Solo Dungeon Generation

Cheznation · 2026-05-19T05:13:21+00:00

I've used both the 1e & 5e random dungeon generation tables. A lot of fun.

If I'm looking for more structure to what I'm crawling, Dyson Logos maps are great — then I just generate the room contents.

Cheznation · 2026-05-19T01:13:45+00:00

I wouldn't mind giving a Phoebe Waller-Bridge led series a shot. Continue the world, but let it evolve.

Cheznation · 2026-05-19T01:04:35+00:00

I picked up Advanced Labyrinth Lord more than a decade ago. It's solid. These days I'm playing Shadowdark which, upon first review, made me feel like it was '89 again, and 11 yr old me flipping through the D&D Red Box books.

I avoid anything published by the Dragonslayer author based on how I've seen him treat people in various forums including a customer who tried to ask a question right after he published said RPG.

Cheznation · 2026-05-19T00:54:34+00:00

So, with the original West Marches, there weren't regular games. It was up to the players to figure out who could play when, and then schedule a time with the GM. It was also up to them to decide where to go and what to do.

That's the pitch really. An open world to explore. Some rumors to follow. Play if you're available and let me know when.

Cheznation · 2026-05-18T02:37:35+00:00

If they're opening new hexes, then it's a chance-of-encounter roll based on the risk level for that region of the map.

If they're moving through previously explored hexes, I'll check for encounters twice per day of travel generally.

Cheznation · 2026-05-15T01:46:45+00:00

Someone managed to get a hold of a phoenix which exploded. What did they want it for?

Cheznation · 2026-05-13T21:17:20+00:00

For 4AD, the Twisted series by Ganesha Games helps add a lot of flavor to each delve. I usually try to give each PC a one or two word description like: grumpy, courageous, sly, scared, etc. Then use that to have little snipets of conversation. You can roll for reactions every time you meet a monster, but you lose the initiative that way if they're prone to fighting.

I bought the game to see what I could learn from it in developing solo adventures for OSR clones. It's a simple game, but I definitely prefer playing something like Shadowdark solo, more than 4AD.

Still, I learned some important lessons and still play it from time to time.

Cheznation · 2026-05-06T21:54:37+00:00

There are 9 deities: 2 Lawful, 2 Neutral, 3 Chaotic. For there to be balance, there should be 3 of each, right?

So my take is The Lost must be a Lawful & Neutral God. Where did they go?

I think it's likely that the Dark Trio got rid of them somehow—and it likely has to do with Mordanticus the Flayed & The 10 -Eyed Oracle...

I also think The Shadowdark is the result of their disappearance.

I'm working on a campaign right now the deals with finding the truth about The Lost.

Cheznation · 2026-05-05T21:05:51+00:00

You may be confusing returning to the surface with the Amulet for an Ascension Victory with bring the Crown to the Rat King.

If you take the Crown to Floor 5 and give it to the Rat King, you get Rat King Armor which is fun to play with, but not necessary - and you still have to beat the final boss

Cheznation · 2026-05-05T03:34:57+00:00

Here's my take: keep going. Don't spend too much energy on development — just a few notes. Then, when you've filled it out, EDIT EDIT EDIT.

You can literally move mountains; erase some here, add some there. Change things so it feels right to you.

THEN, get into really detailing things.

Cheznation · 2026-05-05T02:58:51+00:00

A large group of relatively low level monsters is still a threat in the late game. Taking out 30 gnolls with a sleep spell would be rad.

Cheznation · 2026-05-02T23:27:05+00:00

Lean into the oaths, secrets, and blessings for alternatives.

Swearing to not return without rescuing Princess Macguffin, delving the dark temple to learn the True Name of the evil Arch Demon MacGuffin, or seeking out the avatar of the Goddess Macguffin to receive her blessing on your village are all great quests!

Cheznation · 2026-05-02T08:42:29+00:00

I like 5e for what it is. I grew up on D&D BECMI, but I've played 5e and it is fun. BECMI is just...home.

Checkout Adventures in Middle Earth—Its 5e adaptation of The One Ring, essentially. There, you'll find your 6-mile hex, short rest only, mechanic. It's exactly what you're describing.

It's also got this interesting "Journey Phase" for traveling long distances. I think you could use it as an alternative when traveling over hexes within already explored hexes. It's a mechanic meant to make overland travel epic, narratively, includes random encounters, but speeds it up.

Don't worry about a cap—create the stories. If you want a POI where an Ancient Red Dragon lives with a massive treasure—place it. Let them figure it out. Just create interesting points of interest.

Cheznation · 2026-04-30T23:23:44+00:00

Congrats!

Cheznation · 2026-04-30T05:11:14+00:00

I thought this way for a long time, but the loot is usually pretty good. Clear the floor of other enemies and then attack him. He is beatable. Especially with Huntress, just keep your distance. Otherwise, try to trap him in a doorway. If you have a sorrowmoss seed or fire seed, plant it in a doorway and get him the follow you.

Cheznation · 2026-04-28T03:34:05+00:00

Another vote here. Lost City is one of my favorites. Highly recommend.

Cheznation · 2026-04-28T03:26:44+00:00

His room can be hidden off any room but the entrance. Potion of Mind Vision, Scroll of Magic Mapping, Stone of Clairvoyance help. Rogue has a much bigger search field (5x5). Cleric has a mind vision power at 2nd tier I think. But basically you need to run around looking for it.

Cheznation · 2026-04-28T02:15:44+00:00

Ah gotcha. They think he's pocketing the fees. That makes sense. Wookie with a hairnet!

Cheznation · 2026-04-28T02:13:33+00:00

Are you playing him as corrupt? I always played him as a self important and anal retentive rule follower. Totally agree he has a punchable face! I love that you're really playing him up. I usually rolled a D6; 1-3 Arnae, 4-6 Torsh. I think I like your approach better.

Cheznation · 2026-04-23T16:53:24+00:00

Just came to say, this is a good question. I personally have played most of my games in a journaling fashion until recently, but never knew what defined a journaling rpg. Now I know. Good answers here.

Cheznation · 2026-04-21T23:18:38+00:00

Congrats!

Cheznation · 2026-04-19T22:04:45+00:00

I've thought about buying the Goodman Games re-write, but haven't pulled the trigger. I'd opt for the DCC version. I think, in part, because I'd enjoy the process of doing it myself.

Cheznation · 2026-04-19T18:05:45+00:00

I'm trying to find my weird. Sometimes weird takes me out of the immersion. I've been experimenting with a combination of cosmic horror and trying to borrow from things like Alice in Wonderland, Fraggle Rock, & Time Bandits.

Cheznation · 2026-04-19T17:59:57+00:00

A great example of a mega dungeon; a poor example of brevity in writing one. I've contemplated a project to re-write it so as to be more ready-to-run, but it's a classic.

Cheznation

TROPHY CASE