itch.io

Version 1.1 is now available for download.

Thank you so much for taking the time to play Anomalies and share such thoughtful feedback. You’re absolutely right, some parts of the rules would benefit from a tighter second pass.

The Husk/Veil confusion is a great catch. The original intent was: Veil covers perception and sensitivity to anomalies, while Husk handles endurance and resistance, so yes, the “notice anomalies” test should use Veil, not Husk. I’ll make sure that’s clarified and consistent across all examples in the next revision.

As for the risk thresholds, you nailed one of the most common pain points. The system was meant to represent accumulating stress (rising values toward a threshold), not descending negative numbers, but the wording and signs can definitely be confusing. I’m planning to rewrite that section with a clearer example and a visual tracker.

Finally, thanks for noting the “ghost chapters”. That’s a layout artifact from the automatic Table of Contents generation in the PDF. It’ll be cleaned up in version 1.1.

I’m really happy to hear you still had fun despite those issues. I want v1.1 to clarify all the confusing stuff and be a more concise and cleaner version. Your comments really help make that happen. Thanks again. 

Hi! Thank you so much for your kind words. It really means a lot to know you’ve enjoyed my solo RPG books, and especially How to Create Your Own RPG. I’m glad to hear it’s been inspiring for you.

Your feedback is fantastic, and I think you’ve put your finger on something important. What you’re describing (a more structured, step-by-step handbook with templates, checklists, scope guidance, and earlier advice on publishing) sounds like exactly the kind of resource that could complement the current book.

In fact, I've been thinking about doing a sequel lately, and I've already written some parts. Your message reinforces that idea: writing an expanded edition, or even a companion book. A practical, simplified version, like a toolkit, could help creators jump right into the process without getting lost in too much text.

So yes, I am definitely considering it, and your suggestions will be an important part of how I shape that project. Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas; they are encouraging and really helpful. Believe me, comments like yours are what keep me contributing to the world of solo RPGs. Thanks again. 

You can now download v1.1, including the clarifications. There are also more retirement options (Chapter 3).

Hi, you have hit on an aspect that seems to need clarification, and you are right to question it. This is a point that should certainly be made clearer in the next v1.1 release. Your interpretation is spot on and is exactly how it should be played.  

When rolling 3d6 for a connection in Hard mode, you are more likely to get the Epic Conclusion result. A roll of 12 or more should be a turning point. The intent is that these rolls represent a big shocking result that fundamentally alters the direction of the campaign or  leads to an epic ending.

For example, a roll of 15 might mean that you've not only connected with a new scene, but that you've uncovered the hidden strength of the main villain. A roll of 18 might mean that your character stumbles upon a world-changing secret or a legendary secret. A roll of 20 or higher could be an Epic Ending. These high rolls should lead to a moment in the story that feels like the culmination of an entire act, (or the final act), prompting you to adjust your narrative on the fly. 

Thanks for your  message. Comments like yours are a real help. This issue will be clarified in the next version. 

Great question! You can see the content of version 2.0 in the Free Preview that you can download to check it. While this book focuses on universal AI-GM techniques applicable to most language models, we don't specifically cover Notebook LM. Through our testing, we found its unique document-centric approach shines for lore organization and campaign prep. It's fantastic for compiling world details or NPC profiles.

However, for real-time solo play, its current limitations in narrative fluidity and rule simulation make tools like GPT,  Gemini, Claude or DeepThink (R1) better suited for dynamic storytelling. If you experiment with it, I'd suggest using it as a supplemental world bible rather than primary GM, pairing it with a more responsive AI for actual sessions.

Thank you very much for your comment. I'm glad you found the book helpful.

Thank you for your suggestions. Your feedback helps shape a more immersive and personalized experience for solo players. I like the idea of Signatures as a way to better characterize characters without adding mechanical complexity. It's an approach that can help players define their style and bring more color to the narrative.

On the second suggestion, allowing players to write a previous line or action as a narrative device could be a way to highlight key moments without relying entirely on chance.

These ideas could add a rich narrative flavor without complicating the core mechanics. I'll consider them for future revisions or new editions - I really appreciate you taking the time to share your ideas.

Great! I hope you enjoy it!

You can now download a free 20-page sample file from this site. I hope it will help you.

In the meantime, I have just added to the description more details of what is included.

Usually, my books on DriveThruRPG include previews (with a link on itch.io) so you can easily review the content. While Al-Shams is not yet available on DTRPG, I will be uploading it in the next few days, and it will include a 20-page preview.

About AI, my priority is a rich, immersive narrative and engaging mechanics, all thanks to human writing and playtesting experience. I chose to omit illustrations due to budget constraints and to avoid using AI-generated images. 

When Al-Shams is live on DriveThruRPG, I will add the preview link to the book description above. Thank you for your interest!

Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm glad you found the PDF files useful.

As for your question, "Losers" covers the basics of how to play. Since it's a solo RPG, it may look a little different if you're new to the genre, but don't worry, it's designed to be accessible even for beginners. "Losers" explains the basic mechanics, character creation, examples and how to run your sessions.

For the "Disgrace" campaign, the expansion is based on "Losers" rules, so I recommend starting with the main game first to familiarize yourself with the system. Once you have assimilated the basics of “Losers”, you will find “Disgrace” easy to integrate.

Once again, thank you for giving my games a try. I hope you find the Play Guide below useful.

Play Guide

For Losers

1. Character Creation (pages 12–18) : This is where you begin shaping your character. You'll allocate points across three core attributes—Grit (toughness), Style (charisma), and Weird (connection to the supernatural). The PDF includes examples like "Gloria, the Hopeful Hustler," which should give you an idea of how to create a well-rounded character.
2. Core Mechanics : Once your character is ready, the game revolves around rolling dice (1d6, 2d6, or 3d6 depending on the situation) to resolve actions. There are clear guidelines for interpreting rolls: Downfall (1-2), Hollow Success (3-4), and Triumph (5-6).
3. Solo Play : Since this is a solo RPG, there are tools like the Random Event Generator, NPC Reaction Table, and Location Oracle to keep things unpredictable. These systems help simulate interactions with the city of Los Angeles and its inhabitants.
4. Narrative Elements : Don't worry too much about rules here—the focus is on storytelling. Use the prompts provided in the Solo Journaling section to write entries from your character's perspective. It's part role-playing, part creative writing!
5. Advanced Rules : If you want more structure or complexity, the Advanced Rules section offers additional mechanics like Called Shots, Teamwork Maneuvers, and Stance Systems. However, these are optional and not necessary for beginners.

For Disgrace: The Shadow Conspiracy

This expansion builds on the foundation laid by "Losers" . While it introduces new elements such as recurring enemies (like Agent K and Eliza Nightshade) and deeper conspiracy-based missions, the core mechanics remain the same. If you've grasped the basics of Losers , you'll find Disgrace easy to integrate.

If you're feeling lost, here’s what I recommend:

• Start with the Full Character Creation process outlined in the Losers PDF (pages 12–18). It walks you step-by-step through creating a character.
• Try one of the pre-made solo missions, such as "Run and Hide" (starting on page 62). These missions provide structured scenarios to ease you into the gameplay.
• Experiment with the Random Event Generator (page 61) during your sessions—it adds unpredictability and keeps the story dynamic.

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding the print book of "Losers" and "Disgrace." I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you.

I noticed that your comment seems to refer to the printed version of the book, which is available on Amazon, rather than the PDF version sold on itch.io. To clarify, the font size was intentionally kept smaller to manage production costs. By reducing the number of pages, I aimed to keep the price affordable for all customers while still delivering a comprehensive and enjoyable product. Unfortunately, this decision may have inadvertently affected readability for some readers, and I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. This is an area where improvements can be made. In the meantime, I will update the product description to explicitly warn readers about the smaller font size in the current printed edition to better manage expectations. (Less extensive printed books have a normal font).

Regarding your dissatisfaction with the purchase, I would like to offer you a free copy of both "Losers" (and its expansion, "Disgrace") in PDF format. You can use these links:

Losers: https://basunat.itch.io/losers/download/aHGbTQ1WiAd7qjIvMQ93sGEi3Qew9Nhk3wWcEPTQ
Disgrace: https://basunat.itch.io/losers-disgrace/download/ST5LGr3i__KcagoStAX29bFp9LXMj4yH3x7c4PXV

Once again, I regret any disappointment this experience may have caused and hope you'll give my games a chance in their digital form. Thank you for your understanding.

Thank you. It seems itch was down. Now you have it. Check again.

When you read a book or see a movie or a painting, and then create something, are you stealing those works? All artists before creating their works have acquired the knowledge of many previous works and no one calls that stealing.

Sad is that people like you dismiss a new way to play Solo RPG without trying it, not even knowing it thoroughly and without prejudice. I guess you haven't read the book, have you?