I couldn't find a fitting forum for this, so im going to put it here. I want to play DND in real life, but i dont have anyone to play with. I decided i wanna play solo because it would mean i wouldnt have to be on my computer lots, but after searching the internet, im still confused how one goes about it. does anyone have experience and know how to play dnd solo, because i dont understand how you dm and play at the same time?
It pretty much requires using charts and random rolls to generate encounters, quests, npcs, relationships between characters, etc. Putting the details out of your control is what makes it a game, so you're not just giving yourself what you need when you need it.
That, or you could try a game like Gloomhaven, which is designed to allow you to play through the adventure, solo.
As an alternative, you could try Play by Post here or on other forums designed for the purpose. Most games have posting rates anywhere from twice a day to once per week, so you can play according to your own schedule. It's a different style of play, but very rewarding for those who enjoy writing.
It pretty much requires using charts and random rolls to generate encounters, quests, npcs, relationships between characters, etc. Putting the details out of your control is what makes it a game, so you're not just giving yourself what you need when you need it.
That, or you could try a game like Gloomhaven, which is designed to allow you to play through the adventure, solo.
do you have a specific resource thats good for generation?
As an alternative, you could try Play by Post here or on other forums designed for the purpose. Most games have posting rates anywhere from twice a day to once per week, so you can play according to your own schedule. It's a different style of play, but very rewarding for those who enjoy writing.
Essentially, it plays like collaborative story telling. The DM will describe a scenario and the players will descriptively narrate their character's thoughts and actions in response and use an embedded dice roller to handle the mechanics. Since it isn't "Live" there is less rapid back and forth, and more depth.
The site I mention is free, so you should sign up and look at the Hall of Fame subforum for gameplay examples.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
2. Use an oracle. An oracle is a DM simulation that outputs different prompts for setting a scene or different responses to questions by rolling dice. A good example is the Solo Adventurer's Toolbox (DM's Guild)
3. Use a combination of an oracle and a published adventure for a full party. For this you usually play more than one PC or a PC with a sidekick. A great example is using DM Yourself (DriveThruRPG) with Dragon of Icespire Peak
Option #1 is the easiest, but most restrictive. I like all three for different situations.
An oracle is like a DM simulated by dice. You ask a question, then get a reply. So for example, let's say your character enters a room and asks "Do I see any valuables in this room?" You roll 1d6 and consult the oracle: 6 = Yes, and (a really good thing), 5 = Yes, 4 = Yes, but (there are conditions), 3 = No, but (there could be something else, not as good) 2 = No, 1 = No, and (a really bad thing). The dice come up 4. So you decide there are valuables in the room, but there's some complication. Roll again to determine what the complication is. You roll 1d6 and consult your oracle for complications: 6 = NPC, 5 = trap or hazard, 4 = minor monster, 3 = major monster, 2 = 1d4 minor monsters 1 = 1d4 major monsters.
An oracle usually just a set of tables that use to roll and look up answers. Here's a simple example. Or it could be a deck of playing cards with particular outcomes assigned to each number and suit. So, it's not usually a program, although some people have programmed oracles, like this one. In either case, you the player have to decide what to ask, then you have to decide how to interpret the answer. It's kind of like a creative writing prompt generator, but with options that are focused on RPGs.
Check out this YouTuber Geek Gamers she has a YouTube video about everything solo. And watch this video from Trevor Noah a YouTuber 9 Tips for Solo RPGs, and you will be on a good start down this journey. I have a blog I just started you can view below I do on my solo gaming, I also give tips on Solo RPG's and I would be happy to answer questions if you have any about solo gaming.
Here's an additional solo adventure for 1st level characters that can be used as a side adventure between campaign nights, want to start up a new character, or add multi-class skills to their character. This is a solo adventure (no DM) for players during their downtime and occurs in the character's dreams. You can access the free adventure here (https://drive.google.com/.../1jPtneeG2YZsNb5d0dut.../view...). Happy adventuring!
How about adventures for high level PCs? I have some that I do not play anymore because they are to high a level. Plus since I am DMing more now I dont get to play a PC. I would rather play a PC than DM.!!!
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I couldn't find a fitting forum for this, so im going to put it here. I want to play DND in real life, but i dont have anyone to play with. I decided i wanna play solo because it would mean i wouldnt have to be on my computer lots, but after searching the internet, im still confused how one goes about it. does anyone have experience and know how to play dnd solo, because i dont understand how you dm and play at the same time?
It pretty much requires using charts and random rolls to generate encounters, quests, npcs, relationships between characters, etc. Putting the details out of your control is what makes it a game, so you're not just giving yourself what you need when you need it.
That, or you could try a game like Gloomhaven, which is designed to allow you to play through the adventure, solo.
As an alternative, you could try Play by Post here or on other forums designed for the purpose. Most games have posting rates anywhere from twice a day to once per week, so you can play according to your own schedule. It's a different style of play, but very rewarding for those who enjoy writing.
do you have a specific resource thats good for generation?
how does play by post work?
I use a site called RPGCrossing.
Essentially, it plays like collaborative story telling. The DM will describe a scenario and the players will descriptively narrate their character's thoughts and actions in response and use an embedded dice roller to handle the mechanics. Since it isn't "Live" there is less rapid back and forth, and more depth.
The site I mention is free, so you should sign up and look at the Hall of Fame subforum for gameplay examples.
I have not read any, but I think sites like the DM Guild have books/modules for solo adventuring.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
There's three basic ways of doing solo D&D:
1. Use a module written for solo play. These are sometimes called gamebooks. Some examples: The Saint's Tomb (itch.io) or Death Knight's Squire (DM's Guild).
2. Use an oracle. An oracle is a DM simulation that outputs different prompts for setting a scene or different responses to questions by rolling dice. A good example is the Solo Adventurer's Toolbox (DM's Guild)
3. Use a combination of an oracle and a published adventure for a full party. For this you usually play more than one PC or a PC with a sidekick. A great example is using DM Yourself (DriveThruRPG) with Dragon of Icespire Peak
Option #1 is the easiest, but most restrictive. I like all three for different situations.
https://sayeth.itch.io/
What is an Oracle? I to am interested in solo play since I do not understand the group online play.
AD&D please!!!!!!!!
An oracle is like a DM simulated by dice. You ask a question, then get a reply. So for example, let's say your character enters a room and asks "Do I see any valuables in this room?" You roll 1d6 and consult the oracle: 6 = Yes, and (a really good thing), 5 = Yes, 4 = Yes, but (there are conditions), 3 = No, but (there could be something else, not as good) 2 = No, 1 = No, and (a really bad thing). The dice come up 4. So you decide there are valuables in the room, but there's some complication. Roll again to determine what the complication is. You roll 1d6 and consult your oracle for complications: 6 = NPC, 5 = trap or hazard, 4 = minor monster, 3 = major monster, 2 = 1d4 minor monsters 1 = 1d4 major monsters.
https://sayeth.itch.io/
Thank You, Do I type in the question about the room or does the Oracle give me choices about what to ask?
An oracle usually just a set of tables that use to roll and look up answers. Here's a simple example. Or it could be a deck of playing cards with particular outcomes assigned to each number and suit. So, it's not usually a program, although some people have programmed oracles, like this one. In either case, you the player have to decide what to ask, then you have to decide how to interpret the answer. It's kind of like a creative writing prompt generator, but with options that are focused on RPGs.
https://sayeth.itch.io/
Check out this YouTuber Geek Gamers she has a YouTube video about everything solo. And watch this video from Trevor Noah a YouTuber 9 Tips for Solo RPGs, and you will be on a good start down this journey. I have a blog I just started you can view below I do on my solo gaming, I also give tips on Solo RPG's and I would be happy to answer questions if you have any about solo gaming.
Check out my solo roleplaying adventure blog!
Would like your feedback on my Homebrew: Backgrounds Magic Weapons
Zarod aka Gerrart Roncherac "The Poet", Luur "The Lethal" and Clockwork Watcher 3 (C-Dub3) "Dub"
How about adventures for high level PCs? I have some that I do not play anymore because they are to high a level. Plus since I am DMing more now I dont get to play a PC. I would rather play a PC than DM.!!!