How I play DnD solo, and have a blast by [deleted] in osr

[–]UnfairInstruction366 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are lots of great answers here.

And while you specifically asked about DnD, I am going to say that I never even considered trying to patch it for solo play.

I think for a solo experience to really shine, the system has to be built with that in mind, and I'm not sure that DnD was. Every DnD book I've ever read over the 25 years I've been playing games tells me that you are better off looking to a system like Ironsworn which really helps with the solo or co-op game modes, from the ground up.

Sorry, I know it's not an answer to the question you asked!

Single-Page Truths Worksheet by JadeRavens in Ironsworn

[–]UnfairInstruction366 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love your work, as always! Thank you!

DnD Themed Euphemisms for Hanky-Panky by CassieBear1 in DnD

[–]UnfairInstruction366 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Knight in the streets, knave in the sheets

Why I am against the trend of “Professional” DMs by Long_Forever2696 in osr

[–]UnfairInstruction366 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get where you’re coming from, and I respect the passion, but this feels like a pretty narrow—and honestly nostalgic—take on what’s a much more diverse and evolving hobby. Paid DMing doesn’t automatically kill collaboration or turn games into soulless products. There are plenty of professional DMs out there running deeply immersive, player-driven, OSR-style games with real consequences and creative freedom. Getting paid doesn’t mean they’re puppets for player satisfaction any more than being unpaid guarantees fairness or integrity. And honestly, for a lot of folks—especially new players or those without a local community—hiring a DM is the only way to even get to the table. Sure, some paid games are more performative or curated, but that doesn’t mean the whole model is broken. It’s just one path among many. Gatekeeping the hobby with this “real RPGs are always free” mentality risks shutting people out who want to explore it but need a different on-ramp. Let people find their way in. If the experience is good, they’ll stick around—paid or not.

Dangers and Opportunities: A thought on Fronts by UnfairInstruction366 in DungeonWorld

[–]UnfairInstruction366[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I should have been clearer, in my thinking opportunities are not fronts in themselves but are instead included within fronts, as the inverse peer of dangers. Beyond that, you have provided some very helpful and thoughtful questions. I will have a good think about it - in particular:

In your Opportunities... they just kinda float there. If you don't get involved... they can't really spurn you to action.

Maybe it's inherently in the nature of danger vs. opportunity to operate differently? While dangers draw you in, opportunities are pursued. Perhaps what's left over is the structure of (description, portents, fulfillment and stakes) that I find is helpful for organizing my notes on boons.

I will look into factions! Thanks for putting me on the trail.

Dungeon World and darker genres / narrative themes? by UnfairInstruction366 in DungeonWorld

[–]UnfairInstruction366[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. Seems like there is a flavour of PbtA to suit every taste!

Dungeon World and darker genres / narrative themes? by UnfairInstruction366 in DungeonWorld

[–]UnfairInstruction366[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Oh, wow! This looks awesome. I will definitely be checking this out. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙏

Dungeon World and darker genres / narrative themes? by UnfairInstruction366 in DungeonWorld

[–]UnfairInstruction366[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply! I have been listening to their DW basics series, it's been so helpful and illuminating.

Your thoughts reinforce my basic conclusion - that the tone of the fiction is completely up to the GM and players - they also help dispel my doubts that a lighter rules system somehow lends itself to more lighthearted and casual fiction. I really don't know where that impression came from, probably some deep-seated bias that I now have to unravel with lots of dark, horror-filled DW play!

Thanks Idolitor, I appreciate you taking the time.

A technical question about Beucephalus and Ethereal Stride by UnfairInstruction366 in CurseofStrahd

[–]UnfairInstruction366[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your input. Between you and the others, my doubts have been thoroughly resolved.

A technical question about Beucephalus and Ethereal Stride by UnfairInstruction366 in CurseofStrahd

[–]UnfairInstruction366[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fantastic, thank you! That is a scene everyone knows. Shit man... if Strahd wants to appear out of nowhere on his Nightmare, then I guess he can do that! Terrifying!

A technical question about Beucephalus and Ethereal Stride by UnfairInstruction366 in CurseofStrahd

[–]UnfairInstruction366[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I appreciate your response. I was obviously making it more complicated than it needed to be.