29 Comments
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Patrick Buechner's avatar

Loving this story. And you absolutely need to read The Winter King. I see you're still experimenting with format for the play report. Substack is pretty limited in options, but I think this worked well for me: https://soloist.substack.com/p/solo-sessions

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Castle Grief's avatar

I really like the little boxes. Makes it super easy to see what’s what!

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Castle Grief's avatar

I’ll order the winter king thanks!

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Patrick Buechner's avatar

I saw there is a TV version, don't waste your time. If you do audiobooks, it's very good.

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smokingbythedumpster's avatar

I look forward to each and every installment of Aeric's journey. Thanks for doing this!

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Castle Grief's avatar

Thanks so much I’m really gratified you’re enjoying it

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the black veil's avatar

Good grief, what an absolute roller coaster! Excellent write-up!

This feels as intense and dramatic as the big, clan/family-inclusive scenes from GoT. That ending, too, sheesh… poor Aeric!

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Castle Grief's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and the kind words. I wanted him to win so badly but those crits were insane.

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Perry Chalmers's avatar

Fortunes of war can be ugly. What a ride this season was. Aeric is not having a good time.

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Wayne Wooten's avatar

Excellent. You are tempting me into picking up Pendragon 6e

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Castle Grief's avatar

Because Chaosium never shipped my book (and then tell me they’re out of stock) I’ve been using my hard copy of 1e mostly and finding it more than adequate. (Although my character sheet is from 6e off the pdf I probably need to change it).

6e core is very incomplete and from my understanding the GM book won’t be out for months.

1e is two comparatively tiny softcover booklets that total under 100 pages. I’m finding that I’m also just house ruling things as I go.

There’s a lot to love. The traits and passions system is so good for solo play it’s got my brain on fire to adapt it to another system or tweak this one for a grittier, darker medieval fantasy but Aeric’s story is turning out pretty dark as is.

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Wayne Wooten's avatar

I have Pendragon 5.2 but I really am impressed with the quality of the 6e layout and production that I will probably succumb. I have heard the criticism that the 6E book would be better styled as a player’s guide.

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Colin's avatar

Bit late to this post CG! Another great one and you are really tempting me to do my own solo game, but I have so many other things starting right now, I doubt that will happen :( I will enjoy living vicariously through your gem of a game!

I thought that would be it for Aeric when things kicked off in the hall!

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Castle Grief's avatar

I did too!!!

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Eric Dill's avatar

Excellent entry! Those poor rolls in the tourney really went hard on Aeric. But now he's the sure underdog.

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Castle Grief's avatar

And growing darker and more hateful by the day!

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Henrique's avatar

That was incredible! I was at the edge of my seat when Aeric failed his Cowardice Roll. I'm not into solo plays but your art and tales made me reconsider. Thanks!

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Castle Grief's avatar

Ah man. Thank you so much. It’s gonna get even nastier next session.

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Write Firster's avatar

This was fantastic.

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Castle Grief's avatar

Thanks. Not for Aeric!

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braxington's avatar

This whole social mechanic you're using is fascinating. So far in my solo play I've been focused mechanics, combat, and exploration.

Im JUST now getting the hankering to build some personality into my characters and have them perceive and act based on that personality.

That said, I'm lazy and mechanicanize everything. I think the way you portray the social roles (the whole ideal/object) combo is PERFECT. Each episode is inspiring and I look forward to each installment!

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Castle Grief's avatar

Thank you for checking it out and I appreciate the kind words. New session coming soon!!

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Daniel's avatar

This is so much fun! A big grin graces muh faces every time I see a new chapter of this series in my inbox. I had never heard of solo play before but thought it would be boring. Clearly not! It seems perfect for exactly what you're doing--playing and then writing it into a story. I also realize it's a great way to advance a game world forward between sessions with a group. Before, I was thinking I need to come up with everything myself, but why not trust it to the dice? I can't wait to see what comes of the love between Aeric and Gwyneth up against his and Haldred's shared hatred!

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Castle Grief's avatar

Thank you so much! Yeah at first solo play seemed like a strange idea to me but it’s become one of my favorite past times

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Odinson's avatar

Those crits came at the exact wrong time. Aeric can't catch a break.

I love this guy, though. Just brooding and building up this hate is palpable.

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Castle Grief's avatar

Next one is a banger. Major life decisions made that have changed the entire angle of the campaign and nature of the story for sure.

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Odinson's avatar

Seems right - our boi needs some catharsis

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kes's avatar

I'm so absolutely sold on this story, cannot wait for the next installment. Very well done!

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Castle Grief's avatar

Thank you! Got a short session in but would like something more substantial before next write up!

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