The Solo RPG Player’s Guide: Balancing Roles and the Importance of Taking Breaks

The Many Hats of a Solo RPG Enthusiast

From GM to Player: Navigating the Solo RPG Landscape

As a solo RPG enthusiast, you wear many hats—DM, GM, player character, writer, producer, and more—and navigating the myriad of gameplay strategies and systems, from one-pagers to expansive 700-page rulebooks, can quickly turn a simple inquiry, like choosing whether to use a Virtual Tabletop (VTT), into a day-long research odyssey, leaving you more bewildered as you sift through the myriad options, both free and subscription-based.

Colored the Map for the Basic Fantasy RPG Campaign, "Morgansfort" Then tried making my own version.

Abstract in my sketch book using left over acrylic paint; by Me

The Importance of Patience and Breaks

The Role of Patience in Solo RPGs

I remind myself that pursuing solo RPGs is a marathon, not a sprint; it's essential to practice patience and be kind to oneself. Often, I catch myself wanting to complete 'just one more task,' driven by a fear of losing momentum or forgetting crucial details. Austin Kleon echoes this sentiment in 'Steal Like An Artist,' particularly in Chapter 4, 'Use Your Hands.' He highlights the critical importance of taking breaks from what I refer to as 'Digital Mode,' emphasizing how stepping back can refresh our minds and enhance our creativity.

Balancing Deep Focus with Necessary Breaks

How Strategic Pauses Can Enhance Your Solo RPG Experience

Balancing deep focus and frequent breaks is crucial when diving into the vast array of tasks and tools available on a computer. This practice is not just about managing time; it's about enhancing creativity, especially when engaged in solo RPGs and worldbuilding.

Unlocking Creativity with Simple Tasks

How Mundane Activities Can Spark Extraordinary Ideas

Personally, I find that engaging in simple, repetitive tasks like sketching circles while listening to YouTube or a podcast helps clear my mind. This seemingly mundane activity frees up mental space for creativity, allowing unexpected ideas to surface—whether a new encounter in a game or a twist in a story.

From Abstract to Structure

Drawing Parallels Between Art and Adventure

These moments of unfocused creativity are essential as they feed directly into my solo RPG campaigns. For example, as I transition from drawing abstract circles to more structured sketches of trees, grass, and paths, I find parallels in designing intricate maps and scenarios for my games.

Designing Dynamic Encounters

A Peek into My Latest Solo RPG Map

In my latest project, I've developed a map featuring over fifty minor locations, each with potential for unique encounters. These locations range from a wandering merchant to mystical phenomena, each designed to enrich the narrative and challenge the player in unexpected ways. Here’s a glimpse into the random table I use to generate these encounters, keeping the gameplay dynamic and engaging. Here's a few examples of what these 58 minor locations could be:

Cursed Artifact: Encounter an ancient artifact from one of the 6 Gods, that promises great power but carries a hidden curse. Players must decide whether to risk the potential consequences for the sake of the artifact's potentially powerful abilities.
Ancient Shrine: Stumble upon a forgotten shrine that may offer blessings from Ona, the goddess of Nature and Re-Growth or invoke the trials Khutu, the god of Duality and Destiny; depending on the dice roll.
Stray Beast: Meet a wild or magical creature that could become a loyal companion or a formidable challenge, based on the players' actions.
Mystical Phenomena: Encounter unexplained natural or magical occurrences, like sudden weather changes or mysterious lights (Orbs), prompting investigation or evasion.
NPC Wandering Merchant: An unexpected encounter could lead to the discovery of specialized items or knowledge that leads to a new quest.
Abandoned Campsite: Potential clues connected to the game's world; did someone get attacked, do they need assistance? Or it could be a mundane camp site with nothing but chicken bones.
NPCs: They could be just common folk passing by, a lost traveller, or bandits in disguise, a wizard looking for new students, a doppleganger, a friend or foe?
Natural Resource: Discovering locations to hunt, fish, forage, camp, search for rare herbs, gamestones etc.
Faction Conflicts: Happening upon two factions in dispute; do you mind your own business and carry on, or do you investigate, engage, maybe choose a side and get involved? This could be a side-quest or a trap.

Why Regular Breaks Are Crucial for Game Masters and Players Alike

Taking regular breaks from the digital world not only prevents burnout but also sparks creativity, crucial for maintaining the depth and intrigue in solo RPGs. It's a practice that not only benefits personal well-being but also enhances the richness of the game world I create.

How do you maintain creativity and manage time while playing solo RPGs? Do you have unique techniques or rituals that help you stay productive and inspired?

If you found these insights helpful and are looking for more ways to enhance your solo RPG sessions, explore other resources available on my blog. Also, here are a few videos from my Inspiration and Source Material Playlists on my YouTube Channel: