Campfire Conversations: How to Use Prompts to Enrich RPG Downtime

An RPG Tool for Social Interactions and Character Development

The other day I decided to try using my Ultimate RPG Campfire Card Deck that I've been meaning to get to but at the same time; hesitant and not wanting to get too distracted by 150 cards to add to my oracles, tables, lists and so on. I think these cards are a nice structured way to include new players who are joining an ongoing group and to encourage players to come up with answers that reveal their preference in gameplay. A DM could have the regular party go first and let the new player observe; and another rule is that you can draw another card if you get one that you might want to skip as some cards have mini moral dilemmas. I was surprised how well these worked for my main character's development.

In my solo RPG adventures, this deck created interesting moments with my characters: Sathu, a lizardfolk cleric; Deal, a gnome thief; and a female NPC city guard. Let’s explore how this deck works and how you can use it to share (info dump) all the wonderful lore and information about the other factions and nearby threats etc.

What Is the Ultimate RPG Campfire Card Deck?

The deck contains 150 cards categorized into six themes designed to prompt character-driven storytelling moments:

Your Past – Recall defining moments that shaped your character's worldview and motivations.
Your Present – Explore your character's secrets, goals, and dilemmas.
Your Companions – Develop relationships and reveal hidden bonds or conflicts within the party.
Your Dreams – Share hopes, fears, and aspirations that drive your character forward.
Your World – Expand world lore through details about places, organizations, or cultural beliefs.
Hypotheticals – Tackle moral dilemmas and "what-if" scenarios that can influence your character’s choices.

These cards are perfect for sparking conversation during downtime moments. If a prompt doesn't fit your scene, just draw another one. I would first draw a card and read the prompt. Then I considered which of my 3 characters (Player Character and 2 NPCs) would this question be relevant? Some cards that I felt did not fit Sathu; worked well for Deal the gnome thief.

How I Use the Cards in My Solo RPG

During short rests or when traveling between encounters, I draw a card to inspire character dialogue and development. Here are a few examples from my recent sessions:

Prompt Example 1: Sathu's Faith in Vumar

In one scene, the female NPC city guard who joined the party asked Sathu, “What do followers of Vumar think about the afterlife?”

This prompt allowed Sathu to reveal his spiritual beliefs. He spoke of Vumar, the God of Light and Life, and how his people strive to become guardian spirits after death. Through this conversation, I was able to showcase Sathu's motivations and long-term goals, adding depth to his journey. I also have the option for Sathu to ask the NPC about her beliefs; she could follow Ona, the Goddess of Nature, Growth and Balance. I plan to explore how different religions work together while having differences.

Prompt Example 2: Deal’s Family Struggles

Deal, the gnome thief, is charismatic and outgoing but harbors deep worries about his future. A prompt from the "Your Past" category asked, “Who is the odd one out in your family?”

This prompted Deal to confess that he was considered a failure by his wealthy, and successful siblings. Sharing this vulnerable moment helped to strengthen the bond between Deal and Sathu, who now understood his companion’s hidden fears. In addition, Deal is starting to realize his age is catching up with him and his window of time to find some "success" is running out.

Prompt Example 3: Worldbuilding through Lore

Another prompt asked, “What organization do you admire but could never join?”

Sathu explained that he dreams of joining the Monks of the Eternal Sun, a religious order under Vumar. However, political tensions have led to non-human races being banned from certain cities; due to the invading orcs, goblins and dark elves.

Practical Tips for Solo RPG Players

Here are a few ways you can use these prompts to enhance your solo RPG experience:

Journaling: Answer prompts from your character’s perspective to explore their thoughts and backstory.

Example: Sathu writes about his belief in spiritual reincarnation, reinforcing his quest for enlightenment.

Scene Development: Use prompts to inspire dialogue between your character and NPCs.

Example: A tense debate erupts between Sathu and a rival cleric over the meaning of sacrifice.

Quest Hooks: Let prompts inspire new story arcs.

Example: A conversation about a lost family member could lead to a rescue mission.

These techniques can help you create deeper, more personal stories, even when playing solo!

(1d6) Random Conversation Prompt Table

Here's a quick way to generate a character conversation. Roll a (1d6) and use one of these prompts:

Use this table during travel scenes or campfire moments to spark engaging dialogue!

Conclusion

The Ultimate RPG Campfire Card Deck is a versatile tool that enhances roleplaying and story immersion. Whether you’re a solo player looking to dive deeper into your characters or a GM facilitating meaningful group moments, these prompts offer endless storytelling possibilities.

Have you used prompts like these in your games? Share your stories in the comments—I’d like to hear how they transformed your sessions! And if you're curious to try them, use the random prompt table above to get started. Happy adventuring!