First of all, a huge thank you to everyone that supported the launch of this zine. The idea began as a passion project to help new and old players alike get into solo play. I did not think this many people would sub, but since so many of you did I wanted to lay out my current road map for monthly releases and projects.

February 2024

This issue is practically finished, but moving into the proofing and final testing phase for the solo scenarios. It will include a review of Death in Space and the prewritten adventure "Chariot of the Gods" from the Alien RPG. Both of these were a joy to play and review. Death in Space really wowed me as a system with practically zero barriers to pick up and play. It earned a place as a go-to system for testing solo scenarios given its incredible accessibility and versatility.

There is also advice for getting up and running as a solo player along with some tips for putting together a custom oracle. Finally, a page of tables at the back to steal, hack, or use however you want. The design idea for these tables is to assist in running through the solo scenario (what I am calling a Key-Lock adventure).

March 2024

Currently in the works, this issue will focus on advice for players still struggling to find their break-in point for solo by promoting Choose Your Own Adventure. I am working hard now to compile a list of great free resources for CYOA books and adventures.

I am also making the decision to begin talking about GM-less play, specifically Duet games (two players). This has become one of my favorite formats to play and I would love to promote it to others.  A review of Destroyer of Worlds (p2 Draconis Strain Saga) is being finished and there will be TWO solo scenarios that can be linked together. 

I think there are some great resources out there for players wanting to get into prewritten modules, but I am hoping to distill some of the information down and provide definitive paths forward to the modules that run well for solo.

Tea Leaves and Gunpowder Schemes

Currently stuck heavily in playtesting, Tea Leaves and Gunpowder Schemes is a solo games set in an alternate reality low-fantasy feudal Japan that sees a samurai investigator looking into a newly discovered scheme within the imperial capital. I am using a modified version of the Cepheus System (2d6 meet/beat 8) which will reward rolling doubles through the accumulation of a resource called 'Composure'. Composure allows for an extra d6 to be added to the pool when rolling.

Time is tracked in game by how many clues have been discovered. Once 10 are found, he may confront the mastermind behind the nefarious scheme. HP is not being included and players will instead track injuries which compound and can lower stats or skill checks.

This game will be entirely self-contained at an A5 size. I am new to editing, but one goal is to have this ready for home printing at release. 

This will be the first of a self-contained game series that can be easily packed up and played by anyone wanting to get into solo. Easy prep and a modified Choose Your Own Adventure layout can help new players figure out solo play but will also be versatile enough for seasoned players to pick up and hack, adding more narrative flavor to their investigations.

 And that's everything so far. Production is slowly building, but with two toddlers in the house I have to get all my designing and writing in after everyone is in bed and chores are done. But that's life, I guess. 

Happy Saturday, and I'll update everyone in a couple weeks!

- theNwDm