Blog Comments

Vid: Why Mindset and Worldbuilding Come FIRST

Thematic Muses:

1. Thematic Muses For Everyone - A for Action
2. Thematic Muses For Everyone - S for Story (w/ methods)
3. C for Character (Astra's story will continue)
4. D for Deep Topics (Astra's Search for the Answer will conclude)

New Resources Added:

Winnowing Pursuits by Farratto: https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/177/view - With the search function in char sheet, you can search action / bonus / reaction fields for abilities and spells. (This extension adds search and filter controls to character inventory, character actions, party inventory, log tab, combat tracker on host)

5e Reactions by Stv:https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/1137/view (This ext visually warns you if you have reactions you can take)

illahad's Prompt Reaction by illahad: https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/1463/view (And this one like Stv's ext but it is for NPCs' Reactions)

New Resource Added:

5e Legendary Assistant by Stv: https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/590/view (An extension to aid with Legendary actions and resistances.)

Note to self: Not added to module yet.

~ CLOCK ADJUSTER + TIMER + REALTIMER ~

* CLOCK ADJUSTER: Weather Wind, Weather Temperature, Weather Precipitation (DMG)... - OR - Jimsocks' Content Creator 2020 Weather Tables (if enabled).

** Events Manager: Tables that can be triggered in certain date/times.
** Reminder: If a reminder has the same name as an existing table, the table will roll upon triggering.

** Travel Manager: Will automatically advance time while tracking distance covered and sending a chat message with details.
*** tables it triggers = Encounter Chance Slow / Normal / Fast Travel Pace (Combat)... If it is not a battle, it will roll a tabled called "Non Combat Encounter" (Free: Jimsocks' has some) & (Paid: The Toolbox).

To smoothly transition between randomly generated objects to forming a coherent narrative in solo RPG games:

It's as simple as using freeform association with random objects. FFA is where you let your mind wander without restrictions to make connections between seemingly unrelated things. But in the context of storytelling, that means finding natural links or logical steps between the objects.

Q: How do you ensure that this process doesn't become too convoluted?

If you're just randomly associating ideas, it might lead you astray and not create a cohesive narrative. There must be some structure to guide this process without being too restrictive.

So you should start by identifying what each object represents in terms of (any) story mechanics -NOT necessarily all of them at once. For example:

1. Main Goal: Consider what your character is trying to achieve overall.
2. Scene Goal: What needs to be accomplished in this particular scene with these objects?
3. Conflict: How do these objects create tension or obstacles for the character?
4. Action & Reaction Chain: How does interacting with each object lead to further actions and reactions within the story?
5. Consequences of Actions: What are the outcomes based on how I choose to handle these objects?
6. Resolving Conflict: How do my character's actions help in bringing resolution or moving towards it?

How are these objects relate to any of these items?

Summary

In summary, to ensure smooth transitions between random objects and narrative cohesion:

1. Use the Framework: Apply story mechanics like main goal, scene goal, conflict, etc., as a guide.
2. Roleplay Authentically: Interpret objects through the character's perspective without meta-gaming.
3. Build Atmosphere in the Plot: Use each carefully picked object to enhance mood or advance the plot related to the overarching mystery. The secret is in the details of these objects.

CHANGE: I changed Dejavu by Initial D with Jackie Chan's chase scene (not a song but the scene has an exciting music). For men and women of culture;

Deja Vu by Initial D
>As a man of culture, I couldn't left this one out. Italian singer, English lyrics, French title, Japanese series... Mr. Wordwide.

FOR GAMBLERS: Divide the source text into smaller pieces and add details. Next thing to do is Freeform Association.

Apprentice	The Quest	Journey	Wizardry (Conclusion)
An ordinary girl in between a rock and a hard place Wants to lift the curse of her fiancée by learning magic. (Will *he* stay the same all this time?) Hears the name of a wizard. She especially wants to learn "Remove Curse" spell (We've a plot twist here :>)	River of red is the landmark she has to reach to find the master She gets lost in the Enchanted Woods First Combat Encounter: kobold scout.	Final Destination (happy ending) She passes the red river and reaches the cabin. Maybe with the help of some will-o-wisp (red flag)	Now this is the Conclusion part for the BG story of Astra. Inspired by The Sorceror's Den If you come in you may never get out. The Wizard carries out magical deeds to prove he can teach her "the spell" but goes too far. Astra, overwhelmed by the Wizard's power, wants to get out but is now trapped.

If you add another table with different sentences, you can combine & contrast. And that's it!
From there, you can start your solo session.

EDIT: Hmm, why don't she hire a cleric and make the cleric remove the curse?

* Unreachable resources (remote town),
* Poverty (they can't afford it),
* Haughtiness (she despises the hag),
* Impossibility (the curse has an unusual condition),
* Naivety (she decides to take the matter into her hands)...

Instead of base questions, I added the contrast method under Ode to Heroes.
Also added the line: "More info is in Muses (under the same title)" under Questioning the Grail.

SOLO CHEAT RUNS

If you want to vent off by using above methods in a more law breaker style, there are some tips for that too;

# Godlike PC /SUPER-SAIYAN mode on

As in above statement BUT your powers are not just coming back to you in mysterious moments but they are also SUPER-CHARGED when they come back.

• You don't have to level all the way back to 20.
• Just find out what causes these mysterious breaks and use it to your advantage. (i.e: create this content with freeform association or random tables, dice rolls).
• Determine the supercharge moments, their durations, etc with any randomization means to your liking. i.e: super strength for fighter, x2 dmg for spells, etc.
• Weave this into your narrative however you wish.

# Immortal PC /IDKFA

Whatever means of destruction or weapons you can imagine is yours with unlimited ammo / durability. The limit is your imagination! BUT the more you destruct stuff the less effective your weapons & powers become -until they completely turn harmless no matter what you do.

• Use a real world timer for this cheat run. Like a snooze timer that alarms at certain intervals. i.e: top 25 mins run = 5 mins intervals.
• Every 5 min interval your weapons become significantly less effective as you destruct stuff.
• Start by giving yourself 20% bonus in attack & damage.
• At first 5 min tick, decrease the bonus by 5% = it's now 15% bonus
• At 10 th min = Decrease it another 5% now it's total of 10% bonus
• At 15th min = Decrease it 15% this time = Now you have 5% penalty to your attacks & damage.
• When you're close to 20th minute, give yourself a 5% penalty this time = total of 10% penalty.
• Lastly, when the clock ticks the 25th min, your weapons become ineffective whatever you do.

# All-Knowing PC /There_is_No_Spoon.dll

You *know* kung-fu. Yes, even if you're playing a level 1 PC. Because in your world there is no spoon. With your knowledge, you can bend the reality to your will. BUT

• Anything & EVERYTHING in the reality -be it alive or inanimate- has a 50/50 chance to resist to your bending powers.
• Flip a coin each time after you try to change the reality that affects living beings or inanimate objects; IF you roll low they resist, IF you roll high they bend.
• Resist doesn't mean immune; you can try again but only after 1 minute in real time. [Keep a timer].
• If you try to bend them to your will again, this time they have a right to counter you with their own will. i.e: They too can try to bend you with 50/50 chance.
• If they can succesfully counter you, they gain immunity to your will.
• If they fail, your will gets realized.
• In case they fail and you try to bend them to your will for the 3rd and last time, there is a 20% chance of magical anomalies can occur (20 and low on d100). You decide what it is and play it accordingly.