single player adventure...

[Stegger]

Hi,
I am sure I have seen the subject up on the boards several times, but since new adventures have been published, I figured I could ask again.
So here goes:
I want to introduce my gf to d&d. She has no idea what it is really like or how you play it. I have played a bit, and tried to DM a couple of times, but I dont feel secure about making my own campaign at all. Guess most, if not all, adventures are 3E, and not 3.5E, which is just fine.
So my questions is, do you know any single player adventures out there, and ideally one that you can by as a PDF. Since she has not tried it yet, I would like it to involve several aspects of the game, like the possibility of good RP moments and memorable battles......
Any suggestions???
Thanks,
Stegger

 

[Coreyartus]

I don't know the exact nature of the product, but "Leda" by Expeditious Retreat Press is a single player adventure, but i think it's along the line of "choose-your-own-adventure", which doesn't involve a DM.

here were 6-8 single-player adventures put out by TSR in the 80's, but they are definately not 3.0 or 3.5. They might take some adapting--you can find them at RPGnow.com if you want to download them--cheap and informational, I thought. Thieve's Challenge, Cleric's Challenge, Wizards's Challenge, titles like that.

DireKobold.com adventures can be scaled down to a single player and downloaded, but with only one player they are fantastically deady mods. I tried this, and they're better if played by a group.

The biggest challenge with a single player mod is the "role-playing aspect". It often feels like the two of you are playing a big game of "pretend" and that's more fun with a larger table of people. Sometimes, it's best if new players are introduced to D&D in a small group of newbie-friendly folk, rather than have to play all by themselves... the trick is to find people you trust, can nurture players rather than embarass them, and enjoy the game in the same way you think your girlfriend might. It's never a bad thing to simply have her watch and play your character with you for a game (if that's acceptable by your DM). That's a no-risk involvement that she may feel comfortable with.

Myriador.com is re-marketing the old "choose-Your-own-adventure/Fighting Fantasy" books as d20 mods playable at the table with a group or a single player. the problem with single polayer is that they might be a touch deadly, and the player may end up playing multiple characters. But they're worth checking out.

Hope this helps--

Coreyartus

 

[Christian Walker]

Solo Campaigns Rule

I can't think of any adventures off the top of my head, but I just wanted to say that solo-campaigns are a ton of fun.

I have experienced success with the following:

1) Rogue campaigns. Rogues are, by their nature, sneaky, solitary creatures. Have your gf scoot around the city, spying on folks, pilfering the items of greedy bad guys, and so on.

2) Generate a party of NPCs for her to roll with, 2-3 at most.

3) Let her adventure solo, but grant her a very powerful magic item, sort of a legendary staff or sword that she was destined to master and wield.

If she is new to gaming entirely, you might try a copy of the old Red Box Basic D&D. Very, very easy to learn and play.

 

[Stegger]

a small bump......

 

[Ed Cha]

The only solo adventures I know of are the two adventures from the "Party of One" series by Expeditious Retreat Press:

http://www.exp.citymax.com/page/page/351668.htm

Otherwise, you may want to check out Tunnels & Trolls from the early 80's which have some interesting ideas. They kind of work like "Choose Your Own Adventure" books, but with their own RPG mechanics (dice-rolling, etc).

 

[Douane]

Tying into Christian's first point about rogues being particularly suitable for soloing:

RPGnow.com has two pdf - adventures for one rogue (D&D 3.0):


Thievery 101: Joining the Watchers

and

Thievery 101: The Periapt of Famidon


I can't comment on them, since I've never played them, but reviews seem to be quite positive:

Reviews for Thievery 101: Joining the Watchers on: RPGnet and EN World

Reviews for Thievery 101: The Periapt of Famidon on: RPGnet and EN World


"Periapt of Famidon" also seems to include the former free "A thief among us", an extensive supplement (26 pages) detailing a big party/gathering the player might infiltrate. (This alone should account for some good roleplaying opportunities.)


Hope this helps!

Folkert

 

[diaglo]

there was a ton of stuff for 2ed. try the challenge series...but you'll need to do the conversions.

also try the Adventure Begins boxed set.