If you’ve explored any of my one-shot solo RPG scenarios, you’ll notice they typically feature 2 or 3 locations, a couple of villains, and one or two allies. This consistency stems from the method I use to create my scenarios.
Before I begin crafting any one-shot solo RPG, I dedicate time to define the crucial elements that will shape the story.
With these settings in mind, I then develop the one-shot module itself.
Using a reference sheet simplifies this process and ensures that I address all essential aspects, such as goals and risks.
Seeking New Inspirations
Do you have a favorite RPG setting?
I’m continually searching for fresh ideas for unique settings, goals, and challenges.
Whether it’s an underserved theme (like Super Heroes) or an adventure you’ve dreamed up, I welcome your concepts.
Fill in the provided grid and send it my way.
While I can’t promise to develop every suggestion, anything I create will be shared for everyone to enjoy.
The Empty Template
Below is a blank template for you to fill out, complete with notes on what to include in each row:
Setting:
Goal:
Special Condition:
Story Hook:
Climax:
Key Location 1:
Key Location 2:
Key Location 3:
Master Villain:
Master Villain Secret Weakness:
Minor Villain 1:
Minor Villain 2:
Ally/Neutral:
Random Enemy Encounter 1:
Random Enemy Encounter 2:
Random NPC Encounter:
Deathtrap:
Red Herring:
Cruel Trick:
Detailed Notes for Each Field
-
Setting: Describe a detailed scene or world backdrop, like:
- Apocalyptic: A crumbled civilization under a blood-red sky.
- Ironsworn: A rugged frontier where characters are bound by vows to the gods.
-
Goal: State a specific, actionable objective, such as:
- Retrieve the Lost Scepter: Venture into haunted crypts to recover a legendary artifact.
-
Special Condition: Introduce game-changing conditions, like:
- Eternal Night: The sun has vanished, altering combat and strategy.
-
Story Hook: Start with something that grabs attention, for example:
- Assassination at the Coronation: A prince’s murder thrusts players into a conspiracy.
-
Climax: Create a memorable and challenging final event:
- Last Stand at Broken Castle: Defend a fortress until dawn against overwhelming forces.
-
Key Locations: Provide vivid locations that evoke a strong sense of place:
- The Shifting Sands Tavern: A magically moving tavern within the city.
-
Master Villain: Detail compelling traits of the main antagonist:
- Lord Malachor, the Soulflayer: A leader harvesting souls for immortality.
-
Master Villain Secret Weakness: A unique, exploitable flaw, such as:
- Obsession with His Ancestry: Can be manipulated with false leads about his lineage.
-
Ally/Neutral: Describe allies with memorable characteristics:
- Sylas the Gray, Wandering Wizard: Known for unreliable magic but invaluable knowledge.
-
Random Enemy Encounter: Set unique combat or interaction scenarios:
- Goblin Revolutionaries: Mistake the party for allies in an uprising.
-
Deathtrap: Create imaginative traps:
- Hall of Whispering Blades: Sound-activated blades from hidden compartments.
-
Red Herring: Develop organic misdirections:
- The Map to Eloria’s Tomb: Leads to a monster-infested lair, not treasure.
-
Cruel Trick: Introduce story twists:
- The Heirloom Gemstone: A revered artifact that is actually just glass.
An Example Template
For a practical application of this template, check out "Whispers of Honor" based on the following grid. You can view the final module by clicking here.
Setting: Feudal Japan Samurai
Goal: Deliver a Message
Special Condition: Time Limit
Story Hook: Betrayal Revealed
Climax: Last Stand
Key Location 1: Slums or Shantytown
Key Location 2: Encampment
Key Location 3: Palace
Master Villain: Fallen Hero: Disillusioned, Betrayed, Vindictive
Master Villain Secret Weakness: Essential Reliance
Minor Villain 1: Enforcer: Brutal, Unyielding, Loyal
Minor Villain 2: Outcast: Rejected, Angry, Resourceful
Ally/Neutral: Tracker or Scout
Random Enemy Encounter 1: Wounded Soldier
Random Enemy Encounter 2: Guardian of Secrets
Random NPC Encounter: Wise Expert or Mentor
Deathtrap: Acid
Red Herring: Decoy Object
Cruel Trick: Stolen Identity
You can be as detailed, or as brief as you wish for each of these fields. Obviously, the more detailed you are, the more speficic the results will be.
Feel free to send your ideas to raymond@blinkdata.com.
