Today I attended the first day of a four-day Writing and Study Skills at Wintec. (I found out about it by obsessively clicking on all the links on the Wintec website in anticipation for starting a Bachelor of Counselling!)
I was hemming and hawing about whether to sign up. I wasn’t sure what would be covered. Someone suggested that it might be ‘too basic’ for me. That comment unintentionally solidified my decision to sign up.
Why?
I try to approach life from the mindset of a master craftsman (to borrow from Cal Newport. That means I believe that I must relentlessly brush up on my skills and continue to improve on them. Part of that process is perfecting (or at least trying to improve upon) my skills as well as the fundamentals thereof.
As someone with nearly a decade in the public sector in a variety of challenging roles, it can be argued that brushing up on time management, vocabulary development or basic tech skills is ‘too basic’. Sure, I can take that approach.
On the other hand, I can approach these topics (and many others) with humility. What could I learn? What can I re-learn? What might have I forgotten? What could I share that will help someone else on their journey? What might someone share that I’ve never heard before?
I am delighted that I signed up for this course and showed up. While a lot of the material was very familiar to me, I also got to reinforce ideas that I had forgotten, practice concepts that you rarely get the opportunity to get feedback on, as well as adopt a learner’s or beginner’s mindset. I also got to experience the manaaki from Wintec’s Academic Support team, and I am thoroughly impressed thus far.
If prima ballerinas practice their plies at the height of their career…
If master violinists practice their scales…
If top tennis players practice their serves…
Then knowledge workers cannot be above practicing the fundamentals.
Basic isn’t too basic. The basics are the foundation upon which your skills rely on. So we need to get it right.
That’s how I see it anyway! Looking forward to the rest of the course (and to finally starting on my new adventure!!!)
Last time, I talked about how I’m taking on #SoloMix26, which is a totally made up by me challenge to encourage me to play more solo and make more stuff. Because I tend to take things too far, this turned into "I should make a game that I can only play by playing other solo games!"
The seed of an idea? Playing a game of solo TTRPG, no matter how short, earns a token. And I can use the tokens to do something in-game. And it needs to be important, otherwise the tokens are useless.
So then I thought (because I’ve been playing a lot of 2d6 Dungeon), I should make a dungeon crawler!
And, folks, that is exactly what I did. I even started playing it hahahaha. And I didn’t feel like playing solo yesterday, but I did it because I wanted more tokens. I am so easily manipulated…
Anyway, if you want to follow along, I will be sharing my adventures designing and playtesting this game! So subscribe via email or just check my website or Substack profile when you feel like it.
Astral Fungeon Tournament
Mechanics are strongly inspired by Ironsworn and 2d6 Dungeon (I love these games). The game concept is inspired by Dungeon Crawler Carl and Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (I love these stories). The setting is loosely inspired by Southeast Asia.
Synopsis
Earth has been cordially invited to apply for citizenship of the Astral Conglomerate of Celestial Organisms (ACCO), the inter-planetary cooperative that governs the galaxy and universe beyond. ACCO citizens enjoy benefits such as discounted interstellar travel, elite publicly funded education and healthcare, and not being trapped on a planet actively being destroyed from within by the techno-magical mega-dungeon known as the Astral Fungeon Tournament.
To leave Earth and become an ACCO citizen, all you need to do is defeat the Astral Fungeon Tournament with your life intact. Be warned—The Fungeon is home to four levels filled with traps, enemies, puzzles and more. And it restocks. Don’t worry; if you die in the Fungeon, you get to try again. You only need to recover, pay the Fungeon entry fee and—of course—relinquish all wealth and inventory not stored in ACCO-partnered Storage and Banking facilities. To better understand the psychology of future ACCO citizens, the events within the Astral Fungeon Tournament are live-streamed to all its citizenry.
Play it up for the camera, folks. Sponsors help you win.
You have paid the entry fee to join the Astral Fungeon Tournament. Your goal is to beat all four levels of the fungeon and become a probationary ACCO citizen.
Actual Play
This is a written ‘re-enactment’ playing Astral Fungeon Tournament. For fun, I am pretending that the TTRPG Designer, Game Master, Player and Player Character are different people (even if they are all just me!). This is loosely based on the Japanese style of recounting TTRPGs called Replays. But more actually inspired by Todd Zircher’s Fabula Ultima campaign Endless Sky
Anyway—Let’s give them names.
TTRPG Designer = TD Pat
Game Master = GM Rae
Player = Taylor
Player Character = Quesarine
GAME SETUP
World Truths
GAME MASTER RAE
So you’ve picked up Astral Fungeon, Taylor? The first thing we need to do is set up the campaign, so we have the most fun playing. You’ve got the rules open. Tell me your World Truths.
TTRPG DESIGNER PAT
Before Taylor answers that, just a quick aside to say the concept of in-game Truths is totally from Ironsworn. Love that game and its derivatives…
TAYLOR
I wanted to go with Dealer’s Choice for ACCO, but I can’t think of anything. I’ll go with ACCO is ‘exploitative’. They talk a big game about doing this tournament to test our mettle and induct us into the inter-galactic stage, but I think they just like that people pay with their attention and… Credits.
GM RAE
Makes sense to me… Humans get a good thing out of it, but it’s all about the ulterior motive.
TAYLOR
Exactly!
GM RAE
State of the Earth?
TAYLOR
I was thinking of option 1. It’s the modern era—phones, social media, that sorta thing. No magic.
GM RAE
You know there’s magic in the fungeon, right?
TAYLOR
Yeah, but I think it’ll be fun if my character experiences magic for the first time in the dungeon—(GM Rae: Fungeon.)—Sorry, fungeon. It would be cool to roleplay that out.
Character Truths
GM RAE
Cool, you’re getting me thinking. What about Character Truths? Let’s do stats separately. I wanna hear your motivation and expertise.
TAYLOR
Right. Not everyone wants to fight in the dun—the fungeon, right? So I’m thinking my character is doing it for the community. She wants to earn ACCO Credits and become a citizen, to help with the rebuild.
GM RAE
The rebuild?
TAYLOR
Well, I just thought it would be neat if there were a lot of earthquakes and tsunamis, destroying a lot of the world’s infrastructure and economy. For plot purposes. Not in real life—I would hate that.
GM RAE
Hey, I thought I was the GM! But I like it. And expertise? What’s your character’s name, by the way?
TAYLOR
Quesarine! Like ‘queso’ cheese? It doesn’t really matter, I just like the sound of it—Anyway, her pronouns are she/her. I’m thinking mid-twenties? Her expertise is Fighter. So I can equip two different kinds of weapons from the start with no penalty. I want to go with Sword and Bow.
Can we talk about her stats now?
GM RAE
Quesarine sounds like she’ll be fun to put in a dungeon environment. Okay, so stats.
You start at level 1. No XP. No Credits. Total Health is 10. So you can take up to 10 Damage before an NPC collects your body for ‘re-atomising’. Also, 3 Supply. And you get 3 slots each for items that you either wear on a Strap, or put in the Front of your backpack or Back of the Backpack.
I can see your face, and I promise I’ll explain the item slots when we get to that part.
You can equip a main weapon. Which is what? Options are Starter Sword or Starter Axe, to start.
TAYLOR
No Bow? Aight, I want a Starter Sword—Says ‘Made of iron, it’s a starting weapon.’ Uses 3 slots, if not equipped. Quesarine is a Fighter, so she doesn’t get the untrained debuff.
GM RAE
Cool—for the stats, you can assign values of 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 in any order. Choose wisely because the stats affect different rolls.
TAYLOR
Yeah, I wasn’t too sure about this. But based on who Quesarine is, this is what I’ll go with.
HEART 2: She has a heart for the community.
IRON 2: She’s a strong fighter.
EDGE 3: Okay, this might be meta-gaming, but I just want to make it easier for her to evade attacks?
SPIRIT 1: Not familiar with magic.
WITS 1: Books aren’t her strong suit.
GM RAE
I need an in-character reason for Edge, Taylor. (laughs) Maybe you should have picked Scholar, if you’re going to meta-game.
TAYLOR
Nooo, Quesarine is a Fighter! Anyway, uhh, she’s naturally speedy, and that dexterity helped with her fighting skills. Happy now?
Twist
GM RAE
Perfect—now based on all that, I get to pick a Twist. It’s just to add flavour to the setting. You’d think there’d be a random table for this…
TD PAT
Sorry! You know this is in Alpha! That’s coming later…
GM RAE
Nah, yeah. All good. From the infinite depths of my imagination, I’m going to say that the ACCO are currently doing a recruitment drive for Fighters to drum up ratings—based on ‘Exploitative’. And Quesarine wouldn’t normally be able to afford travel to one of the many Astral Fungeon sites, but—lucky her—they built one right in her local business district, hence needing to help rebuild.
TD PAT
See, you don’t even need a 2-word prompt?
GM RAE
You know constraints foster creativity, right? Anyway, Taylor, get your paper and pen out. It’s time to play!
TAYLOR
Can I go to the loo first?
GM RAE
This is an imaginary conversation. Of course you can go to the toilet. I can be in the toilet with you too and keep playing.
TAYLOR
Ew, don’t be gross. Fine, start the game…
And that’s it for the Actual Play of the set-up! I’ll be back next time with gameplay. I’ve written up the Truth options in my working doc, so if anyone wants to see that, just drop me a line! 💗
(Also, I had a lot of fun writing this—I kind of want to record myself saying everything, just for fun)
In 2025, I was really excited to make things (early versions of games—TTRPG, interactive fiction and even a very basic video game—art, self-development tools, actual play fiction, and even some videos). I want to bring that energy into 2026 but have it be more directed, especially since I’ll be busier with study and will need to be more intentional with by time.
Sounds like I need a… CHALLENGE! 📢✨
So why #SoloMix26?
There are three variations to this challenge to myself (which anyone is welcome to join!).
But before I get into it, shout-out to TheSoloScribe for posting about his own challenge and getting me thinking. ⭐
1. ‘Get in the mix’ and make time to play solo each fortnight.
Why?
Many challenges will ask you to play daily (maybe overwhelming to keep up with) or monthly (maybe not enough to make a habit) or weekly (a good length of time). You know what would be even better though? Play (at least) once fortnightly. After all, there are TWENTY-SIX (😌) fortnights in a year. I think 26 is a Goldilocks kind of amount, in terms of quantity and expectation for consistency.
Of course, I can play more than once a fortnight, and so far I have played every day of 2026! (What? It’s not impressive because it’s only the 2nd of January? 😅 Don’t spoil my fun…)
2. Put things together and make a ‘mix’
Why?
I loved making things last year! I want to do more of that. Putting things together could be putting pen to paper—making art, writing fiction, drawing maps, creating intricate character journals—, mixing sounds—recording character audio journals, creating videos—or whatever else that can hold my attention. These little artefacts will all likely be solo-related, but if inspiration strikes then I wouldn’t begrudge making artefacts relating to other topics or hobbies—I would count those too.
In keeping with the theme of ’26’, I would aim to make 26 artefacts or ‘things’ or ‘mixes’. That seems overwhelming, BUT I want to make little artefacts. I am not striving to make a magnum opus. Nope, silly little no-pressure artefacts are more my style—think doodle, not masterpiece.
(Plus, there was that study done that showed quantity of work led to quality of work… There’s likely more than one, but I am thinking specifically of a study done on photography students at… Stanford? This reference is vis a vis the book Predictably Irrational, so I may be remembering incorrectly.)
Ideally, I would share these creations. I still feel intensely embarrassed about sharing stuff I make (which partly explains why I posted so sporadically), but so far intentional and safe vulnerability has brought joy, so I would like to do more of that.
3. ‘Mix and match’ your challenge
The third variation is to remix the aforementioned challenge guidelines. Make it weekly, double the artefacts to make, commit to playing group TTRPG instead, whatever it is, the most important thing is to feel fully engaged in your own life.
For example, I also have an ongoing challenge to share Actual Plays of 100 different TTRPGs, so I am using this challenge to also help me work on that one. Yay! And I’ll change up how I approach this challenge throughout the year, depending on how I go.
SoloMix26 Rules
Play solo at least once a fortnight (or 26 times in 2026).
Create 26 little artefacts to memorialise your solo adventures.
Make up your own rules.
We only have one life to live (unless science figures something out…), so let’s not let time just pass us by.
This is a call to be intentional with time, not productive.
One of my fave things about solo roleplaying (okay, and I guess it applies to TTRPG in general) is that it’s an excuse for me to immerse myself in culture—whether it’s my own (as a member of the global Filipino diaspora and also being part-Chinese), fantasy ones (like differences in interpretation of orcs lol), or global cultures (like Nordic influences in Ironsworn) or even different communities (like considerations of gender and appearance via Iron Valley).
Anyway, all that to say, I’m researching Philippine Hokkien (Fukien) which is basically the same as Taiwanese Hokkien—which is giving flashbacks to Chinese school when I was a kid, except no longer traumatic YAY 😀
As a multi-passionate individual, I have often beaten myself up for not being consistent. I’d ask myself "Why can’t I stick to this ONE thing? Everyone else says to be disciplined and consistent!" I would beat myself with a metaphoric hammer, angry that I was failing.
Then I heard someone say I was just riding the Hobby-go-round.
Suddenly, my changing passions weren’t ‘bad‘.
This was a whimsical aspect of being me. My hobbies were like the horses that you can ride on a carousel. Sometimes they just weren’t available. But eventually I can get on them again.
Looking at hobbies as a Hobby-go-round changed a couple things for me.
I wasn’t a bad person for having multiple hobbies and not keeping up with all of them all the time.
Hobbies can stay dormant for some time — even a long time — and that’s okay. The hobby horse can suddenly become available when the time is right.
Knowing that the hobby horses are only available to ride for an unknown amount of time, my job is to use my enthusiasm wisely.
Rules for riding a hobby horse
Know that this go-around on the Hobby-go-round will end. That is okay. Rides end. I can go again.
Knowing that the ride will end, plan to make your exit. This is a mindset shift.
Make it easy to get off the ride. Try not to make hasty plans that will upend my life because I am convinced I will be forever devoted to this hobby (seriously, don’t do it). Identify possible end points, so I feel like I’m making progress. These can be milestone-based or process-based.
Leave a record — What do I need to do to feel like I’ve spent my time with this hobby productively? Probably make something. Take notes, make art, dance—this gives me a positive memento from the time I spent on the hobby and also helps the hobby horse be available for another ride sooner.
Reflect on what the hobby is teaching me. Based on what I’m learning from the hobby right now, how might I be able to incorporate it in simple ways when I’m no longer obssessed with this hobby?
Reflect on my other hobbies. Based on other hobbies I’ve enjoyed before, what can I borrow and apply to this hobby?
Appreciate the time on the hobby horse. It won’t last forever. Enjoy!
If we go back to the metaphor, these rules are about safely riding the hobby horse and making the hobby horse more awesome and exciting to ride on next time. 💗
My current hobby horse is solo roleplaying, if you couldn’t tell.
So I’ve been making the most of my energy and interest. I’ve been looking at how this hobby relates to others, creating things out of joy (not obligation) and trying to apply restraint (no intense shopping sprees or signing up for year-long obligations). 💗 Maybe I’ll keep playing solo every day for the rest of my life, or maybe I’ll only play once a year when this phase ends. Who knows? Whatever may come, I will make the most of this time.
My hobbies come in cycles and fluctuation. And that’s okay.
This post is an article for the November round-up of IndieWeb Carnival. Every month, a member of the IndieWeb provides a topic for everyone to write a post on. This month, Alex wants us to reflect on cycles and fluctuations, which is exactly why I’m talking about the Hobby-go-round. 🥰
This Actual Play details a narrative-lite mechanics-heavy recounting of the free Test Adventure for Savage Worlds Dead Lands.
Somebody’s died. Magnolia Pines doesn’t mourn the dead and she’s no detective, but she’ll take money where she can get it. Armed with her trusty Colt Peacemakers, this cowboy will settle the score.
Review
It turns out there are other Test Adventures available by Pinnacle Entertainment Group, so I’m a little annoyed that I picked the Wild West setting of all things! I think I would have enjoyed a different setting more, but I still enjoyed playing this.
The Savage Worlds’ Test Drive adventure leaves a lot to be desired, in terms of figuring out rules. There are a lot of things I needed to google to understand what I’m supposed to be doing. Personally, I think that even if the test adventure is for an expansion, the document should cover all the information a beginner will need to play—or at least tell you where to find it.
I found it both fun and annoying haha. 😂😅 But I can’t tell if I was just enjoying learning something new or if I was genuinely enjoying the mechanics? Having to do multiple google searches was frustrating though.
Although the adventure has a pretty cut-and-dry plot arc, in my opinion, I felt that I was still able to inject some creativity into it since for solo play I get to play the role of both GM and player. This felt designed for group play but was definitely solo-able for a newbie like me.
I might check out Savage Worlds again in the future…
Set the Scene
"It sure gets expensive trying to outrun the past, and I’m all outta money. I’m stuck in podunk Wyoming until my fortune changes.
Just my luck—ain’t I just the luckiest?—somebody’s died, and they need someone to figure out why.
Now I don’t know much about solving murder and all. But I know money.
I’ll figure it out… I always do.
Alright, this little lady’s gotta see a man about a corpse."
One Page Solo Engine (OPSE)
I initially used OPSE in Story Mode for recording my gameplay, including oracle and dice rolls. I then edited it in Obsidian because I realised I wanted to try using Solo RPG Notation.
Solo RPG Notation
The Solo RPG Notation sets out conventions for recording solo play. The idea is that it makes it easy to a) record b) share c) continue.
Location: Main, Crittenden Ranch
> Magnolia, to a heavyset Caucasian man with brown hair and a large cowboy hat: "How ya doing, sugar. I’m here about that little job. Name’s Magnolia Pines. Pleasure, I’m sure."
? 🔮 Pacing Move
-> [1] Foreshadow Trouble
-> There's more to this death than it seems.
Man: "Magnolia Pines, my oh my, pleasure to meet ya. I’m Heath Crittenden. I own this here ranch. Someone’s gone and killed one of my ranch hands. Hank—he was ace-high, and some son-of-a-gun went and killed him. Can’t be letting that slide. It eats into profits—lossa morale, if you know what I mean? If ya find out who did it, I’ll pay ya a cash reward."
> Magnolia: "Know anything that can help me, Mr Crittenden?"
Heath: "I reckon it’s them Utes. They’ve been casing my ranch for months. Don’t think it’d be the fellers from the Ghost Steel Gang. Thas fo’ sure. Ain’t no killers, those boys. Hmm. Wouldn’t be any of my boys that work here. Like I said, Heath was ace-high, good folk. Rest in peace."
> Magnolia: "Right. And the body?"
Heath: "He’s right here. Undertaker ain’t come to get ‘im yet."
> Magnolia: "I’ll come by to take-a look later. How much money we talking, by the way?"
Heath: "Aw shucks, Miss Magnolia. Ain’t right to count your chickens before they gone and hatched. Figure it out, and you’ll get your money. I’m good for it, swear."
> Magnolia: "It’s Ms Magnolia, Mr Crittenden. And alright, I know how it goes. Just don’t be spending my money."
Heath takes Magnolia where Hank’s corpse was discovered.
Location: Where Hank was found, Crittenden Ranch
> Magnolia checks for tracks
📑Rule: Skill / Trait check
In Savage Worlds, the value of your Skills and Traits depends on your roll. So you need to roll dice to check if actions are successful. This is usually a Skill or Trait die. For success, you want the dice roll to meet the target. Unless otherwise specified by mechanics, that’s usually 4.
Wild Cards (i.e. Player Characters and exceptional NPCs) also get to roll a Wild Card die (d6). If the Wild Die is higher than the Trait/Skill Die, then use that instead. Then apply modifiers. (Why is there a Wild Die? Because coolness means you get buffs and ‘Plot Armour’ haha.)
NPCs who aren’t Wild Cards are called Extras.
Since Magnolia doesn’t have the Survival trait (which was what the adventure suggested a GM get you to roll for), she rolls a d4.
If a character does not have the applicable skill for a check, then apply a -2 penalty to the result.
> Magnolia: "Idjits wrecked the tracks. Ain’t nothing here."
📑Oracle for Player Actions
Since the Test Adventure was set-up for a GM, it contained spoilers (understandable!). I can’t un-know the information in the adventure, so I let the oracle decide if Magnolia will do the ‘right’ thing.
Yes/No (Even)
? 🔮 Checks the other side of the fence for tracks?
->[6,4] Yes
> Magnolia (Thinking): Huh. No sign of pony tracks anywhere. Ain’t the Utes then. But they might know something anyhow.
? 🔮 Pacing Move
-> [3] An NPC Takes Action
Heath hands over a map with directions to Utes’ war camp
> Magnolia goes to see the Utes
Location: Utes’ War Camp
> Magnolia: "Howdy, gentlemen, if ya don’t mind, I need help with something"
How Much
? 🔮 How receptive are the Utes to Magnolia and her questions?
-> [3] About average
The Utes explain why they’re in the area and confirm they aren’t involved. They’re searching for a shunka warak’in (whatever that is).
> Magnolia: "Y’all want some help with that?"
💭Why did I ask?
I thought it would be cool to add more to the adventure and possibly come back this scenario later.
Yes/No (Unlikely)
? 🔮 Do they want help with shunka warak'in?
-> [5,6] Yes and...
-> Roll for plot hook
? 🔮 Plot Hook
-> Objective: [3] Recover something valuable
-> Adversaries: [6] A new or recurring villain
-> Rewards: [1] Money or valuables
-> Chipeta wants help looking for a holy relic to help with the creature.
-> Reward: loyalty of the Utes.
-> Lead: Ghost Steel Gang.
> Magnolia: "Tell ya what. I’ll be back. I reckon I can help y’all. Just got a little murder to solve, ya know. A lady’s gotta keep busy."
Location: Exploring
Yes/No (Even)
? Any Gang members around?
-> [5,5] Yes
> Magnolia: "Hey there, I got something to ask, if you had the time?"
d: 🎲 Persuasion 1d4[3] or Wild Die 1d6[3]) vs 4: Success
Yes/No (Even)
? 🔮 Does he know anything about the murder and/or relic?
-> No (I lost the dice roll...)
Gang Member: "Sorry, Miss. I ain’t know nothin’ ’bout anythin’. I’d help ya if I could."
Magnolia: "That’s okay, sugar. Maybe next time." (Winks)
> Magnolia goes back to the ranch
Location: Main, Crittenden Ranch
Yes/No (Even)
? 🔮 Is everything as expected?
-> [1,2] No
Detail Focus
? 🔮 What is unexpected?
-> [4D] Old (technical)
-> The barbed wire fencing is gone
d: 🎲 Notice 1d6[2] | Wild Die 1d6[4]
=> Success.
> Magnolia notices there’s something weird about the barbed wire fencing. But she doesn’t know what.
> Magnolia goes to see Hank’s body
d: 🎲 Notice 1d6[2] or Wild 1d6[2]
=> Fail
> Magnolia examines the body and sees the wounds. She assumes they’re small bullet holes and doesn’t notice anything strange about them.
Ranch Hand (Screaming from outside): "HELP! It’s got into the beeves! They’re killin’ ever’body!"
> Magnolia runs outside: "Show me!"
Ranch Hand: "Ain’t no way I’m going back! They’re just over yonder!"
⚠️ERROR IN GAMEPLAY
I misunderstood the rules and thought I was supposed to add a Trait roll to a Skill roll for some reason. That’s wrong. It’s Skill Roll or Trait Roll.
Because of this mistake, I applied a Raise rule, which means ‘better thing happens’. This meant that I applied the following result:
=> Unnamed ranch hand is scared into tagging along, ropes in another ranch hand.
The correct result is written below, but I can’t edit out my mistake because of the impact on combat. Luckily, only one of the two ranch hands from this check ended up staying—so it kinda works out?
d: 🎲 Intimidate 1d6[5] or Wild Die 1d6[3]) vs 4
=> Success.
=> Unnamed ranch hand is scared into tagging along.
> Magnolia and the other two climb the hill: "Let’s get movin’, fellas."
They see that there are 5 steer (now Blood Steer) who look… off. They are covered in barbed wire, and the strands seem to have a life of their own. One steer is extra large and has one broken horn. There are three ranch hands running frantically, trying to get away from the advancing livestock. They are way ahead, but the Blood Steer have a faster pace…
Blood Steer
The Steer have been infected with bloodwire. Magnolia does not know what that is, but she knows she should kill what she thinks are rabies-infected animals.
> Magnolia (to the ranch hands): "Can you two fellas fight?"
Yes/No (Likely)
? 🔮 Does Unnamed Ranch Hand have a gun?
[2,6] No and...
He has no weapons at all.
> Magnolia (Disbelieving): "What kinda cowboy don’t got no gun? Get outta here."
The ranch hand abruptly turns tail, running away from the steer.
> Magnolia (to the other ranch hand): "Tell me you got a gun, sugar?"
Yes/No (Likely)
? 🔮 Does the other ranch hand have a gun?
[5,5] Yes
The ranch hand nods and pulls out his gun.
> Magnolia: "Good boy, let’s see if these fellas can help too."
The three ranch hands crest the hill.
> Magnolia: "You boys got guns, or are ya gonna let a lady fight yer battles for ya?"
Yes/No (Even)
? 🔮 Do the other ranch hands have guns?
-> [6,5] Yes
d: 🎲 Intimidate 1d4[2] or 1d6[6]
=> Success.
=> Ranch hands (3) get into position
The ranch hands look at each other, scared. But they get into formation, a loose shooting line with Magnolia at the centre.
> Magnolia (smirking): "Alrightie, gentlemen. Don’t just give us a lick and a promise. Let’s put on a show for good ol’ Hank—rest in peace."
⭐ New to Solo RPGs? Come learn the ropes with a fellow newbie! 🤔
⭐ Old hat at all things roleplay? Watch or read and leave me words of wisdom please! 💌
Reflections
I am not good at voice acting! 😂
Making a visual novel-style Actual Play takes longer than I would have expected (I am really bad at estimating time)
This was so much fun to work on!
I ended up recording and re-recording parts of this over multiple days because I would go "I don’t like that" and then just do it again.
I’m working on making my content friendly for folk who are hard-of-hearing, low visibility, and dyslexic and anyone who can benefit from easier access. Thanks for your patience! 💖
Ngā mihi nui, Pat
(Kind regards, Pat)
(Mabait na pagbati, Pat)
This post describes observations of Actual Play practices and what I would like to try instead.. The text adds more context and links to complement the embedded video.
Timestamps
00:00 – Textual vs Visual Actual Plays
00:51 – My preferred style
01:50 – Using art
03:00 – Example time
04:08 – AI in Art?
05:14 – Update from the FUTURE
Text vs Visual
In the realm of Solo TTRPG Actual Plays, I more often encounter the text-heavy variety.
Maybe it’s because I’m new to this hobby, but I more often see the written word, varying from shorthand that outlines mechanics, actions and oracles in succinct bullets through to careful long prose, akin to what you might see in novels.
Even if you were watching a video, the Actual Plays often rely more heavily on words. We might be watching a Vtuber or Youtuber, but we listen for the words to construct the gameplay in the theatre of the mind. (Which, as much as I love words, this does get hard for someone with mild aphantasia) In videos, we hear descriptions of fantastic locations, listen for the tone of NPCs and rely on words to understand the narrative.
When there are images included, these are usually supplementary: a few images to convey the vibe at the start, a few images of specific characters, maps and the like.
What if Actual Plays were visual novels?
I basically use the solo TTRPG hobby as a vehicle to force myself to express myself creatively, so taking inspiration from different creators and other genres, I wondered if I could ‘animate’ my Actual Plays, so they functioned like mini visual novels. (And when I say ‘animate’, I mean ‘Image A sways onscreen to convey motion’, not painstaking frame-by-frame changes.)
How? What?
My plan is to use Canva as my little animation helper. It’s not the right tool for the job, but I find it easy to use for editing documents, videos and graphics, so I’d rather stick to the one tool. Plus, Canva can easily caption videos, so that’s an added bonus!
But if Canva adds the little animations, what am I actually animating?
My plan is to use a combination of my own art (yep, my own somewhat crude digital art, either in Infinite Painter on Android or Procreate on iOS), human-made art that is licensed through Canva as well as royalty-free art like on Unsplash. That will make it easier for me to build scenes without investing weeks or months into each actual play. Even still, I think this will take a lot of effort! So we’ll see how this goes.
Use of AI
I believe in the responsible use of AI. So I wouldn’t share AI-generated images in my videos or posts.
How might I use AI for art?
Removing backgrounds from images or graphics
To support my art-making (e.g. example images)
Feedback and discussion (like a ‘rubber ducky’ that talks back for programmers… but for art?)
I’m keen to hear feedback on what I’m trialling, so please do send me an email, respond on your own website or leave a comment below or on Youtube. 💗
What else?
🎥 NEXT VIDEO:
[Actual Play] Iron Valley x Wandering Tea Garden – Solo Roleplay Episode 1 Part D – I actually play the game. Really. Truly.
I’m working on making my content friendly for folk who are hard-of-hearing, low visibility, and dyslexic and anyone who can benefit from easier access. Thanks for your patience! 💖
Ngā mihi nui, Pat
(Kind regards, Pat)
(Mabait na pagbati, Pat)
![[Actual Play] Savage Worlds Part 1: More Than A Lick And A Promise](https://patsitive.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/savage-worlds-test-adventure.png)
![[VIDEO] Strike a deal? Actual Play: Iron Valley (TTYOL Episode 1 Part D)](https://patsitive.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TTYOL-001-D.png)
![[VIDEO] Can I Animate My Actual Plays? (TTYOL Episode 1 Part C)](https://patsitive.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TTYOL-001-C.png)