All Things Solo

## A Note on CR

Challenge Rating is difficulty of a monster based on 4 players. So, don't make the mistake of picking bugbears for an encounter at level 1 just because they are CR 1. You want CR 1/4 monsters at first level if Solo.

Our orc killer is Choleric type if you missed it.

GROUP DYNAMICS #1 (cut content)

By group dynamics, I mean Tank (DMG Soaker) - Damage Dealer - Skill Monkey - Healer - Magic User - Face/Social, etc. And the interaction of these in between each other & NPCs/monsters.

Group Roles

* Tank: Damage Soaker. It is not efficient to play this role with 1 PC in Solo Mode. Unless you want to RP or learn about the role with sidekicks as Damage Dealers.

* Damage Dealer: This is the preferred type in Solo but not without building your PC to cover weaknesses by borrowing from other dynamics or other sources.

* Skill Monkey: Problem Solver in and out of Combat with a range of skills. Typically Bard & Rogue.

* Healer: Also not recommended to go full healer (1 PC) without any type of damage source. Can be compensated by potions, scrolls, henchmen. Unless you want to RP or learn about the role. This is harder to play solo because you'll also need to play 1 Tank + 1 DD but if you really want to be a Healer Specialist, you'd want to learn about those, anyway.

* Magic User: Typically, Glass Cannon (Arcane) but can be temporarily tanky with certain spells. In case of Druids (Divine), can be versatile through Shapeshift (Tank or DD) or use heal and damage spells as a caster. In case of other Divine Casters, they can combine Hand-to-hand Combat with spells to buff, heal or aid themselves & hinder or damage their opponents.

* Face/Social: Typically Bard, otherwise different CHA classes with different styles. Sometimes you need to avoid combat or gain access to certain benefits with a silver tongue (entrance to enemy den, removing a coward enemy from combat tracker).

But in SP, you should adapt to a problem solver mindset.

Let me explain: I don't mean your character should be McGyver by that. I meant you -the player- should be a problem solver as in finding solutions to your problems before / in a session, especially in terms of combat. If you don't feel comfortable with 1 PC, there are suggestions in Part I. But you know what fits best for your style better than anyone else. Some Soloists even play hindered / flawed PCs in combat, not for the challenge but because they favor simulationist / realistic approach. Of course, such a play style will have its own problems to solve.

I will explain each class's dynamics in a group in their respective entries. That's why this section is too short.

ACTION ECONOMY

Slot Types

First of all, you should spread useful combat abilities through these slot types [action, reaction, etc] instead of picking abilities of 1 type, as much as your class provide at each level.

* If your dream is to roleplay a pure class and disregard the meta builds, remember to check them anyway and substitute what they gain on multi-class dips, from other sources if you can. In the form of henchman, items, spell scrolls, potions, services, etc.

* If you don't mind playing a mixed character type, prepare your immersion to be exposed to a vegetable stew kind of traits and abilities. Fighters with Ritual caster feat, Wizards who dip their minds into the divine's business to get a domain, etc...

COMBAT ROLES (cut content):

* Melee: Pure melee who carries one weapon type (i.e: only a 2H) is shooting yourself in the foot in Solo Play. Remember, you will be outnumbered. Cover your weaknesses with versatility. Even if you want Great Weapon Mastery (2H), carrying 2 throwable javelins + shield will enable you the tactics in Econ 101 - #2. Closing gaps with monsters far away will be a problem once you commit to an engagement because of Attack of Opportunities. Use your current victim as a cover from ranged attacks with footwork. And choose your positioning in battles wisely, champion.

* Ranged: Pure ranged is also a mistake. You need at least 1 light/finesse melee weapon, tactical thinking of The Arrow (TV series), and tools such as traps (not just items like bear trap) & tricks such as lures. You can always bait and switch in combat. Don't worry if your CHA is not that high. It doesn't have to be. You have DEX, and if you multi-class into Druid / Ranger you can also enjoy some offense / healing spells.

* Infiltration: There is no helping hand if you get caught. Plan ahead. Have an escape route beforehand. Count the heads before engaging, check their strengths & weaknesses. Know yours. Play to their weaknesses by using your strengths. Divide & Conquer. Be patient like an assassin and go 1 by 1. You are not a berserker, you don't have to ice them all. If it's not an opportune time for you, create leverage while giving the enemy disadvantage. If it is an unwinnable battle, don't even engage, find a way around it.

* Caster: [Arcane] If you just started SP and don't have the patience of a saint, don't start at level 1. Just don't. Warlocks have some chance out there alone, they have "backup" and some AC. But Wiz & Sorcs don't start to get their meaty spells until level 3-4. So begin at a reasonably higher level than 1. Focus on combat and combat alone, don't bother with utility (except positionals such as Misty Step) or cool but useless spells, you can't afford them. You can compensate utility from other sources. You'll need a source of helping hand ASAP. Find Familiar, Mage hand, summon scrolls, henchman... It is crucial that your INT / CHA should at least be 16 (or 17) in char gen. I mean, every solo class needs to maximize their main stat from the start but you need it more than anyone else. It'll be a long ride for you to shine. If you go with 14 DEX to cover for depleted level 1 spells with a ranged weapon, use your summon as a tank even if it can't take much damage. If you're too attached to your Familiar, pick one that can get in & out of situations quickly (for harassment rather than tanking) i.e: flying ones. Your summon can also be used as crowd control agent by pushing enemies around. Trial and error & struggle is necessary until you are more powerful. After all, arcane casters are the original zero to hero class.

* Caster: [Divine]: EDIT: Clerics, Paladins, Druids; I categorize Rangers as Ranged and/or Infiltration class. My experience with these classes are limited to none. But I can presume that they can be good tanky frontline combatants or powerful casters/self-healers. So, I think if you don't have a solo class in mind, yet, you can safely pick one of these and enjoy being a paramedic for yourself while dishing mid(?) damage from your weapon attacks. According to what I've read so far, Divine warfare revolves around the use of divine magic and abilities granted by deities or devotion to a divine cause. It emphasizes the fusion of martial combat and divi powers to fulfill a sacred mission or fight against supernatural forces. So, their "holy" nature can be a foundation to your PC's combat style: Their sacred texts / divine prophecies can provide crucial info about an enemy as to ways of defeating it, its weaknesses, etc. Unless, you just want to be a tanky fighter/caster as a self-ambulance to cover all your bases.

* Hybrid: Either by nature of the class, by multi-class, or by subclass. It is better to maximize one type of Stat > damage (melee / spell / ranged / physical, divine, etc) than to spread it all over the place. Even if you are melee+caster hybrid, don't divide yourself in "best of both worlds", it's a trap. Sharpen your one "side" as a focus and use your other side as a support.

Theory of Strategy & Tactics will be in Part III.

GROUP DYNAMICS #2 (cut content)

Tank (DMG Soaker) - Damage Dealer - Skill Monkey - Healer - Magic User - Face/Social, etc.

When playing 1 PC, many of these will be missing but that doesn't mean you will need all of them at all times. Remember, Solo Play is based on RNG. Whatever monsters are rolled for at the moment, either cover whatever weakness you have by substituting, or by playing to your strengths instead of dwelling on your weaknesses. Assume the role & concept of the class you're playing and think like them. This will make your game more than a cookie-cutter play. But I will also include OP strats in class entries.

Problem solving mindset is necessary because of this. Remember 5W1H questions? Ask them to find out about the solutions to your problems. Search the answers in the form of usable abilities, spells, items, etc; you can even "use" monsters themselves against each other. There is no such thing as "my DM doesn't allow me" in Solo. Go crazy! I'll try to write them in respective class entries as much as possible, but I can't foresee every problem you might have which will depend on your play style & experience. Use your imagination.

COMBAT STRATEGY

Let them [your PCs] learn about the enemy's tactics by trial and error.

That's because the monster themselves - let alone their tactics - will be mostly random because of RNG side of Solo Mode.

COMBAT STRATEGY (cut content)

Strategy is the art of planning, organizing and directing overall military operations and movements in combat. It differs from tactics by staying on the theory side of things. In terms of game play, it is your overall plan to achieve your main goal by going through level progression and directing your efforts into winning your battles until the last boss is dead. This is done by thinking in terms of logistics:

* WHAT can be used for WHICH of my specific purposes? These can be abilities and spells that your build provides, weapons, items, methods, plans, etc... Search and Gather them.
* HOW can they be organized into a coherent whole? Little jigsaw puzzle game.
* WHERE should each part be directed towards? To focus your efforts into a practical goal.
* And a general theory of HOW they can be applied into practical terms.

Know Thyself

* Strength: Typically, elements in the arsenal of your class that are most efficient for you. Sharpen & Play to them. But it doesn't always mean they are your strong side. When used against you by enemies, you become your worst enemy! "i.e: Getting charmed."

* Weakness: Supposedly, these are what makes you vulnerable for attacks from enemies with specialty to exploit them. Cover them. They don't have to be your down sides, though. When used as bait while you cover them with your Strengths, they can be deadly weapons! "i.e: Damsel in distress with a poisoned kiss."

COMBAT STRATEGY (cont. #1)

Know Thy Plan (New)

First and foremost, it is to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women, as Conan said. In order to do that, you need to survive first:



* DETERMINE YOUR OBJECTIVE: Your battle plan should not just be limited to battle mastery. If, say, your objective as a Phlegmatic PC is to protect villagers while in combat, it would be unfair to think "ends justify means." You'd do anything to protect them first. But if you're playing Result-Oriented Pragmatist, you would use ANY way to win a battle; these may include methods that are deemed dishonorable by some.

* BASE your battle plan on WHERE you are fighting in. Is it a place you know, or is it your enemy's turf? Is the terrain in your favor? If you can't use environment to your advantage, they will. Use Reconnaissance Tactics for the perimeter and mobs within, before entering battle. And make a habit of assessing places you entered tactically at least once. Covers, ambush & choke points, hazards, light sources, hiding spots, entries & exists, secret doors, etc.

* PREPARE A Hit List: Target Priority from highest to lowest to deal with them individually. Unless you have access to Area of Effect Nukes. A Fighter can also throw fireball: Oil bottle + Alchemist's Fire. The list depends on the composition and individual Challenge Rating of the monsters in it. Also take lethal abilities into account.

1 - Monsters with Disabling Effects mean you're dead. Deal with them in a way that avoids the CC. Know the nature and appliance method of CC for it.

2 - Intelligent enemies are the deadliest. Casters, Clerics. Single them out by positioning yourself well & focusing fire with your action / bonus / reaction. Latter slot may mean they have to attack you first, raise your DEFENSES and bait them to attack you. They usually show themselves AFTER their infantry engaged in melee with you, so, before they secure their Zone of Control, use Cunning to bait the infantry into showing their hands with misdirection methods. (Send animal companion in, trigger noise far away, minor illusion, arson in their bed rooms, etc.)

3 - Enemies with highest damage & everything else comes next.

* Know What you CAN'T do in combat: Based on risk/reward factors, either don't bother with them at all if you don't want to prolong game time. OR put some effort to substitute or compensate them, if you really need them. Latter choice may mean backtracking, so do that in Prep.

* Know What you CAN do in combat: Work your way as a loner in a well-organized and competent way to resolve conflict.

* If you are better at Close Combat, start by chipping away highest priority enemy HP with ranged attacks and by other means before entering melee.
* If you are better at Ranged Combat, start by setting traps and/or disabling enemy's economy after the reconnaissance. Stealth is a must for this style in Solo.
* If you're better at Arcane Warfare, start by Pre-Buffs before the engagement. Then focus on controlling the battlefield (AoE CC infantry first). Use a damage soaker as a meat shield against whoever standing while unleashing your spells on the priority targets from high threat level to lower.

COMBAT STRATEGY (cont. #2)

Know The Consequences (NEW)

"No plan survives the first contact with the enemy."
~ Helmuth von Moltke.

Don't just think about your combatants' plan but also consider its CONSEQUENCES. Especially in the context of its execution for present and future time.

* "What might it cost me if I do it?"
* "Can I afford it?"

If you expect certain actions from certain enemies and base your plans according to it, RNG might blow your plans off course. For example, you might ask a question (related to combat) to your oracle and the words it give you might be interpreted in a disadvantageous way for you.

"Killing Your Darlings," (cut the excess even if you're attached to it) is not just a term used in Storytelling or World Building. Sometimes it means abandoning a plan to pursue another way to the same goal. Adaptability while sticking to a goal is the key to success in Solo Combat, because RNG is a harsh mistress.

Solution: Keep your goal in mind and if one way fails, try to find another way to achieve that goal, instead of blindly sticking to a predetermined plan. This might take trial & error if not thought out in Battle Prep, and cost you many dead PCs. Embrace it. One thing is certain that it'll teach you Warfare in a solid way. You may forget battles you won, but you never forget the reason of defeats if you lose something important because of it.

COMBAT STRATEGY (cont. #3)

# Resource Management

D&D is a resource management game. Every single mechanic on your character sheet is a tangible resource and all you do with your actions is to do math with them.

* HP / Hit Dice, Stats & Skills, Armor Class, Initiative, Limited use spells and abilities, potions and items, d20 (probability) rolls, even rest.
* But most importantly, your real world game time! Not to forget, Story vs. Combat in a session's pie chart.

## It's Time to Play

To balance in-game resources with good use of game time, first start by managing your in-game resources in an efficient way.

Solo Sessions that last more than 20-25 min at a time tend to drag heavily. Take 5-10 min breaks in between sessions even if you have 2-3 hours to spare. Scenes (with a scene goal) is also a resource and you can use them in your combat encounters to manage slogging battles. Determine the beginning and end of your sessions based on scenes. This is to combat mental fatigue.

Go easy on yourself with your choice of encounters, you are already at a disadvantage. Random generators may give you a group of monsters, but it's your game, not the generator's. Definitive referee in the game is you. And your most valuable resource is your Time. If your session causes stress instead of fun, it is not a good use of it. Combat the stress by not accepting it in your system in the first place. "Choose your battles wisely" is not an advice only for your PCs.

Fortunately, this is Solo Mode. You can fast forward short / long rests to replenish as often as you wish. Although, repeating it too frequently may break immersion. That is, unless you are already an experienced player / gm and want a challenge.

## Time to be Cautious

That being said, playing 1 PC requires cautionary play style -not defensive, mind you. Since there will be no one to help you, falling in battle may mean the end of your PC despite the fact that there are other ways to continue. But I will assume you want to see your PC ascend the ranks till the end.

Instead of unleashing all your nukes at first chance, save your limited potent resources to get out of dire situations. And rely on your spammable, lower potency resources even if it's just basic attacks. Use them in tandem with your other type of combat resources. For example, You may want to save them for Preventive Strategies, such as quickly removing a Very High Threat enemy so that you can deal with the rest easily.

## Time to Go Berserk

Threat level is leverage. It is what makes your PC sleep with one eyed open at camp. Even the potential of it orders authority. This is the kind of a resource that you should take from your enemies single-handedly, by will. It is quite the task!

Normally, when your deficits are covered by a party, I'd say everyone should go full berserk. After all, best defense is offense. Of course, there will be times you'll need to focus fire, or quickly dispatch multiple small targets with an AoE attack. But getting used to a reckless play style in Solo Mode can end your PC's career. So, look for opportunities to go berserk but ONLY rush in at opportune times, when you have most amount of survivability and least amount of potential threat directed towards you. You'll know when those times come if you assess tactical situations with 5W1H questions.

## Time to Calculate

Rule books are also resource. If you started anew, in order to manage them efficiently, always read them with a purpose in mind (such as to make a list, find an answer to a question, or for inspiration), rather than reading it from start to end. This is to combat wasting time by getting lost in them, leaving frustrated.

As for combat rules in them; your resources are everything your current build provides you at your level any given time, in addition to your 4 action slots, armor, weapons and items. Basically, entries in your Character Sheet.

Many players tend to set & forget about them until they need them but best way to manage combat is to take time to memorize your biggest strengths and worst weaknesses. If you have a dump stat you might want to take it into account when devising your plans. (i.e: 8 STR means -1 penalty to saves & skill rolls that are STR based).

Remember Combat Strategy > Know Thyself? It is closely connected to > Know Thy Plan. If you don't take your weaknesses into account, they may come back to bite you.

## Time to Fight Numbers with Numbers

Being have to protect your Hit Points at all times can be an exciting way to play the game. This forces you to think on your feet, assess all combat factors carefully (Your Resources VS. Enemies') that you otherwise would overlook.

If you see that increasing your AC temporarily with a spell in anticipation of a big hit just saved your life, it might make your time spend more pleasant. Because doing algebra with stats via actions is actually managing them.

Remember Econ 101 tactics? Managing them in base game terms gets easier if you consider Opportunity Cost of your actions. Opportunity cost is the forgone benefit that would have been derived from an option other than the one that was chosen. What would you lose if you do action A instead of action B? This thinking seems backwards but it enables you to manage comparisons of offensive or defensive capabilities in your arsenal in relation to current situation.

As an example, If you chose to get 5 Temporary HP with a spell as oppose to increasing your AC by +3 with a shield, it might cost you more HP loss in case of big attack from an ogre. Making the right chose for the right situation depends on such thinking habits.

But if you don't think you'll enjoy your time by dealing with the nitty gritty sides of the game, just stack on limited amount of HP potions and use them whenever your HP falls below or around the number of HP you can recover with the potion. (i.e: 2d4+2 for Potion of Healing).

Also, always take lowest result of rolls into account: i.e: lowest result in 1d4+2 = 3. That way, even if you hit the bottom with a roll, you'll at least know if you can dispatch a monster or not (when it's left with its last 3 HP, for example).

## Time to Shuffle Bags

Inventory Management is the worst nightmare of Soloists.

If you are not playing a STR based character... or worse, if STR is your dump stat, you're left with 2 choices.

1) Only take items that are light in weight but heavy in value.
2) Play with a mule. This doesn't have to be a full PC or a sidekick. It can simply be a horse with saddle bags. Oh!
3) Of course, I assumed you are at low level and don't have access to Bag of Holding, yet. If Time Management is more important than game realism for you, feel free to drag and drop it into your inventory and give it a back story if you wish. But even if you use it liberally, you'll see that after a point you'll stop keeping track of what's inside. Hence the term, nightmare.

## Time for Ideals

A soloist's ideal way of managing mechanics (feats, spells, rules) is to first list them, then sort/rate them depending on their viability, feasibility and efficiency to be used for a build, for example. But by all means, don't feel obliged to do this when there are too many public lists available in the internet, already.