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ever try BESM ??

"Sword on my neck" instead of "gun to my head" hits different, in a good way, and is appropriate for the context and subject matter. (Though, I guess it's just the way you say it in your native language.)

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

When it comes to solo play, I've mainly played what are technically skill-based systems, but the "skills" are either just stats (such as with Ironsworn) or approaches (like with Fate Core or Quick & Dirty RPG System). So, in other words, broad skill-based systems, because I want to keep things rules-light and flexible. As far as simulation vs. narrative is concerned, I want to maintain as much verisimilitude as possible but to be flexible with the outcomes of skill tests rather than just success or failure (i.e. success with complications, critical results, etc.). Even in this respect, I'd rather go rules-light with the intelligent application of verisimilitude than to bog myself with a crunchy simulationist mechanics, which kills pacing for me. More than anything, I find that the less demanding a TTRPG requires the GM to compute and process data during a session or prep, the more suitable that game is for solo play.

Switching from class-based to skill-based is similar to changing your car's wheels from triangular to round tires. Yes, I know. Many class-based systems desperately try to adopt things from skill-based systems but are unwilling to go the whole way. In the car analogy, it is changing from triangular to square tires. I find it weird, I have seen several people who begin to design their own systems. They often have the following in common: They are stuck thinking class-based is the only way a system can be. Yet they are displeased with class-based; they have "tasted the fruit of paradise" in skill-based systems and now "forever long to taste it again" and thus try to modify something class-based. They seem to have a mental wall when I ask "Why try to modify an existing crappy system to become what you are looking for; when you can just switch to one of the many systems already having it?". - I have yet to get a good answer to that. Most are blurry rambling about how it is easier to build a system from scratch than to learn a new already made system. - Ok, a few got the realization "Oh! It already exists." and went to look into the system I told them about. Another interesting aspect of the difference; is what players remember from games they did years back: If it was class-based, they normally only remember what class they played. - If more is remembered, it is usually some extreme dice roll. If it was skill-based, they remember their character's name and many other details about the character, the story, and the world. A sad aspect of many class-based systems is they are wargames. Thus the only content they have is combat, combat, and more combat. That is further strengthened by the set of classes available being only combat classes. (For example: "Spree Killer", "Murder Hobo", and "Serial Killer".) And there are only 3 game elements: (1) Kill, (2) Loot, and (3) Denying that the game is only about killing and looting. To make matters even worse; modern class-based systems have invented boredom optimization (Abbreviated CR) to make all combat the same same. --- For the narrative vs. simulation: I prefer narrative... Somewhat... As long as it does not sacrifice logic. I like simulation as well, due to its tendency to ensure some logic. Yes, I know the "Rule of Cool", (Select the cool option over the realistic option) but stretching it to the classic "Because... Magic!" or "A god made it that way!" pathetic excuses for things that make no sense, is NOT cool.

Congratulations on the channel, it is well deserved. You have and continue to put out quality, long-form content and I commend you for it. Thank you!

I’m curious so based on all of this what’s your favorite system? I know you have your own game :) I’m looking to get started solo play and I’m looking for a generic system that isn’t too crunchy because I feel like it slows down play. But I’m with you I prefer skills or archetypes (like tricube tales) because you can create the character to do the things you want from the get-go. And then advance as the story goes. I’m also in my 30s and a parent and I don’t have the time to read all these systems 🤣🤣 Tricube tales seems like a good fit (even for a longer campaign because I’d rather not rely on level ups in the video game way) or something adjacent but maybe there’s some stuff I haven’t heard of (I saw your video on generic systems. Awesome By the way...)

There actually seems like there's sort of a third category here: games with very few "skills" or open archetype sets (Kids on Bikes, Tricube Tales, FATE), and it poses some interesting questions. How abstract is too abstract? There's quite a bit of evidence that they work at at least certain tables, but on a solo level, this is a more personal question, obviously. This might fit the niche for what class-based systems are usually used for (strong archetypes) without the artificial rubric of unnatural progression. I think quantitative vs. qualitative systems in RPGs really depend on genre and expectations, but it's definitely something to contemplate. (My bias is towards skill-based systems as well. 😁)

Haven't played any solo games (yet) but we lately switched from 5e (levels) to Forbidden Lands (skills). I really appreciate the flexibility of the skills as I have noticed that I spend the experience just for the skills that I need at that current moment. And my characters "architype" has changed quite a bit from what it was from the beginning. But one thing that I do like a lot is that there are no dozens of hitpoints to track. Wounds reduce strenght/agility etc. But this then again slows down a game as every turn I'll have to recalculate that how many dices I should throw. But it still feels better than just hitpoints. Or 5Es "bonus action" where every player after their turn start to recheck their character sheet hopefully that "maybe I can do something more" :)

It seems like every time I have a question about a topic in relation to solo rpgs, you've done a video on it - Your channel is incredibly helpful. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts (which I agree with!). I don't know if I missed the part in the video, but could I ask which skill-based systems you had in mind? Presumably Dragonbane and Basic Roleplaying/Runequest? Are there others that you would recommend looking at?

When it comes to solo play theres no real reason to pick between class or skill based. You can kind of pick both. If you want to play a battle mage, take a paladin but remove the limits on what spells you can learn. Or just give your wizard weapons and armour training. You can be a fighter and go on a whole arc to learn magic training under intense study and reflection in the swamps of wild aura only to learn one spell and become a level 2 fighter. With no dm or other players you dont need to worry about feeling overpowered. True rules dont exist for solo play, only guides.

I do not like simulationist games in Solo. It becomes too much to keep track of while trying to run the story and the game rules.

I've been playing my own homebrew, rules-light adaptation of BRP lately. I'm loving the skills and natural character growth.

congrats to the huge step into becoming a recognized channel. Keep on doing what you are doing.

What would you recommend for someone completely new to RPG and looking to play solo?

Straight up. This is the best video on the subject. I personally think mini d6 is the best one.

Very fun video! Though if I have one suggestion, I would nudge GURPS to be on the narrative side of the simulation arrow. Still close to it, just on the other side, in that empty "Narrative-Simulation" segment of the wheel. Many of the Disadvantages (traits of the character that give you points) are things like addition, phobias, or other things that will mostly affect how a player roleplays. Even virtues like honesty or a code of honor are "disadvantages", because having those traits restricts the options available to the players - so they award points when you take them. With this trick GURPS bribes players into giving the GM potential narrative hooks.

Some solid sci fi games that would work well for west marches are the old WEG d6 Star Wars game, and the much newer Star Trek Adventures.

What is the white boarding tool you are using to layout all the diagrams?

I want pbta/fitd to come out with a universal game. Give me a toolkit and release it like gurps/savage worlds. Basically, each book would be full of different moves for that theme. Character building would be like buying your character. Same for the gm they would like buy their moves.

As someone trying solo rp for the first time and hoping to play through some campaign books I've just always really wanted to try and can't get friends aboard, this is incredibly helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to film, edit and share this with all of us newbies just getting started in the solo rp hobby. <3

I'm working on deciphering more of the meanings of playing cards. The 4 suits in Tarot: clubs/wands = fire, pentacles/dimaonds = earth, spades/swords = air, cups/heart = water.

Thanks for the video.. I am interested in solo gaming and found this video informative.. Commenting for the algorithm 😂

Is the Codex Prime How it Plays still coming to the channel? It think it was mentioned in the Fate How it Plays. 😊

You got me, knew about the others but not Crimson Exodus =) I'm really interested in HoMM, to see what an official "generic" fantasy 2D20 system looks like. I'll throw one at your way, if you want to check out interesting 2D20 fantasy system there is one called Ahris. It's semi-crunchy 2D20. It has its own toolkits for building talents and spells which makes it really flexible.

God bless!

Super useful video! I recommend DCC's Mighty Deed of Arms, aka the "deed die." You can easily incorporate it into almost any martial class, especially fighters. I also recommend the "spell duel" concept from DC20. This game has lots of great ideas, but this one can be seamlessly integrated into nearly any other game

Keep being awesome!

Always know it's gonna be a good day when a Culinary Roleplaying video notification shows up!

I find clocks to be one of the most useful and versatile tools at the table. So much modularity, some you show the players, some are secret. Some can be 2 segments, some 16. They work for faction goals as you described as well. I also like the usage die idea (take on the resource die) for abstract concepts like how many favors an npc will do for you, as described in Black Sword Hack

🥳🫂👍🏿 Thank you for sharing - I’m on a quest to collect every house rule on TH-cam and beyond - I’d love to hear about any others you use - I saw your more recent video as well, which led me here ❤

annoying and grating long winded introduction

🥳🫂👍🏿 Thank you for sharing - I’m on a quest to collect every house rule on TH-cam and beyond - looking forward to hearing about other ones you use and about your system ❤️ I don’t think I’ve heard that type of travel referred to as Mile Stone before, so thank you for introducing it - I added this video to the playlist - right now it’s at 2,481

Thanks for these ideas. ❤

Wow, there are like millions of "x tips how to do y" videos out there, but i have never seen one before were the creator dedicates like 25% of the time to actually explaining his points with a fully fleshed out example where all the points apply. That was very illustrative and helpful! Good job!👍🏻

Thanks for the vid! <3

It's fascinating how much trends are leaning towards abstraction and FitD.

Hello, I Hope you are fine. I love resources die and inventory point from Fabula ultima

Clocks are a great way to make a lot of abstract things into something more manegable and Resource Dice are great too. Edit: The PC feature is present in Frontier Scum, each Background gives you 2 pieces of "backstory" and you get to choose what does that mean for you. "You fell into a great river" Maybe it's Resisting Cold, Swimming against the current, fighting against crocodiles or simply holding your breath. It's great

I think this game is easily in my top 5. I wish it had solo rules for a single character play. Maybe take the rules from Scarlet Heroes/Black streams? Any suggestion?

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i am looking forward to see new systems and how you twist them for make them "solo-able" Suggestion: interested to see pbta systems like Root

i know it is a quite old video, but i recently got interested on outgunned and outgunned adventure, i saw they made solo rules called Assistant Director, did you try it ? i am sure, this game can really shine in coop mode(2 players with shared narrative). i love the game mechanics.

Nimble 5e would be great for solo DnD

Awesome stuff! Just entering the world of OSE myself

Oo I had my eye on this for a while! Thanks for the demo

100% Also recommend to play Kismet by Cezar Capacle

Just stumbled upon your channel by accident (the algorithm) and thought I recognised you! I attended your presentation in Ropecon :D You were really good, I had a great time (Bilbor ✊✊) Unsurprisingly as a Finn who attends Ropecon I knew about Praedor already, but the others were new to me. My tastes veer more towards other genres right now, but it's good to know that when I inevitably get a craving for high fantasy or heroic fantasy type of games there's plenty for me to check out (that isn't DND :P). Very excited to check out your other videos too! Also - you should definitely play or do a How it plays on Praedor on this channel, I'd at least be interested to see it.

Love this game! Great actual solo play! Second edition was the first game I ever GMed!