A couple of years ago I did a really in-depth breakdown of how a solo D&D game plays out. Extra crunch, triple the writing time. Now, for some incomprehensible reason, I’ve done it again.

Solo stuff I’m using:

MUNE. I love that it’s called that, and I hate that it’s called that.

Mythic Variations II

The Adventure Crafter

Text like this is my “OOC” voice, where I’m either asking the Oracle something, getting inspiration from a random word combination (Portent), or jotting down internal thoughts.

Text like this is the reaaaally crunchy stuff. Mostly combat. I’ve got it hidden, so you don’t need to wear eye protection to read this.

Today I’m playing a new character; Daneal Sevar, a studying mechanic in the Brotherhood of Arcane Tinkerers. He started off as a self-insert though experiment, but rapidly polymorphed into something more akin to a parody of Julien, from the Famous Five books. With more spellpunk.

Oh, and he’s an Armourer Artificer. Because I cannot get enough of my fantasy Iron Man knockoffs.

I rarely play one character at a time, however – 5e is designed for parties of multiple members, after all. But I’m gonna be keeping my second character in the dark for a bit, just because even I don’t quite know all the details surrounding her.

So without further ado…

And cue the music…

Daneal wakes up in his comfy room in the BAT tower. Think lots of polished dark wood panelling, and bronze fixtures. He opens the latticed windows to let a breeze in and starts his shave and wash. A small mechanical bird buzzes in through the window and drops the Daily Scroll onto his bed. Newspapers aren’t a new invention for Tirkosu, dating back to the old days when Orthraze was around. But it’s a luxury reserved for the well-off: most commoners get their news through talesmen.



Just the normal gossip in the Scroll?

Oracle: Yes, and



Interplanar politics, accusations being thrown, and elders clamouring for an island-wide governing system. Just the usual waffle. The outlying villages finally got cleaned up of those blasted Mirlings, so the rabble hanging about town have no excuse to stick around begging. He feels a slight pang of conscience as a story catches his eye – “Paku Unrecoverable, Tsethem Say: Elves Now Homeless!” It looks like the Nightfall war has left its scars on Tirkosu.



Do they have a Hogwarts-esque central eating hall?

Oracle: No

Ordering food to their room?

Oracle: Yes, and



Breakfast! The pivot on which a day’s mood swings. Daneal orders a cranberry pie and goat’s milk from the serving golem, which are delivered shortly to his room.



Any atmosphere from the open window?

Oracle: Yes, and

Intervention: Character Entity Positive

Let’s resolve the ambience first.

His meal is interrupted by a commotion outside: A pair of cheeky Gnomes riding twin-EPEs are running circles around a stressed out Dwarven freighter. He shuts the window with mild annoyance – the fresh breeze was doing a marvellous job airing the room.



Not entirely sure what entity the Intervention might be referring to, so Imma use a portent and extrapolate from there.

Portent: Catchier Centralised





Hmm… Centralised makes me think municipal, which makes me think academic. From the definition of Catchier: “Instantly appealing and memorable”.

So we’ve got an appealing or memorable academic entity. BAT?

Oracle: Yes, and





This could very well be an adventure hook (I’m thinking, maybe BAT got their hands on a haul of rare resources, or something similar). Should I treat this as the start of an adventure?

Oracle: No





What about the new governing body hook? Is BAT getting its fingers in that particular pie?

Oracle: No





Portent: Quarrelsome Orchestrating

Aha! So they’ve stirred up trouble, to their benefit.





<lore rambling>Wait, no… They did stir up trouble. Last year, when a decent number of refugees from the infinite city were trickling into Rahm Oru, they pulled a stunt that tried to frame a prominent Few Believers member with terrorism against Zenia Tharth. The idea was to get the refugees banned from the town, then welcome them within the Tower’s walls (in which the town council doesn’t hold jurisdiction) – BAT would get a monopoly on all the bizarre psionic tech they were bringing in.

Their devious ploy was foiled, but this intervention must mean they’ve tried another way, with success.</lore rambling>





Which is perfect, because it allows me to bring in the other half of this duo.



A lot of my recent characters have been refugees from the infinite city, so I was hoping to change things up – but after finding the Soulknife UA it was just too perfect a subclass to pass up.

Still not sure of the context though, so lemme whisk up a Turning Point from TAC.





TAC themes:

1-4 Personal

5-7 Social

8-9 Action

10 Mystery/Tension





Going for a less action heavy feel for this first adventure.





Turning Point

Plotline: New

Plot points (characters invokes):

1. Beat you to it (Daneal)

2. Bribe (Naomi, new character)

3. Wanted by the law (New character)

4. A focus on the mundane

5. Frenetic activity (Naomi)





…So much for “less action heavy”. This is pretty sweet though, as it’s quite obvious to me what’s happening.



Finishing up his breakfast, Dan checks the magical sundial on the wall: Just enough time before first class to pop down to storage to grab some fire crystals to refill his solder. (A Focus On The Mundane)

Unfortunately, none of the inventory clerks can find any – they appear to be in high supply for some reason. In fact, the whole store is rather busy.



This is actually curious enough for me to add the run on fire crystals to the list of plots.



A flustered Aasimar clerk suggests he take a look in the reserves, and unlocks the doors for him. This part of the tower is usually restricted for students, a lot less refined and more on the dusty side.



Is everything as expected?

Oracle: Yes, and



Daneal makes his way through the teetering crates and heavily bound chests, looking for the arcane crystal section. He hears a noise a few shelves over, where the only un-shuttered window in the hall allows a dim light through. (Beat You To It)

Dan: Hello there?

Crunch

Naomi rolls 17 for stealth, easily beating Dan’s passive Perception.



No answer. He slips on his compact multitool gauntlet, casting a lesser version of the Light spell and shining it into the corners.

Dan: I say, hello there?



Do we bring in the frenetic activity part now?

Oracle: Yes, but

Got it, just an easy encounter first.





I’m thinking, humanoid attackers? (Likely)

Oracle: No, but

Not specifically humanoid, but there is a humanoid among them?

Oracle: No, but

Shall I just randomise it? Kobold Fight Club has given me good random encounters before.

Oracle: Yes





Five goats and a twig blight. Uhh… No. 😛

Let’s try that again. Wait, shall I stick with the twig blight? (Unlikely)

Oracle: No, and

And… should I give KFC a specific Environment, help narrow it down?

Oracle: Yes, but

But, it’s an environment other than Urban?

Oracle: No, but

The 3-question rule comes into play here. I’m just going with a random Urban encounter.





A Noble and a Kenku. Interesting.



Fun fact! Kenku in Tirkosu are actually just all-black Aarakocra. They’re often viewed as cursed, which has led to them being outcasts. Ironically, getting shunned like that has acted as a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy, as many fall to lives of crime and banditry.

An interesting parallel is the Kataros Aasimar, who share similar darker traits as the Kenku while being actually cursed – but who aren’t seen as lesser, and thus generally don’t turn out so dodgy.



Do they come in from the same way Dan did? (Likely)

Oracle: No, but



The sound of another door echoes from across the hall.



Naomi’s gonna try and telepathically tell Dan to hide. Rolling initiative to see if she gets the chance.



Crunch

Initiative: Naomi – 20

Daneal – 20

Noble – 13

Kenku – 9



How far away are the attackers?

2d6 x 10 = 70 feet

Other features: Dim light, patches of difficult terrain, and plenty of cover.



Naomi: (telepathy) Get down! Lights out!

He flicks off his gauntlet, stepping into the shadows beside the window.

Crunch

Rolling for stealth: 13. That’s enough to beat out the attackers.





Do the attackers continue as expected?

Oracle: Yes, but



Crunch

I’m gonna go ahead and use Mythic Variations II anyways. The Noble’s Disposition is Moderate (6), the Kenku’s is Active (14).

The noble takes a Theme Action, as does the Kenku (but with a -2 to Disposition).





Are they carrying light sources?

Oracle: Yes, and

Note: As this is during combat, I’m only applying half an Intervention Point.



???: Come out, come out, little one. You cannot hide forever.

A lit crystal waves closer, soon bringing into view an oily-feathered Kenku thug and a moustachioed Elf clutching a rapier.

Naomi: (telepathy) Keep silent. You don’t wanna fall into this.

Crunch

The Elf rolls 21 for his perception check, the Kenku rolls 13. Dan rolls an 19 for stealth on the next round, slinking back behind the crates. The elf rolls a 9 for attack, missing.



The elf kicks over a half pipe to reveal Naomi crouching behind it, and stabs at her with his blade.

Kenku: *levels his sword at Dan* Stay out of this, human!

Crunch

Naomi’s psychic blades miss their first attack, hit with the second. The Noble only has 2 HP left.



The Steamborn girl stabs back at her attacker, dual-wielding almost completely translucent blades. The weapons don’t leave a mark – instead, the Elf cries out in pain, clapping a hand to his forehead.

Crunch

Dan casts False Life.

The Elf rolls a natural 1 on his attack.

The Kenku hits Naomi with a roll of 23.



Dan: Hey! Ho! That’s not on! Stop this, immediately! *hastily sifts through the spellcards in his gauntlet when no one heeds him, opting for a quick personal shield*

Elf: *grits his teeth and takes another swipe at Naomi* Yukal! No posturing, get over here!

The Kenku turns his back on Daneal to attack Naomi – Big mistake. As hesitant as he was to pick sides, Dan’s chivalrous upbringing gets the better of him. Regretting that his combat armour is several floors above in his room, he punches the Kenku in the small of the back.



Natural. Fezzing. One.





Can we have some slow claps, please. First attack roll, and it’s a 1. Hilarious. I love this dude already.



He winds up to strike, but the birdman lunges forward as he does, cushioning the blow.

Crunch

The Elf focuses on Naomi, rolling a 20 to hit. Only 3 damage tho.

Kenku attacks Dan.



Spinning about to face this new opponent, the Kenku takes a stab at him that’s barely deflected by the magical shield.

Crunch

Naomi tries to trip the Elf for the sneak attack advantage, but fails.

Dan attempts a Shocking Grasp; rolls a 2. Progress! xD

Elf switches to attacking Dan, hits for only 2 damage.

Kenku continues, his Disposition lowering to 12 (still Active) – He hits Dan for 7 damage.

Current standings:

Naomi – 22/30 HP

Daneal – 14/25 HP

Noble – 2/9 HP

Kenku – 13/13 HP

Naomi sneak attacks the Kenku for 9 damage.

Daneal shoots two Magic Missiles into the Kenku and one into the Elf, for 3 damage each.

End of combat.



Both attackers focus on the mechanic, which lets Naomi bury a psionic blade into Kenku’s head. Dan waves his hand blindly, gauntlet firing off a multitude of projectiles that miraculously find their targets – and drop them.

The Steamborn backs away, eying Daneal warily. He stares at the unconscious attackers for a few seconds.

Dan: Well! This is a rather shocking turn of events. *kneels down to stabilise them.*



Does Naomi already have what she came here for? (Unlikely)

Oracle: Yes, but

And the second die rolled a 6, so Intervention time:





Intervention: Regress Plot (Naomi’s assignment/bounty/bribe)

Does she have cause to believe there’ll be more adversaries waiting for her out of the tower? (Likely)

Oracle: Yes, and

And they’re already outside the storage room?

Oracle: No, and

Sometimes when I get a “no, and” I interpret that as it being the opposite of what was asked.



Naomi: (telepathy) I told you to stay out of this.

Dan: *rather miffed* Sorry for pulling you out of a hole, then. I’ll be sure to let them impale you next time.

Naomi: *shakes her head* (telepathy) You should have left them conscious. A fridged hostage is no good.

Dan: Hostage..?

* * *



Any distinguishable marks on the attackers?

Oracle: No, and

And they’re using that to their advantage.



Naomi kicks open the storage door, blade pressed against Dan’s back. She frogmarches him across the crowded storage front, attempting to keep a low enough profile that people don’t freak out while at the same time making it obvious to anyone scrutinising the pair that one is a hostage. Any one of them could be in league with the Elf..

Dan: This is really not on, I must say.

Naomi: (telepathy) Belt it. *steers him towards the stairwell*



Are we stopped by any other attackers?

Oracle: Yes, and

And this time it’s a Medium encounter?

Oracle: Yes, but

But it’s only a single enemy.





KFC has given us an Apprentice Shifter (Nerzugal’s DM Guide 2). That’s a dr- OOoh! It’s a druid! We’ve got an elf, a Kenku, and a druid! These attackers are Piranai!



Fun fact! The Piranai are a Tirkosu-based group of druids who’ve been instrumental in keeping the island properly fed, as well as keeping Fey visitors in check. They have a history of being corrupted, however – greedy farmers paying them to exclude rival crops, and such. What could the BAT have that the Piranai want so badly?..



Is everything as expected in this encounter?

Oracle: No

TWENE: Add Major Element

First thing that springs to mind is a mid/high level BAT member who joins the fight. Good with that?

Oracle: Yes

Should he/she be present in the first round?

Oracle: Yes, and

And there’s more than one?

Oracle: Yes, but

Three-question rule here.





Does Dan know any of the BAT members?

Oracle: Yes.

Guess I’ll flesh them out quickly then:



Race: Steamborn

Portent: Squalid Delving

Portent: Vacant Loping

I’m going with Professor Fog (lots of steamy peeps in this adventure), who’s the epitome of the absent-minded and study-obsessed prof.



Race: Lamia

Portent: Brushing Lumbering

Portent: Budded Bewaring

Interesting – the second mechanic is Kina: one of the infinite city’s refugees. She’s new to the BAT, and it’s taken time for her to adjust to Tirkosu’s society, but her uncommon race and limited knowledge of Psionics have sparked a following – she’s swiftly learning how to fit in.



A burly Elkore wielding more of a entire branch than a staff blocks the stairs. It’s clear he’s there for Naomi. Daneal tries to catch the eye of Professor Fog, but the old Planeborn is occupied with Kina.

Roll initiative!

Crunch

Initiative:

Druid – 20

Dan – 13

Commoners – 12

Fog – 10

Naomi – 8

Kina – 6

Kina and Fog are Surprised. I’m using a Mind Mage for the former (Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica), and an Illusionist for the latter.

Is the Druid within 30 feet?

Oracle: Yes, and

So are the BATs.



Druid’s Disposition is only 6 (Moderate). I guess he’s going for containing tactics.

Or not, as Mythic Variations says he’s performing the ambiguous action of “Crabbed Flaring” – which I’m interpreting as Faerie Fire.

Dan takes the Dodge action.

Naomi uses her Shimmer In The Haze racial ability to cast Blur.



The druid thumps his staff into the ground. A hazy glow begins to emanate from both Daneal and Naomi – most likely fey magic.

Dan: Pleasedon’tkillme

He can feel the planeborn behind him heating up, sees tendrils of vapour curling away from her.

Crunch

Druid goes into melee. He most Likely goes for Naomi, right?

Oracle: Yes, and

Druid rolls a five – Miss. Whew.

Dan attempts to break Naomi’s grapple, and fails by 1.



Are the BATs/commoners still Surprised?

Oracle: Yes, and

People are still clueless as to what’s going on, and the BATs have passed on up the hall. Intervention time!



Intervention: Wild Positive

Portent: Synchronised Bruised

One of the BATs happens to be looking back just as the Druid swings at Naomi. No more Surprise.



Naomi… Rolls a natural 1 to hit. God damn. This is slowly becoming a farce, of Longstrider proportions.



The Elkore closes to melee range and takes a lumbering swing that they manage to dodge. Naomi struggles between holding Dan and retaliating, opting to relinquish her grapple.

Crunch

Druid rolls a 7, thankfully.

Dan Disengages and retreats from melee.



We’re getting some panic now from the crowd, right?

Oracle: Yes, but

It’s less panic and more of a general kerfuffle to get out of the combatants’ way.

Professor Fog’s disposition is 9, Kina’s is 10 – both Moderate.

Fog just wheezes and and makes unheard pleas for order.

Does Kina use her Friends cantrip?

Oracle: Yes

Does she use Persuasion?

Oracle: Yes, and

She rolls a 19 to Persuade the Elkore to stand down. That’s not gonna be enough.



As Dan and the crowd scramble to escape the melee, a shout from further into the hall calls for the Elkore to halt.

Kina: Cut that out! You’re gonna dust sssomeone’s eye!

Crunch

Druid casts Fog Cloud centred on himself.

Dan casts False Life.



Does Prof. Fog cast a spell?

Oracle: Yes, and

Fog casts Mirror Image.

Naomi psychic stabs the Elkore for 8 damage, making him lose concentration – then crits on her offhand for 7 damage.



Fog sighs and prepares to move in to intervene, while a burst of smoke is quickly extinguished by the melee brawlers.

Crunch

Does Kina cast a spell (Likely)?

Oracle: No, but

She attempts another Friends-aided Charisma check. Intimidation this time?

Oracle: Yes, but

Is she like: “How dare you disturb the peace of this establishment!”

Oracle: No

She rolls a 20 – is that enough to see a change of behaviour?

Oracle: Yes, but

Does the druid simply switch to attacking her?

Oracle: Yes



Does he shapeshift?

Oracle: Yes, but

But not into the creature I expect. The statblock specifies a Black Bear, nothing else – I’ll just go with a Jaculi, which has the same CR.



Kina: *hisses loudly* Weapons down now, or so help me..!

The druid responds by turning into a giant snake. And attacking her.

Crunch

Does this allow Naomi to get in an attack of opportunity?

Oracle: Yes, but

But the druid uses the Jaculi’s Spring attack.

She hits for 5 psychic damage.

The druid misses his attack.



Dan sees Naomi alone, and runs back into the fray to tackle her.

And rolls. A goddamn. 1.

You can’t make this shad up xD



Prof. Fog casts Phantasmal Force on the Jaculi, making it believe it’s trapped inside a Forcecage-like spell.

Aaaand Dan rolls another 1 to avoid Naomi’s grapple. What even.



Daneal cranes his neck to see over the cowering students. The attention of the crowd and the BATs are fixed on the massive snake that had suddenly materialised in the storage front – and the Steamborn was taking advantage of it. After taking a final swipe at her attacker, she makes a dash for the stairwell; Only to find Dan blocking the way, gauntlet outstretched.

Dan: Nice try, but I-

He’s cut short as she catches his wrist, spinning the hapless mechanic into a pin of her own. A psychic blade is pressed against his throat, shutting him up for now.

Naomi: *yells over at the approaching BATs* Back off, or I fridge him!

Dan: Can we talk about this? I’m sure they’re quite happy to pay any ransom you desire!

Crunch

Naomi rolls an 18 for intimidation. That’s most Likely enough to give them pause, right?

Oracle: No, but

Ah yes, I forgot – the Druid may still realise the forcecage is an illusion, and thus hold the BATs’ attention.

Kina attempts to calm the Jaculi druid – no beans.

The druid fails to realise he isn’t trapped, however.



Does Fog just concentrate on keeping the Phantasmal Force up?

Oracle: No, but

Does he only cast a minor spell?

No, but

Attempt to reason with Naomi?

Yes, and



Fog: Yes, yes, quite! Let’s not lose our heads over what can be settled amicably. Put the boy down, dear.

Naomi casts a glance down the spiral staircase. No doubt there’d be more shapeshifters below. If they’re desperate enough to fight BAT members for the package, they won’t be only three in number. Gotta find a way to… Skip ‘em. A grim smile appears on her face as she notices the large, thinly-latticed window above the stairs.

Naomi: Think I’ll keep him.

She rapidly heats up, as Dan’s eyes widen – the steam issueing from the Planeborn is bearing her upwards like an airship. Tugged by the back of his waistcoat, he follows as she flies straight through the window, shards of glass and wood showering down on the street a hundred feet below.



We good? Her Upwards Lift racial ability allows for a 30 feet flying speed until the beginning of her next turn (15 feet with the grapple). Are we 30 feet from a building? (Likely)

Oracle: No, but

… She can use Cunning Action to Dash. Are we within 45 feet? (Likely)

Oracle: Yes, but



They only just make it, flying directly over the mainstreet. She lets him tumble onto one of the less steep roofs, floating gently down herself before darting off to hide among the chimneys.



Any skylights in reach?

Oracle: No, but



Dan’s never been in such a precarious situation. Trying not to throw up, he clings to the tiles for a few moments before edging towards some scaffolding propped against the next house over.



Any pursuers?

Oracle: Yes, but

Ohh, shoot. But they think he’s Naomi’s accomplice.





Hard encounter?

Oracle: Yes

Goddamn it.





Using an actual Druid statblock this time.



As he shakily descends from the scaffolding, Dan picks out a green-robed and grim-faced Aasimar headed his way through the passers by – Many of whom are ducking beneath shop fronts to avoid any following showers of window.

Dan: *wagging his finger as he backs away* Nonono, I didn’t have anything to do with her, I-

Crunch

Initiative:

Druid – 13

Daneal – 2



You are KIDDING me.

Dan rolled a 1 for initiative. This is… It’s gotta be the worst/best character start ever xD



How far away is Angel McDruidy?

d% x street width = 25 feet.



Does he go for the ol’ Shillelagh whack?

Oracle: No, and

Is he going for a more capture-based attack?

Oracle: No

Barkskin?

Yes, and

And closes to melee range.



Dan goes for a Shocking Grasp, that FINALLY hits. 8 damage.



The Piranai isn’t listening. A mask of tree bark forms over his face, extending to cover his body like a suit of armour as he winds up to strike. But perhaps he wasn’t expecting Dan to retaliate, as the mechanic’s lightning-charged uppercut leaves him stunned enough to let the latter slip past, darting back across the street to tower.

Crunch

I can imagine the druid casting Thunderwave right now. Is that..?

Oracle: Yes

Dan fails his Con save, despite being proficient in it. 10 damage and prone. Druid moves adjacent.

Dan stands up and shocks the druid again for 7 damage.



Current standings:

Druid – 12 HP; and six spell slots.

Dan – 12 HP; and zero spell slots.



Dan eats the dust as a small explosion erupts behind him. The Aasimar storms forward, brushing white hair from his mouth. His staff blow is met by a gauntleted hand, however – which then proceeds to jolt him with lightning once more.

Aasimar: Fez!



Yeah, this dude totally looks like Geralt on St. Patrick’s day.



Crunch

Mythic Variations says the druid’ll either continue his previous action, or escalate it. Does he upcast Thunderwave?

Oracle: No.

Standard Thunderwave then. Dan succeeds on his Con save: 3 damage. He shocks the Aasimar again for 5.

Does the druid switch to Shillelagh?

Oracle: No, but

So he just attacks with his staff. 3 damage.

Dan’s Shocking Grasp hits, but only deals 2 damage.



Current standing:

Druid – 5 HP

Dan – 6 HP





Portent: Musing Furl



The two spar for several moments in front of Quimila’s Parchments and Paperbacks, prompting angry remonstrances from the Gnomish owner.

Crunch

Mythic Variations says the druid performs an ambiguous action.

Portent: Telltale Pout -> Revealing Annoyance

Oh god. He’s had it. Fully upcast Thunderwave incoming.

Dan makes his save!

…Still takes 8 damage.



Another booming explosion knocks Dan against the stone wall. Spots briefly flash before his vision, before he blacks out entirely.



The Piranai intend to capture, not kill – right? (Likely)

No, but

…But they will once they realise he doesn’t have the package on him.

Rolling a single death save while they search him: 5.

The Aasimar stabilises him. You’re not dying just yet, matey!



* * *

Naomi silently curses as she watches the Aasimar Piranai lug Dan’s unconscious form off down an alley. Stupid sack-head. Should have dropped him mid flight, saved everyone the trouble. Now he’ll probably be interrogated, or worse.

And no one else sees his kidnapping. She grits her teeth. Not her problem. But – He did help dust that Elf and his oily henchman. Some might say she owes him…

Naomi: …Spit.

Sliding down to the gable’s edge, she begins stalking the druid and his captive from the rooftops as they head across town. It looks like her benefactor will have to wait for their package.

Aaaand there we go! Tiamat’s fuzzy whiskers, that took way too long to do regularly. Three days. Three days!!

Was fun tho. Hopefully it’s a somewhat interesting insight into how a solo game can be run. I’ve been thinking of doing like a live recording of a session at some point, so please remember to leave a comment reminding me how terrible an idea that would be.