All Things Solo

ToM is a mental visualization technique in case you don't have access to maps. I wrote this as part of the Combat Guide Series but you can also use it to Roleplay.

The Art of Imagination

Visual Imagination is kinda tricky. It can't be taught easily, you either have it or don't. But Theater of Mind doesn't just mean conjuring images before your eyes from descriptions. If you can't "see" descriptions with your inner eyes, you can "hear" them! Simply tell about the events you want to "imagine" with your inner voice as if you're talking to someone else.

But if you can imagine your combat encounters in a more cinematic way than mechanical ways without stepping away from game rules, you can do so by using the game rules to spark your imagination with a bit of Conversion. Conversion as in translating game mechanics into mental images or descriptions. Take descriptive words from feats, spells, abilities, etc and turn them into imaginable actions.

Just like in Sneak Attack rules - the part where it can be enabled by another attacker in melee range with your target - you can automatically assume that a creature engaged in melee has an enemy within 5 feet. Then you can apply Opportunity Attack rules in your mind if needed. For example, when a cowardly enemy wants to run away in fear.

For imagining distances, just use movie logic to ease your burden on math without disregarding Disadvantageous shots from long distance.

But if you want to stick to the rules, create and keep an empty map with visible grids open (1 grid = 5ft); mark ranged weapon ranges with tokens. Peak at it as needed when you want to estimate if a shot has disadvantage, out of range, etc.

2 Ways to use Theater of Mind:

1) For Long Battles: Use Combat Tracker and imagine / describe combat events as they occur in a linear fashion.

2) For Shorter Battles: Wait for the encounter to finish, then close your eyes, recall & imagine the events after they occured.

Just try to visualize the layout of the battlefield, the positions of the characters and enemies, and the effects of the characters’ attacks. Focus on whoever should be in front of the "camera" one at a time, along with their immediate surroundings.

If you can't imagine, no worries. You can describe without needing to record. Instead of trying to see combat events in your mind's eye, tell about the events with your inner voice as if you're describing them to someone else. Adding your personal comments over these events may encourage your GM side to work.

If you want to add Roleplay to the mix, don't just think it is just talking. It is also gestures, mimics, walking and action in style! Imagine your character is zig-zagging in sweat to get into a defensive position with anticipation of ranged fire, for example. Add a monologue in it if you want to turn it into a scene: your PC might yell "Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!" while running.

HOW?

Add details to your action;

• Yes, you are hitting it with your sword but in what tactical way? To which part of your enemy? From which kind of stance?
• You're casting a spell but what type of light games it produces? How do your hands move in the meantime? What is the state of your face while you're concentrating?
• You're twanging your bow from cover but what's going through your mind? How exactly do you calculate your next move?

Keep the details minimal and on point as to a certain side of your character you want to show. If you want to stress how chaotic your character is, you'd use words that describe the hectic manner of their actions.

• Don't describe events as "this happened and this happened next, then this happened..."
• Instead, use conjunction "this happened because this happened before that, and these actions caused the last one." End of scene.

Last thing to do is to combine these details into one or two sentence with conjunction words. --And, or, so, since, for, because, as, but, yet, still, while, as soon as, therefore, moreover, in case, though, although, even though.--- Or if you're imagining, just use these details to move the mental "images."

Source for finding all types of words: https://www.rhymezone.com/

Recording

It is up to you to Record what you imagine. But I'd recommend doing so for various reasons;

• First of all, you can learn the rules & tactics better.
• Even if you don't want to novelize it, keeping record of encounters in terms of game mechanics & rules consolidates your GMing skills.
• If you are not confident with your description game but want to write fiction anyway, this is your chance to practice by trial & error. You can always go back to read it and compare it with your current level as you get better.
• It keeps your thoughts focused in the moment because you've got to concentrate when writing as it gives you a chance to look at things in broader perspective, to (re)consider things tactically for example.