrain.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/creating-the-bardic-vintners-respite/
You might enjoy incorporating this idea into your solo games. Either using one of these or writing your own. I’ve found it gets me into the solo gamespace better.
You might enjoy incorporating this idea into your solo games. Either using one of these or writing your own. I’ve found it gets me into the solo gamespace better.
Originally shared by Brie “Beau” Sheldon
S. Tan did a lovely review of Of the Woods!
http://games.nightstaff.net/2018/03/31/rpg-tax-of-the-woods-lonely-games-of-imagination/
http://games.nightstaff.net/2018/03/31/rpg-tax-of-the-woods-lonely-games-of-imagination/
Originally shared by Brie “Beau” Sheldon
S. Tan did a lovely review of Of the Woods!
http://games.nightstaff.net/2018/03/31/rpg-tax-of-the-woods-lonely-games-of-imagination/
http://games.nightstaff.net/2018/03/31/rpg-tax-of-the-woods-lonely-games-of-imagination/
The following was my first session attempt to run a solo game using only The Black Hack and some elements from the White Hack as my mechanical choices (no oracle as of yet.)
The following was my first session attempt to run a solo game using only The Black Hack and some elements from the White Hack as my mechanical choices (no oracle as of yet.)
So far so good. May do more in the future. Enjoy!
The Countess of Striset
Cast:
Sar, Warrior 1st
Alodie, Conjurer 1st
Roderic, Cleric
Coventina, Thief
Sar, Alodie, Coventina and Roderic set off for Suwold castle.
Just scant hours after leaving Westmire, while traveling into the high hills, they are beset upon by brigands in the night!
One of them stands before the carriage and demands that the Countess be put to death, accusing her of many crimes committed against her people and their gods. The man accuses her or practicing the blackest magic.
The countess' lieutenant gives the order to his men to charge the bandits, who outnumber the players and the Countes' protectors.
Before they can react, however, the bandits open fire with bows and crossbows from all around.
Sar takes total dmg -1
Sar HP 13
Sar takes a crossbow bolt to the chest and falls off his horse. The horse then bolts off from the scare, taking most of his gear with it!
The others manage to avoid taking damage from the initial volley. Alodie is able to expertly find cover with a perfect view of the battlefield. As such, she gets Advantage to avoiding further ranged attacks.
Everyone but Sar acts before the enemy.
Since Roderic rolled critical success, he goes before Coventina. He yells for everyone to rush the bandits and flank them. He then invokes a prayer of binding from his goddess, Ortia.
Roderic is successful in casting Hold Person on one of the bandits. In addition, the bandit fails to resist against the spell (Roderic succeeded his check) and is paralyzed for the rest of the fight.
Roderic HP 8 -2 = 6
Coventina darts into the surrounding wilderness and attempts to flank the bandits on the right side of the Countess' carriage.
Coventina narrowly fails her Stealth check! The bandits are aware of her flanking maneuver and some move to attack her.
Coventina still gets to attack one of them with her bow, however. Because it is an attack from behind, she gets advantage.
The bow shot connects with one of the shooters!
The bandit takes 5 points of damage from the bow shot (-2 from leather armor) and is instantly killed.
Coventina's arrow catches one of the hooded attackers in the throat and instantly kills them.
Alodie goes next and has 5 spells she can use.
She casts sleep on the entire advancing left flank of enemies.
Because she's hidden from the bandits from previous awesome rolls, Alodie is able to cast the spell with advantage and succeeds.
Alodie HP 5 -2 = 3
The entire left flank falls to the ground in exhaustion.
The enemies react to what's happening and begin attacking our heroes.
Because they're in short range with short bows and crossbows, they get advantage to attacking, which means 'Tina rolls her DEX at disadvantage.
Coventina takes a hit from the attackers! Coventina 4 -2 = 2 HP
'Tina is hit with a bolt to her leg!
A few attempt to gang up on Sar while he's down.
They get advantage to the attack, so Sar defends at a disadvantage.
Despite being prone, Sar's incredible prowess allows him to successfully deflect the blows of the attacks!
One of the bandits sees the religious symbol order on Roderic's tabard and tries to run him through with his blade!
Roderic expertly parries the attacker's blade with his own mace.
Sar brings his spear to bear on his two attackers and, because he's armed with a spear in close range, he attacks both of them!
Both bandits are hit!
In addition, they each take 1 unavoidable damage from Sar's prowess and his exceptional defense roll.
(Sar's bandits 1 & 2 -1 HP)
In addition, they each take 3 (5 - 2) and 2 (4 - 2) in damage from the spear, respectively.
Total HP lost: 4, 3
Both bandits are run through the spear and are dead.
Coventina collapses from the pain and has to roll away from the combat as she's shot at by the enemy attackers on the right flank.
Roderic (HP6) attacks the bandit in front of him with his mace!
The mace connects solidly with the bandit!
The mace makes a cracking sound as it strikes the man's temples!
5 - 2 = 3 dmg.
The bandit is knocked out instantly.
Alodie (HP3) sees Coventina hurt and calls out for Roderic to heal her. At the same time, she casts darkness on 'Tina's attackers!
She narrowly makes the check and casts the darkness spell on their group--rendering their attacks useless.
Sar, moving now with momentum, moves to secure the Countess. As he does so, he attacks one of the men who have climbed aboard the carriage.
Sar lunges at one attacker who managed to climb atop the carriage with his spear.
The attack managed to graze the bandit's leg, but only left a small cut.
(Sar's bandit enemy -1 HP)
The bandits on the right flank of the darkness spell run out of the cloud in terror, fleeing into the woods.
Alodie (3 -2 = 1 HP)
A few manage to regain their composure, however, and attack the nearest attacker (Coventina).
Despite being at a disadvantage, Coventina managed to find cover behind a large oak tree.
The attacker's projectiles bounced or thudded into the bark harmlessly.
Propping herself up against the great oak, the thief leans out and tries to take one of them out.
'Tina's arrow flies true and strikes one of the two remaining bandits on the right flank!
The arrow strikes the bandit right through their heart and instantly kills them.
6 -2 = 4 HP
The bandit on the roof of the carriage calls out to his fellow bandits assaulting the carriage and attempting to get inside. He points his blade to Sar.
One of the hooded bandits open fire on Sar at close range!
The warrior expertly moves out of the way from bow shot, using the carriage itself as cover.
Coventina attempts to slip away and shoot the remaining bandit on her side with advantage.
'Tina hobbles away and melts into the shadows.
Her bow shot expertly strikes the remaining bandit!
5 - 2 = 3 HP.
Total damage 6 HP.
The bandit is struck from behind, the front of the arrow protruding from the attacker's chest. He falls down and dies immediately.
Roderic (6 HP) moves over to Coventina and holds his hand close to her wound. With his other hand, he begins to remove the arrow from her leg.
Unfortunately, Roderic's deity doesn't feel that Coventina is worthy of her aid and the spell fizzles at Rod's fingertips.
While Alodie and Sar attempt to reposition themselves, the remaining bandits take action.
Realizing that more than half their numbers have been vanquished, they begin to flee into the forest. As some do, however, they take a parting shot at Roderic and Sar.
Both men are hit by projectiles!
Each take 1 HP, minimum, after their armor dealt with the damage.
Sar's leather armor takes the impact of the bolt! Roderic's chainmail takes the brunt of the punishment from a bow shot!
Sar's Armor: d4
Roderic's Armor: d8
Sar (13 HP -1 = 12 HP)
Roderic (6 HP - 1 = 5 HP)
Alodie is down to 1 HP, so she hits the rest of the combat out.
Sar turns towards the only remaining bandit leader and tries to skewer him with his spear!
The bandit leader takes another shot from Sar's spear along his back as he contemplates fleeing as well.
5 - 2 = 3 HP.
Instead of continuing to fight, the leader joins the rest of his underlings and run off into the surrounding hills and forests.
So far so good. May do more in the future. Enjoy!
The Countess of Striset
Cast:
Sar, Warrior 1st
Alodie, Conjurer 1st
Roderic, Cleric
Coventina, Thief
Sar, Alodie, Coventina and Roderic set off for Suwold castle.
Just scant hours after leaving Westmire, while traveling into the high hills, they are beset upon by brigands in the night!
One of them stands before the carriage and demands that the Countess be put to death, accusing her of many crimes committed against her people and their gods. The man accuses her or practicing the blackest magic.
The countess' lieutenant gives the order to his men to charge the bandits, who outnumber the players and the Countes' protectors.
Before they can react, however, the bandits open fire with bows and crossbows from all around.
Sar takes total dmg -1
Sar HP 13
Sar takes a crossbow bolt to the chest and falls off his horse. The horse then bolts off from the scare, taking most of his gear with it!
The others manage to avoid taking damage from the initial volley. Alodie is able to expertly find cover with a perfect view of the battlefield. As such, she gets Advantage to avoiding further ranged attacks.
Everyone but Sar acts before the enemy.
Since Roderic rolled critical success, he goes before Coventina. He yells for everyone to rush the bandits and flank them. He then invokes a prayer of binding from his goddess, Ortia.
Roderic is successful in casting Hold Person on one of the bandits. In addition, the bandit fails to resist against the spell (Roderic succeeded his check) and is paralyzed for the rest of the fight.
Roderic HP 8 -2 = 6
Coventina darts into the surrounding wilderness and attempts to flank the bandits on the right side of the Countess' carriage.
Coventina narrowly fails her Stealth check! The bandits are aware of her flanking maneuver and some move to attack her.
Coventina still gets to attack one of them with her bow, however. Because it is an attack from behind, she gets advantage.
The bow shot connects with one of the shooters!
The bandit takes 5 points of damage from the bow shot (-2 from leather armor) and is instantly killed.
Coventina's arrow catches one of the hooded attackers in the throat and instantly kills them.
Alodie goes next and has 5 spells she can use.
She casts sleep on the entire advancing left flank of enemies.
Because she's hidden from the bandits from previous awesome rolls, Alodie is able to cast the spell with advantage and succeeds.
Alodie HP 5 -2 = 3
The entire left flank falls to the ground in exhaustion.
The enemies react to what's happening and begin attacking our heroes.
Because they're in short range with short bows and crossbows, they get advantage to attacking, which means 'Tina rolls her DEX at disadvantage.
Coventina takes a hit from the attackers! Coventina 4 -2 = 2 HP
'Tina is hit with a bolt to her leg!
A few attempt to gang up on Sar while he's down.
They get advantage to the attack, so Sar defends at a disadvantage.
Despite being prone, Sar's incredible prowess allows him to successfully deflect the blows of the attacks!
One of the bandits sees the religious symbol order on Roderic's tabard and tries to run him through with his blade!
Roderic expertly parries the attacker's blade with his own mace.
Sar brings his spear to bear on his two attackers and, because he's armed with a spear in close range, he attacks both of them!
Both bandits are hit!
In addition, they each take 1 unavoidable damage from Sar's prowess and his exceptional defense roll.
(Sar's bandits 1 & 2 -1 HP)
In addition, they each take 3 (5 - 2) and 2 (4 - 2) in damage from the spear, respectively.
Total HP lost: 4, 3
Both bandits are run through the spear and are dead.
Coventina collapses from the pain and has to roll away from the combat as she's shot at by the enemy attackers on the right flank.
Roderic (HP6) attacks the bandit in front of him with his mace!
The mace connects solidly with the bandit!
The mace makes a cracking sound as it strikes the man's temples!
5 - 2 = 3 dmg.
The bandit is knocked out instantly.
Alodie (HP3) sees Coventina hurt and calls out for Roderic to heal her. At the same time, she casts darkness on 'Tina's attackers!
She narrowly makes the check and casts the darkness spell on their group--rendering their attacks useless.
Sar, moving now with momentum, moves to secure the Countess. As he does so, he attacks one of the men who have climbed aboard the carriage.
Sar lunges at one attacker who managed to climb atop the carriage with his spear.
The attack managed to graze the bandit's leg, but only left a small cut.
(Sar's bandit enemy -1 HP)
The bandits on the right flank of the darkness spell run out of the cloud in terror, fleeing into the woods.
Alodie (3 -2 = 1 HP)
A few manage to regain their composure, however, and attack the nearest attacker (Coventina).
Despite being at a disadvantage, Coventina managed to find cover behind a large oak tree.
The attacker's projectiles bounced or thudded into the bark harmlessly.
Propping herself up against the great oak, the thief leans out and tries to take one of them out.
'Tina's arrow flies true and strikes one of the two remaining bandits on the right flank!
The arrow strikes the bandit right through their heart and instantly kills them.
6 -2 = 4 HP
The bandit on the roof of the carriage calls out to his fellow bandits assaulting the carriage and attempting to get inside. He points his blade to Sar.
One of the hooded bandits open fire on Sar at close range!
The warrior expertly moves out of the way from bow shot, using the carriage itself as cover.
Coventina attempts to slip away and shoot the remaining bandit on her side with advantage.
'Tina hobbles away and melts into the shadows.
Her bow shot expertly strikes the remaining bandit!
5 - 2 = 3 HP.
Total damage 6 HP.
The bandit is struck from behind, the front of the arrow protruding from the attacker's chest. He falls down and dies immediately.
Roderic (6 HP) moves over to Coventina and holds his hand close to her wound. With his other hand, he begins to remove the arrow from her leg.
Unfortunately, Roderic's deity doesn't feel that Coventina is worthy of her aid and the spell fizzles at Rod's fingertips.
While Alodie and Sar attempt to reposition themselves, the remaining bandits take action.
Realizing that more than half their numbers have been vanquished, they begin to flee into the forest. As some do, however, they take a parting shot at Roderic and Sar.
Both men are hit by projectiles!
Each take 1 HP, minimum, after their armor dealt with the damage.
Sar's leather armor takes the impact of the bolt! Roderic's chainmail takes the brunt of the punishment from a bow shot!
Sar's Armor: d4
Roderic's Armor: d8
Sar (13 HP -1 = 12 HP)
Roderic (6 HP - 1 = 5 HP)
Alodie is down to 1 HP, so she hits the rest of the combat out.
Sar turns towards the only remaining bandit leader and tries to skewer him with his spear!
The bandit leader takes another shot from Sar's spear along his back as he contemplates fleeing as well.
5 - 2 = 3 HP.
Instead of continuing to fight, the leader joins the rest of his underlings and run off into the surrounding hills and forests.
This looks like a project worth supporting.
This looks like a project worth supporting.
Originally shared by Ben Milton
I've been going through the random tables I've made for myself and adding hundreds of entries to this project. I know you have stuff to add too.
Originally shared by Ben Milton
I've been going through the random tables I've made for myself and adding hundreds of entries to this project. I know you have stuff to add too.
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