Your vial suggestion reminds me so much of Zelda 3 for the SNES. You catch a fairy in a bottle, when you die she is released, heals you and then escapes.

The legend of Zelda, classic solo mission.

For example, a Wizard starts with approximately 20 hit points at level one. Put them up against 4 minions (the equivalent of one monster) and if the minions go first, your Wizard is either dead or bloodied.

The only way I’ve found that works is to give your player a few extra healing surges, allow them an extra second wind or two, and make second wind a minor action rather than a standard.

That way, they have a fair healing ability…and also allows them to attack on the same turn they heal themselves.

It’s not perfect, but I’ve found for single player parties in 4E, the line between making an encounter impossible and far too easy is very thin indeed.

One other addition I came up with was a vial the character wears around their neck that shatters when they fall down, granting them a healing surge…essentially giving them an extra life.

I really like the idea of using solo games to introduce new players. I used to do this all the time in previous editions of D&D. This worked if we brought someone new to the game table or if an existing player’s PC died. In either case it let the player try out the new character before bringing him to main campaign. It also let me as the DM work on side quests and plots within plots.

I didn’t really cover the aspect of bridging solo and regular games, but it’s an excellent idea. Perhaps a fourth part needs to be written. Thanks.

To me this Article is key because:

1. People miss game sessions (A solo mission could be a good substitute)\

2. New people want to join (A solo or maybe even a 2 PCs mission would be a cool way to bridge the new people into the game.)

3. Sometimes the story would be better if the characters did some solo stuff. (I feel kij already addressed the reasons for #3.)

This article seems to be heading in a direction that will help me out.

On their own, I’m not interested in running solo missions.
I just see the need for solo missions within my regular game.

Will this article get into bridging between solo and regular games?

@greywulf
I believe that solo games (in 4e D&D) have to be role-playing heavy if they’re going to work. You’re absolutely correct about some classes being more suited to solo gaming than others. I never thought about the marking effects being less useful, but I suppose you’re right. After all if you’re the only target what difference does it make if the opponent is marked? I think swapping out a class feature for something more useful is a great suggestion.

@Wyatt
Solo gaming does eliminate a lot of the great camaraderie of RPGs. The shared experience and the teamwork are obviously absent. This style of play certainly isn’t for everyone. If the dynamic isn’t working for the DM or player then it can get ugly fast.

@kij
I think short games are better for solo gaming. It gives the PC a chance to accomplish very specific goals, rest, and then reconsider the idea of solo adventuring. For a strong role-player these games are great opportunities to develop the character.

I use solo play to “skip” events that really only relate to one character. For example, I put the paladin in situations that put his faith to the test, the rogue infiltrates a castle to learn state secrets, or the Eladrin discovers that things are not quite all right at home. If I put those events in the main sessions, it would be favoring the individual over the party.

Over in 4e D&D-land we’ve played a few 1-on-1 sessions and they’ve worked very well, especially if you’re playing with a gamer who is happiest when the sessions are role-playing intensive and relatively combat light.

But, we’ve found there’s a few things to bear in mind. Some classes just aren’t built for solo play at all. Warlord, I’m looking at you. That’s not to say you can’t – just that it might be worth giving the player some NPCs to boss around on the battlefield too

Other classes are likely to lose the use of one or more class features without similar NPC treatment, most notably Marking effects. That’s not a major loss, but it might be worth offering to trade it out for something else – a free Magic Item, or a free Feat, perhaps.

Looking forward to upcoming posts!
.-= greywulf´s last blog ..The things you find in old warehouses =-.