Solo Shadowdark Episode 0: The Setup!

Our first Shadowdark solo gameplay video is here! 🔥

First of all, a point of learning — I had the values of Mythic’s Fate Chart reversed! Low means yes, and high means no. A couple arrows were pointing at some weird spots on the chart, too. I’ll get those right next time. In any case, we still got a fun setup!

This video is the "session zero" as I talk about how I created our characters and roll up the starting situation with Mythic GM Emulator.

Plus... meet Rosalin the mouse?! 🐁

[DougBolden]

You have to be careful with the solo rpgs. They sneak up on you. Started out doing a "one dude making his way through a forest to fight a warlock" and now it has multiple characters, several NPCs, civil war among the warlocks, weird plot twists, cursed magic items, and one strange scruffy wolf-dog (who is probably the secret main character all on).

[odolowa]

Been running my own solo games for a few years now, found it very fun and rewarding for when I can't get a group together. I'm happy to see just how much solo rpgs have grown!

[stillmattwest]

This is fun. A solo setup by one of the most talented game designers working today.

[MostlyAverage]

Hi there Kelsey,

I just discovered it this week, and feel like the universe is playing a joke on me.

These were my the homebrew changes to 5e that I've been using for the past 3 months:

-No more proficiency bonus
-No Cantrips,
-Skill Checks replaced with Ability Checks
-Removed Cantrips,
--Casting a spell triggers a 1d20 magic check, misfire table on a 1, double the spells numerical values on a 20.

-Magic Missile gets a special feature that will, on average, double the number of casts per day
-Adventurers are called "Crawlers"
-Sneak Attack simply triggers if the target "is unaware of your presence"

-Upcapped Wizard spells per day (if they find the scrolls to learn them)

[monomakes]

How cool that you're using my dice! Thanks for the valuable support K!
Good luck going solo :) Those are good stats though.

[SkittleBombs]

Some advice i've learned from trying to dive into solo Myself, its actaully EASIER (not better) to Pre-Generate a few world building NOUNs before play:
1. 1-2 Micro-setting/Place: Decide on Region/Biome, insert a Man-made structure or Natural Landmark, make a historic origin story for the place/landmarkor, Create an upcoming event. This allows the players to head to the location, inspect the building/landmark and interact with its history or alter the upcoming event.
2. 1-2 NPCs: Decide the NPC Role or profession, a Motive (want to do or want to stop), Their Conflict (an obsticle or dilemma stopping their motive). This can give you a person or quest giver to help or stop their motive.
3. 1-2 Factions : same as NPC list but its a group of people or organisation.

If you setup these 3-6 things BEFORE starting your adventure, you will have the "context" needed to use mythic AND not get stuck as often. I use the mythic FATECHART for all the Small details that wouldn't have been discussed in the pre made list . Like is the door locked, what is the weather like, is bear going to attack me

[MrHoleinthevoid]

Thank you and Trevor for making Solo more popular! I'm really excited seeing your journey!

[Hypnoos]

Hi, I discovered you thanks to your live with Trevor Devall (Me, Myself & Die). Love your content, love the fact that you give solo play a go and OMG love Shadowdark. You just made me preorder the whole set. Those rules look awesome for solo play with all the random tables, the simplicity and the layout of the book. Just amazing. Thank you for everything you've done for this hobby !

[errantadventurespod]

Really excited for this series! I'm new to the channel, having discovered you through Me, Myself, and Die, and I'm interested to see how Shadowdark plays solo.

[quench]

Hi Kelsey, I wasn't sure if you were using the Fate Chart how it was meant to be used. I guess it doesn't matter too much as you still got answers to your questions. But I know you are new to this solo-play malarkey so just wanted to help 😊

Once you've come up with your Fate Question you decide on your odds (50/50, Likely etc.), then cross-reference that with the current Chaos Factor, which gives you three numbers. So with odds of Likely and Chaos Factor of 5 it gives you 13/65/94. You then roll the d100, and in this example, a roll of 1-13 = Exceptional Yes, 14-65 = Yes, 51-94, and 95-100 = Exceptional No

Sorry if you already knew this, I guess there is no wrong way to do this, I just got the impression you were altering the Chaos Factor with every question, which is perfectly valid, but that's what confused me and prompted this post as the CF usually changes only at the end of a scene 🤗

Looking forward to hearing your adventures with Torsen and Leanna⚔🧙

[crapphone]

Thanks for boosting solo play! Your use of the GM emulator to get to mouse as a familiar was a great example of creative use. Trevor Duvall (Me, Myself and Die) would be proud of you!

[RollingSoloRPG]

I'm hyped for this solo play! Already starting off fun! 😊😊 You're amazing, friend!

[jaysunoscalleigh]

I'm just getting back into TTRPGs (via DCC right now). I'm soooo bummed I missed your kickstarter. I believe in this game! I hope I can get my hands on one of the hardcover core rulebooks one of these days. Cheers and Congrats on the success of your kickstarter! And solo play? Yes please!!

[DaveThaumavore]

I swear, you're like the Hermione Granger of RPGs. 🖤🖤🖤

[runopologist]

I know you must be very busy getting the last of the kickstarters fulfilled but I can't wait for the next episode! I just recently discovered Shadowdark so I'm waiting for the physical book to be available in the store but it's great to know it can work solo!

[terrybeal]

YES! I love solo gaming and I love Shadowdark. I can't wait to try out Solodark. Thank you Kelsey! 😁 🧙‍♂️

[c.c.germaine]

This is soooo cool for playtesting everything Shadowdark. Yay!

[OldSkullRPG]

This is so cool! A good friend of mine told me about this game, and I plan on ordering some books from your website soon.

[erusoth]

The chaotic nature of the dice interwoven with your imagination paint an enticing story.

[bhorrthunderhoof]

Great video. The mouse is a nice touch. I love how you explain how mythic works and that you show it by giving an example and how to interprete the results. Well done. 😍