Roleplaying systems/modules for 2?

[Avatar_V]

After a long time away, I've got the itch for some pen-and-paper role playing. I played/DM'd a lot of D&D 2/3/3.5 in high school and college, but have been out of the RPG scene for years (marriage, babies, etc).

Now that the kids are old enough to sleep reliably at night, I was thinking about running a small game for just me and my wife. Though the kids sleep well, our lives are still hectic enough that we probably don't have time for much more than an every-other week session with just the two of us after the munchkins are tucked in.

So, do folks have game systems or particular adventure paths/modules to recommend for that sort of unconventional group? I thought a 3.5 game with a couple NPCs to complement her single PC could work, but I'd love to hear any ideas other folks have.

 

[Mark Chance]

You get more than one OSR game for free via the Interwebz. A while ago, my son Christopher (a.k.a. Giant Boy) and I took a few hours to playtest Sine Nomine Publishing's Solo Heroes. Kevin Crawford has authored another winner. Here’s the short version: If you want to run old-school fantasy one-on-one, download these rules.

Here’s part 1 of the review, where we talk a bit about the PDF:

[video=youtube;Tv_bKSObltY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv_bKSObltY[/video]

Here’s part 2 of the review, where we talk about how the rules worked during game play using the short adventure included in the PDF.

[video=youtube;t_vPhwhqfO0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_vPhwhqfO0[/video]

 

[Avatar_V]

Thanks Mark! Solo Heroes looks good; I'll check the pdf out now. I appreciate the pointer.

 

[amerigoV]

Savage Worlds - it handles stuff like extra NPCs with ease. Plus you could do different genres and not have to relearn all the rules.

Here are the test drive rules, adventure included (SW does fantasy just fine - but the adventure here is modern horror)

http://www.peginc.com/pdfstore/test-drive-savage-worlds-the-wild-hunt/


Here is a link to the development of Savage Worlds - the philosophy behind its design may resonate with you - it was developed for gamers that wanted to get more game into their busy schedule.

http://www.peginc.com/freebies/SWcore/MakingofSW.pdf

 

[Randomthoughts]

So, do folks have game systems or particular adventure paths/modules to recommend for that sort of unconventional group?

I've ran a few duo campaigns. My two "go to" picks are the James Bond 007 rpg and Buffy/Angel rpgs. Both settings support a single, competent main character (PC) with a good supporting cast (NPC). The rule systems for both are simple enough, though I especially like the 007 mechanics.

 

[Avatar_V]

Awesome - I'll check out both SW and 007. Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[Mark CMG]

Expeditious Retreat Press has a bunch of 1 On 1 Adventures -


http://www.rpgnow.com/index.php?cPath=4044

 

[Razjah]

Burning Wheel can work very well for 1 on 1 games. There are even example actual play stories from Luke Crane (the author).

Feng Shui could do a 1 on 1 game pretty well.