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ADDED to Resources:Quote:
Originally Posted by Tempered7
Reveries of the Dark - A narrative supplement for 2D6 Dungeon - Pay What You Want in Drivethru
It has tables for prompts that help to create a story about your character and the dungeon you're exploring. The rolls encourage player to write down short snippets about the character, dungeon, story and flesh out the experience. Very useful for newly started Game Masters.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/prod...or-2d6-dungeon
ADDED to Resources:
- Starter Cheat Sheet 1 / Rules, Modes, Scene, Core Loop, Story Mechanics, How to utilize the mechanics, RP Styles.
- Player / GM Approach Cheat Sheet
UPDATE on JimSocks' Content Generator 2020:Quote:
Originally Posted by Tempered7
NOTE: There are links to Player's Handbook (2014) and Dungeon Master's Guide (2014) in the Plot Gen of JimSocks' Content Gen 2020. If you're playing with (free) SRD data, you won't be able to use the links but you still can use SRD equivalent classes, etc to create your own. Also, if you don't have DMG you won't be able to create the 2 villain classes (Anti Paladin, Evil High Priest) at all, but instead, you can create a normal Paladin & Cleric and play them mean.
I have no idea if Jim will update it for the 2024 books (or even still here), so...
Sellers Shop still works with (free) SRD data or PHB. I don't know if it'll be updated for 2024 free rules, either.
DndSpeak 100 Tables don't have links to anything so it's good.
Old news for the Toolbox Module (I just noticed this because I mostly used the book version):Quote:
Originally Posted by Tempered7
There are some monster links to Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes in Random Encounters section. Some CR7 ones in various categories maybe others too. If you bought the module before it's delisted, you can still use it. But if you jumped the VTT train after the modules delisted for Monsters of the Multiverse (like me), know that it doesn't seem to get updated for a while. Last update is 17-06-2019.
Also note that this book's/module's random encounter tables are only up to CR7 and for level 1-15 Solo PC or 2 PCs. There is a conversion table for playing 1 PC with easier encounters and 2 PC with slightly harder / medium encounters. The second installment "The Solo Adventurer's Toolbox Part Two: The Toolbox Expanded" completes the random encounter tables by adding stuff for level 16-20 PCs. Its last update is October 07, 2023.
I already mentioned 2014 DMG / MM links in original the post so other than that, that's it.
Notes on reading modules in FGU:Quote:
Originally Posted by Tempered7
! Titles of pages and encounter/reward links in pages are spoilers by themselves. There is no way to avoid them. So, don't bother.
0. Hotbars: Link entire adventure book into a hotbar. This will come handy for opening and closing it quickly to avoid spoilers.* Start by only clicking the first Chat Bubble in a page to print it out. Following ones are very likely to be story/combat related ones with spoilers.
* Play it a bit if you're RPing.
* Don't look at or print other chat bubbles -if any, yet. (Need a bit ninja'ing with the eyes and hands).
# How to deal with the answers for attribute / skill checks?
1. Preparation: By knowing Background Story of the module, your PCs and their Default Behaviors well.
2. Read-fu: Never read or print second chat bubble or onwards before you read previous paragraph. They might tell you about encounters.
3. When reading paragraphs, the moment you caught a familiar term (investigation, constitution, etc), stop reading.
4. Rolls: Roll for the check and play it without looking at the chat bubble.
5. Now print the bubble and read it on chat. Your Context is what you played just before the roll.
6. Real events: Depending on the context and the result of the roll, determine what's REALLY happened. Use flashbacks or John's (from rpgnet forums) method if needed.
I now had an idea to turn it into its own mini-game: The reality is fluking and the module book is only one parallel universe.
ADDED to Deep Dive: After a break, I finally finished Solo Combat Strategy Guide.
Squeezing everything that's related to Solo Combat into 1 article have me thinking about writing a second part.
I am thinking about this subject a lot since I started writing it and the most important KEY to Solo Combat is simply playing all the combatants according to their nature. Let me tell you why:Quote:
Originally Posted by Tempered7
Whatever random combat AI tables or tactics - counter tactics tables you use, it'll all end up feel like you playing chess against yourself. Best way to retain immersion is twofold:
1) The nature of each creature -including your PC- IS the anchor for immersion. Therefore, it is needed to be understood, then applied.
2) Suspension of disbelief is maintained as long as you play combat fairly. Which is tied to the nature of combatants indirectly.
A certain hobbit: We've had 1 action, yes. But what about second action?
EDITED: 2nd Action: You can weapon attack if you didn't attack in your current turn, after you used your action for non-attack action. OR you can use a non-attack basic action if you attacked in your current turn. Use one or the other.Let me clear one thing. This is only for "attack" as in weapon attack. Not attack spells, etc.Otherwise it would be too OP even for solo as there is no limit to it (long rest, etc).
EDITED: I remixed the combat table for ease of use. From left to right:
d8 Targeting d8 Combat Roles d6 Variations d6 Combat Actions
New description added to Combat Tweaks:
- PAID - Random Encounter Generator - REVAMPED! 10$: https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/126/view It has 1 or 2 PC encounter gen which is not the case for other encounter gens in the market. Most others only generate encounters for 4 PCs.
But check if it's updated as the new D&D ruleset updates broke some extensions.
Howdy!
Just wanted to pop in to remind everyone how great this guide is. Tempered7 really did an AWESOME job!
Just a teaser - Im working on a Sole Ruleset for FG that will generate random dungeons for you to play thru too.
Good Day Damned :)Quote:
Originally Posted by damned
Awesome! As a forever DM it would be nice to play something like that :)
Hey folks. I came back after many unfortunate events.
I'm having minor health problems but that's the least of my worries.
Right after I tried to buy Mythic v2 module and failed because of Paypal problems, my Discord and Steam accounts were hacked and I had to format my PC.
I forgot to backup my password manager data so I forgot my email and website passwords, etc.
So far, I noticed my steam guides are deleted, my discord account left all my servers and joined some "shady" ones. But fortunately, this guide is intact!
I couldn't deal with it quickly because I had to rest for a month but now I've got everything back.
I will continue where I left when I get better and have time.
Thank you :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Frost
This is AWESOME news! Thank you for working on it.Quote:
Originally Posted by damned
Man that is terrible.
People do not understand how bad it is when you get hacked.
It really makes your life hard, it can cost you a lot of money and it takes a lot of effort to get back to some level of normal.
Yeah, and it happened right after I entered my credit card info into paypal website. I was in the middle of a conversation with Mythic v2 authors.Quote:
Originally Posted by damned
Had a mini heart attack but nothing was stolen, cause I cancelled my card. Stress made my health worse though.
Btw, if my discord account sent anything shady to anyone, I apologize.
So, you're saying that I won't be getting the 500% return on the $1500 in bitcoin I sent you? ;-P
LOOOL! Unfortunately, we both bankrupted :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Nylanfs
Don't worry guys! Once certain Nigerian prince makes the money transfer he promised me after sharing all my bank account info with him, we'll all be rich!
WOHOOO! I will be able buy the cure-all that this very holy Indian guy sells, then! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Nick Frost
26/11/2024 UPDATE:
Since Marmus gifted me Mythic v2 & UNE generously, I have so much to work on. But there is too much for the last 2 brain cells that I have left with. :D
Planned entries after new oracle reviews:
* Usage of Mythic's Scene Progression and Element Tables in Combat. This is for "Context of the Enemy" part in Combat Guide 1.
* And of course, continuation of Solo Combat Guide: I decided to separate Part 2 into 13 D&D 5e classes (but 2014 versions), each with their own counter-tactics for the things I wrote in Part 1. Strengths & Weaknesses and how to deal with them.
But it'll take some time to research them all as I always play with the same type of builds.
so I need y'all's help for determining which class to start first.
I'm opening a poll that anyone can vote for their fav class. Numbers will tell me the sequence of writing. I can only add 10 items to the poll but there are 13 classes including Artificer. So I might combine some classes together and exclude Artificer.
Added to Video Examples:
Wilona's Cave - Warhammer FRP
He walks you through his thought process by thinking outloud. No need to mention that it is Grim Dark and not suited for children!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFXF7amxylg&list=PLLIELpQCksTKOLaZqW2CfCvW yu-gPkkhS&index=2
Don't forget to vote in the poll :>
ADDED: OUR NEW CATEGORY Podcast Examples is online with its first item:
"Tales of Mystara" Podcast by Solo Dungeon Crawler.
It is Old School Revival stuff with BECMI Basic Dungeons & Dragons Solo ruleset. I am handpicking these podcast playlists because some of them are very 18+ with harsh themes. This has what you would expect from an OSR game. Dark Fantasy and ruthless to PCs but the mature themes stop there.
As I search for more and suitable ones, I will expand the entry.
EDIT: As usual, I forgot to mention that I moved "Ironsworn: Starforged by The Bad Spot" from video examples to Podcasts.
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
UPDATE: Solo Combat Guide Part II is finished. It is a template upon which I'll build class stratagems. I had to cut some parts to fit size but I will sprinkle that content into other entries. As the poll fills, I'm reading & poking my nose around every table in Toolbox 2.
Also I must say, the more I read Mythic v2 the more I am astonished by its neat presentation, highly refined new systems since v1, many MANY examples, so many ideas that addresses crucial problems in Solo Play.... V1 was already a gold mine. But v2 is PLATINUM MINE! Now I feel my practical methods is so archaic.:D
And the conversion. When Marmus said there are 400+ tables in it, I already knew it is a labor of love, but I didn't know it is loved as a favored child! I remember my time with books and pens, brrr. Hand cramps, lost d4s found by feet & pierced pages... Anyway,
Please don't forget to vote in the poll :)
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
Missing cut content added to comments in Solo Combat Guide - Part II while I'm at it.
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
Sorry guys. I noticed I'm actually focusing on the foundations too much and neglecting actual strategies for 1 PC. Since this is not group play, there is no actual synergetic strategies. It all depends on your current circumstance and what your class build is. So I thought I should add those in individual class entries based on basics & foundations. Counters will be taken from Basics, and strategies will be based on Foundations for each class. Also, 10k character limit forces me to spread content.
NOTE TO SELF: * Caster: [Divine]: Crit fail! I've noticed that I don't have anything to say about them. I never play them. [TO BE EDITED].
I only have 1 refined play style with few build types for my own needs but my recent research showed me that it's too restrictive and there is a world of styles for Solo.
If you want answers for the questions you have added to the guides, please write them here. I'll wait for them to accumulate and add them to respective guides.
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
UPDATE: Solo Combat Guide Part II - new comment.
GROUP DYNAMICS #2
By group dynamics, I mean Tank (DMG Soaker) - Damage Dealer - Skill Monkey - Healer - Magic User - Face/Social, etc. And the interaction of these in between each other & NPCs/monsters.
When playing 1 PC, many of these will be missing but that doesn't mean you will need all of them at all times. Remember, Solo Play is based on RNG. Whatever monsters are rolled for at the moment, either cover whatever weakness you have by substituting, or by playing to your strengths instead of dwelling on your weaknesses. Assume the role & concept of the class you're playing and think like them. This will make your game more than a cookie-cutter play. But I will also include OP strats into class entries.
Problem solving mindset is necessary because of this. Remember 5W1H questions? Ask them to find out about the solutions to your problems. Search the answers in the form of usable abilities, spells, items, etc; you can even "use" monsters themselves against each other. There is no such thing as "my DM doesn't allow me" in Solo.:D Go crazy! I'll try to write them in respective class entries as much as possible, but I can't foresee every problem you might have which will depend on your play style & experience. Use your imagination.
If you want answers for the questions you have added to the guides, please write them here.
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
From Solo Combat Part I - Basics: new comment added.
* The reason for this is that if your enemies start first, they will reach your heroes and you'll be in disadvantage.Quote:
Basic Strategy
* Movement & Range
- Don't deploy your villains too close to the heroes (unless they ambush)
* If you start first, maybe you'll be in advantage but you will be too deep in the control zone of enemies as 1 PC. Be patient and let them come to you as you deal with them 1 by 1.
* If you deploy your enemies & heroes more than max movement speed / 30 feet from each other, depending on who starts first, they have to enter into the zone of control of the other and expose themselves without being able to attack. Especially if they are not ranged/caster.
You can also use this to your advantage: Move back, instead of forward and wait for them in a cover to come to you and deal with whatever comes first. But be wary of being surrounded.
Note: Solutions to this for each class will be different and be discussed in their own entries.
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
Also From Part I - Basics: new comment added.
As you can guess, the mechanic I couldn't fit to mention in the entry is "Attack of Opportunity." 2 melee infantry 15 feet from each other will not allow anyone to pass 5 feet (melee reach unless with 2H reach weapon) from left, center & right while being protected from an Area of Effect attack as much as possible.Quote:
Infantry deployment: As far as possible to avoid AOE & as close as possible so enemies can't run pass them: 15 feet is the magic number.
I should discuss about Control Zone of each class but I think there will be no space for it. I'll try though.
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
Added to comments in Part I: Infantry, Ranged, Caster & Infiltration Deployment. Sorry for finishing it piece by piece. I'm rusty and also need rests in between writings. I'll compile and revise all of these in a seperate Combat guide mosdule.
Infantry Deployment
CONT.: If you are playing 1 PC: Most defensible position, such as a choke point, behind a cover, your back to a wall, etc. If you are at open field, surrounded, use your disengage action instead of attacking to tactically reposition yourself in an opportune / dangerous time to prevent damage. Get out of range, move into melee range of a lone archer, hide, or flight; live to fight another day.
Ranged Deployment (New)
* Obviously, behind cover and as far as possible within normal range while covering their rear from attacks. But it depends on the range of weapons. Indicated in Properties row, the first number is the weapon’s normal range in feet, and the second indicates the weapon’s long range. When attacking a target beyond normal range, you have disadvantage on the attack rolls. You can’t attack a target beyond the weapon’s long range.
Short Bow: 80 / 320 feet (or 25 / 97 meters).
Long Bow (heavy): 150 / 600 ft (or 45 / 180 meters). Small creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls with heavy weapons. A heavy weapon's size and bulk make it too large for a Small creature to use effectively. If encumbrance is not a problem, prefer heavy for its superior damage if your race is medium size.
Crossbow, Light: Same as Short Bow.
Crossbow, Heavy: 100 / 400 ft (or 30 / 120 meters).
Sling: 30 / 120 ft (or 9 / 35 meters). If you use a weapon that has the Ammunition property to make a melee attack, you treat the weapon as an Improvised Weapon. A sling must be loaded to deal any damage when used in this way.
Note: Numbers taken from 2014 core books.
Arcane Caster Deployment (New) spell range list updated
* Behind any kind of damage soaker and/or cover, as far from enemies as possible within shortest spell range if threat level is manageable OR within longest effective (problem solving) spell range if threat level higher than you can handle.
Full Spell List by Range: Skipped "self-only" range, https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?page=8&sort=range
Full Spell List by Range: Skipped self+range & ranged/touch. Starting from 5ft. https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?page=19&sort=range
Starting from more 30 ft: https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?page=27&sort=range
60 ft: https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?page=35&sort=range
90 ft: https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?page=38&sort=range
To Mars (120-150 ft): https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?page=43&sort=range
To infinity and beyond (300 ft, 1 mile): https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?page=45&sort=range
Infiltration Deployment (New)
* It depends; Behind enemy lines to deal with high priority targets in silence --with an escape route planned (Assassin). OR Within enemy ranks to overthrow the whole enemy group (Spy).
Starting deployment place should always give you the element of surprise even if you start in front of enemies. Use Disengage action + Move + Cunning Action: Hide as bonus action. And following placements must be advantageous places to hide & strike from (i.e: high ground, enemy's rear).
A sure way to keep your sneak attack always enabled is to use a creature that attacks your target in melee range as per sneak attack rules; unless you have disadvantage. Find a way to acquire such a creature in prep (henchman, summon, even other monsters). So alternatively, your next placement is next to the attacking creature in melee range. OR use ranged weapons until you can't (See Ranged Deployment).
Note 1: Thrown Dagger Range is 20 / 60 ft. You can start your surprise turn by throwing a spare dagger / paralyzing dart to benefit from sneak attack before engaging in melee.
Note 2: Ranged Weapons that can enable Sneak Atk are blowguns (25/100), daggers, darts (20/60), hand crossbows (30/120), heavy crossbows, light crossbows, longbows, nets (5/15), shortbows and slings.
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
Added to comments in Part I:
Movement
- Only move forward if there is no unmanageable threat where you'll be.
- Start by Split Movement & Fire: Move a bit (i.e: 15 of 30 ft) - Shoot (ranged) - Go back to cover.
- ENGAGEMENT: Move to a defensible position gradually instead of charging into enemies and lure them in small, controllable groups while covering yourself from ranged attacks. Or ideally, lure them 1 by 1 into a choke point and let them shoot their own friends. (You can do that, you are the GM!)
- If you are at open field, surrounded, use your Disengage Action instead of attacking to tactically reposition yourself in an opportune / dangerous time to prevent damage. Get out of range / switch to a weaker enemy / hide / or flee to fight another day.
- TACTICAL WITHDRAWAL: If you have to flee, don't do it by Dashing all the way back at once. If you have access to any utility / crowd control ways (smoke bombs, alchemist fire, invisibility potion, bag of sand), first Disengage if you're in melee, then find cover or use your full movement to go out of range if there is none. Use the CC items next turn to distract the ones that can easily lock you in melee. Only then move back from cover to cover at length of your full movement with Dash Action. Because some spells / ranged weapons ammo can run farther than you.
Range & Cover
- Calculate Range of ALL enemy Weapons before moving or acting & stand where you'll get least amount of threat while picking the highest priority target for engagement.
- To target something, one must have a clear path to it, so it can't be behind total cover.
- RULE: A target with **total cover** can't be targeted directly by an ATTACK or a SPELL, although some spells can reach such a target by including it in an area of effect (i.e: fireball but not all AoE spells). A target has total cover if it is completely concealed by an obstacle.
- Next best thing is covering 3 quarters of your PC's body for +5 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws. The cover might be a portcullis, an arrow slit, or a thick tree trunk.
- Or covering half of your PC's body for +2 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws.
- All these mean enemies bigger than you in size that are in between you and your attacker can also be used as a cover. Think in angles like a billiard player, based on weapon range to find where to stand.
- Use larger creatures as cover against casters, ranged attackers in melee engagement (especially good for artillery if the "cover" is enemy combatant).
- Don't forget Grapple Maneuver. It can be used to hold a monster with your left arm as cover against its friends while you use 1H weapon as offense if you don't have a shield.
- Dead enemies or some items can also be used as cover against arrows, direct link spells (that doesn't specifically target you), etc, if you can lift & hold / move them for a while (i.e: a barrel, a bookcase).
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
UPDATE: Solo Combat Guide Part II - new comment.
COMBAT STRATEGY
Strategy is the art of planning, organizing and directing overall military operations and movements in combat. It differs from tactics by staying on the theory side of things. In terms of game play, it is your overall plan to achieve your main goal by going through level progression and directing your efforts into winning your battles until the last boss is dead. This is done by thinking in terms of mobilization:
* WHAT can be used for WHICH of my specific purposes? These can be abilities and spells that your build provides, weapons, items, methods, plans, etc... Search and Gather them.
* HOW can they be organized into a coherent whole? Little jigsaw puzzle game.
* WHERE should each part be directed towards? To focus your efforts into a practical goal.
* And a general theory of HOW they can be applied into practical terms.
Know Thyself
* Strength: Typically, elements in the arsenal of your class that are most efficient for you. Sharpen & Play to them. But it doesn't always mean they are your strong side. When used against you by enemies, you become your worst enemy! "i.e: Getting charmed."
* Weakness: Supposedly, these are what makes you vulnerable for attacks from enemies with specialty to exploit them. Cover them. They don't have to be your down sides, though. When used as bait while you cover them with your Strengths, they can be deadly weapons! "i.e: Damsel in distress with a poisoned kiss."
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
UPDATE: Solo Combat Guide Part II - new comment.
COMBAT STRATEGY (cont.)
Know Thy Plan (NEW)
First and foremost, it is to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women, as Conan said. In order to do that, you need to survive first:
* DETERMINE YOUR OBJECTIVE: Your battle plan should not just be limited to battle mastery. If, say, your objective as a Phlegmatic PC is to protect villagers while in combat, it would be unfair to think "ends justify means." You'd do anything to protect them first. But if you're playing Result-Oriented Pragmatist, you would use ANY way to win a battle; these may include methods that are deemed dishonorable by some.
* BASE your battle plan on WHERE you are fighting in. Is it a place you know, or is it your enemy's turf? Is the terrain in your favor? If you can't use environment to your advantage, they will. Use Reconnaissance Tactics for the perimeter and mobs within, before entering battle. And make a habit of assessing places you entered tactically at least once. Covers, ambush & choke points, hazards, light sources, hiding spots, entries & exists, secret doors, etc.
* PREPARE A Hit List: Target Priority from highest to lowest to deal with them individually. Unless you have access to Area of Effect Nukes. A Fighter can also throw fireball: Oil bottle + Alchemist's Fire. The list depends on the composition and individual Challenge Rating of the monsters in it. Also take lethal abilities into account.
1 - Monsters with Disabling Effects mean you're dead. Deal with them in a way that avoids the CC. Know the nature and appliance method of CC for it.
2 - Intelligent enemies are the deadliest. Casters, Clerics. Single them out by positioning yourself well & focusing fire with your action / bonus / reaction. Latter slot may mean they have to attack you first, raise your DEFENSES and bait them to attack you. They usually show themselves AFTER their infantry engaged in melee with you, so, before they secure their Zone of Control, use Cunning to bait the infantry into showing their hands with misdirection methods. (Send animal companion in, trigger noise far away, minor illusion, arson in their bed rooms, etc.)
3 - Enemies with highest damage & everything else comes next.
* Know What you CAN'T do in combat: Based on risk/reward factors, either don't bother with them at all if you don't want to prolong game time. OR put some effort to substitute or compensate them, if you really need them. Latter choice may mean backtrack, so do that in Prep.
* Know What you CAN do in combat: Work your way as a loner in a well-organized and competent way to resolve conflict.
* If you are better at Close Combat, start by chipping away highest priority enemy HP with ranged attacks and by other means before entering melee.
* If you are better at Ranged Combat, start by setting traps and/or disabling enemy's economy after the reconnaissance. Stealth is a must for this style in Solo.
* If you're better at Arcane Warfare, start by Pre-Buffs before the engagement. Then focus on controlling the battlefield (AoE CC infantry first). Use a damage soaker as a meat shield against whoever standing while unleashing your spells on the priority targets from high threat level to lower. If you need to get hit to take advantage of your counter-spell reaction, etc, tell the enemy caster that "his mother smells so bad that his father has a ghast mistress just to feel refreshed!"
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
# Combat Roles
I didn't add them to comments but the descriptions will be in the module.
## Melee
Any form of combat involving close proximity to and direct physical contact with an opponent, whether unarmed, using weapons or, occasionally, through other methods besides typical strikes, such as maneuvers (i.e: grapple). It is also for certain status effects (i.e: stun) that require physical contact to implement with On Hit effects.
The Mask of Zorro, training scene. 2:45
## Ranged
It involves using bows, crossbows and thrown weapons to damage opponents from a distance while in the safety of a cover or out of reach of the opponents. Status effects that can be applied with this style varies from physical poisons from an arrow to elements such as fire from a bomb.
War of Arrows (S. Korean). No subtitles but no need. Ranged Warfare Scene; 1 vs. 4.
!GRAPHIC VIOLENCE! but excellent tactics (bait, 1 stone 2 birds). 5:45
## Caster (Arcane)
Arcane Combat is relying on magic from the Weave to be used as weapon or protection instead of traditional combat methods. These are typically spells devoted to manipulating energy, converting one substance to another, or calling on the services of other creatures.
D&D Honor Among Thieves- FINAL FIGHT; 1 -very disturbing- Thayan Wizard VS Party of 4 (Bard, Barb, Druid, Wiz). 4:45
How many spells can you identify? :D
EDIT:Oops. To hide the disturbing undead face-paint of the Thayan Wiz in thumbnail, here's the link version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSyy0ETtoQk
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
UPDATE: Solo Combat Guide Part II - new comment.
COMBAT STRATEGY (cont.)
Know The Consequences (NEW)
Don't just think about your combatants' plan but also consider its CONSEQUENCES. Especially in the context of its execution for present and future time.Quote:
"No plan survives the first contact with the enemy."
~ Helmuth von Moltke.
* "What might it cost me if I do it?"
* "Can I afford it?"
If you expect certain actions from certain enemies and base your plans according to it, RNG might blow your plans off course. For example, you might ask a question (related to combat) to your oracle and the words it give you might be interpreted in a disadvantageous way for you.
"Killing Your Darlings," (cut the excess even if you're attached to it) is not just a term used in Storytelling or World Building. Sometimes it means abandoning a plan to pursue another way to the same goal. Adaptability while sticking to a goal is the key to success in Solo Combat, because RNG is a harsh mistress.
Solution: Keep your goal in mind and if one way fails, try to find another way to achieve that goal, instead of blindly sticking to a predetermined plan. This might take trial & error if not thought out in Battle Prep, and cost you many dead PCs. Embrace it. One thing is certain that it'll teach you Warfare in a solid way. You may forget battles you won, but you never forget the reason of defeats if you lose something important because of it.
Solo Combat Strategy Series:
ADDED TO: Solo Combat Guide Part II - comment #3.
GROUP DYNAMICS # 1
Group Roles
* Tank: Damage Soaker. It is not efficient to play this role with 1 PC in Solo Mode. Unless you want to RP or learn about the role with sidekicks as Damage Dealers.
* Damage Dealer: This is the preferred type in Solo but not without building your PC to cover weaknesses by borrowing from other dynamics or other sources.
* Skill Monkey: Problem Solver in and out of Combat with a range of skills. Typically Bard & Rogue.
* Healer: Also not recommended to go full healer (1 PC) without any type of damage source. Can be compensated by potions, scrolls, henchmen. Unless you want to RP or learn about the role. This is harder to play solo because you'll also need to play 1 Tank + 1 DD but if you really want to be a Healer Specialist, you'd want to learn about those, anyway.
* Magic User: Typically, Glass Cannon (Arcane) but can be temporarily tanky with certain spells. In case of Druids (Divine), can be versatile through Shapeshift (Tank or DD) or use heal and damage spells as a caster. In case of other Divine Casters, they can combine Hand-to-hand Combat with spells to buff, heal or aid themselves & hinder or damage their opponents.
* Face/Social: Typically Bard, otherwise different CHA classes with different styles. Sometimes you need to avoid combat or gain access to certain benefits with a silver tongue (entrance to enemy den, removing a coward enemy from combat tracker).
NOTE: As you can imagine, Solo Play is also a great way to master your role along with synergies of other roles.
COMBAT STRATEGY (cont. #3)
# Resource Management added to bottom comments in Solo Combat Guide - Part II.
It contains ways for Managing Game/Combat Mechanics in the context of real world Game-Time Management as well as combating problems caused by wrong approach to Solo Mode.
Believe it or not, this is still Part II.
ADDED:
- Solo Combat Guide - Part III (Soloing in Practice)
- Anthology of Topics
- Theater of Mind in Combat (Art of Imagination. Not necessarily visualizing, though.) Not to bloat Part II, I created another entry for it.
ADDED to Oracles:
Took a break from Combat Guide to finish Mythic Game Master Emulator v2 (Paid Module) Review.
It is such a beauty, especially in module form!
I can't help but send Tana Pigeon my best regards for sharing Mythic with us. v1 has shaped my life in a positive way! *sniff* I'm not crying, nostalgia stuck in my eyes. :')
And of course I thank Marmus once again for his hardwork and generosity! :) I am so grateful to both of you.
Oops, as a strongly rooted tradition, once again I forgot to add Fate Roll pic: :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Tempered7
1st second edit: Aaand, the link is corrected.
Attachment 62867
ADDED to Strategy Series:
Today's last work is Solo Combat Guide - Part III (Solo Combat in Theory & Practice).
I summarized key points of solo strategy & solo tactics based on my adaptation of respective military versions.
Practice & example battles will be added to comments, later.
Note: I'll shave some parts off of Zone of Control (for part I) tomorrow and add it to the blog instead of making it exclusive to the module.
ALSO EDITED:
COMBAT ROLES (cut content) in Part II:
* Caster: [Divine]: EDIT: Clerics, Paladins, Druids; I categorize Rangers as Ranged and/or Infiltration class. My experience with these classes are limited to none. But I can presume that they can be good tanky frontline combatants or powerful casters/self-healers. So I think if you don't have a solo class in mind, yet, you can safely pick one of these and enjoy being a paramedic for yourself while dishing mid(?) damage from your weapon attacks. According to what I've read so far, Divine warfare revolves around the use of divine magic and abilities granted by deities or devotion to a divine cause. It emphasizes the fusion of martial combat and divi powers to fulfill a sacred mission or fight against supernatural forces. So, their "holy" nature can be a foundation to your PC's combat style: Their sacred texts / divine prophecies can provide crucial info about an enemy as to ways of defeating it, its weaknesses, etc. Unless, you just want to be a tanky fighter/caster as a self-ambulance to cover all your bases.
Hey, folks. That was a looong "tomorrow", I know. I failed all my Will Saves against Path of Exile 2 but good news is I've learned many things from it regarding Tactical Combat, especially working around stupid circumstances caused by weird design.
Anyway, both Solo Methods & Combat Guide Modules are almost finished except what's W.I.P. I tidied the Combat Guide module up and made it pretty so you don't have to be exposed to my chaos. :D
Here's the (current & planned) Combat Guide sections before I start writing individual Solo Class Guides -check comments for continuation:
(Note: Underlined items are WIP)
Solo Combat Strategy Part I Solo Combat Strategy Part II Solo Combat Strategy
Part III* Meta-Game
* Lack of Group Dynamics
* Action Economy
* Context of the Enemy
* Strategy & Tactics
** Basic Strategy
*** Movement & Range
** Deployment
*** Infantry Deployment
*** Ranged Deployment
*** Arcane Caster Deploy
*** Infiltration Deployment
** Zone of Control
* Enemy Categories
* Enemy Types
* Consequences
* Combat Target Table
* Who Wins the Battle?* ROLEPLAYING COMBAT
* PERSONALITY & TEMPERAMENT
* COMBAT ROLES
** Melee / Ranged / Infiltration
** Arcane / Divine / Hybrid
* GROUP DYNAMICS
** Group Roles
** Group Dynamics
* ACTION ECONOMY +!
** Action Economy
** Action Budgeting Solutions
** Slot Types
** Basic Maff
** Econ Warfare - 101
* COMBAT STRATEGY
** Know Thyself
** Know Thine Enemy
** Know Thine Plan (New)
** Know The Consequences
* Resource Management
* Theory of Solo Combat Strategy
* Theory of Solo Combat Tactics
* Practice of Solo Combat
** Solo Combat in Practice
** One-Man-Army
*** Fight Based on Inspiration
*** Fight Based on Math
*** Fight Based on Conversion +!!
** Example Battle
** FAQ
* On Bestiary in Solo Combat
** What do monsters mean (tactically) to a single PC?
*** Monster Type behavior summaries
NOTE 2: There is a WHAT'S NEW section in the module 'cause I took the liberty of adding some stuff to existing parts. Oh, and monster counter-tactics will be in individual class guides (briefly generalized stuff).
Traditional First Minute EDITS:
* ACTION ECONOMY +! = This is the full module version for neat reading. In Part II, it's too chaotic.
** Fight Based on Conversion +!! = Anthology of Topics > Experimental Reading of Combat Rules // Words & Digits to Dreams Conversion. WIP.
NOTE 3: If you guys want any type of topic under Solo Combat Umbrella to be covered, leave a comment here and I'll write about it. Or if you have any questions, leave a comment and I'll add the answer to the FAQ in Part III.