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Category: How To Write A Game

  • Craft an Epic Character Backstory with a Solo D&D Adventure!

    I often use solo gameplay to develop a character’s backstory, but I also enjoy it as an activity in and of itself. This is probably due to its similarity to choose-your-own-adventure books, which I have fond memories of reading.

    I believe solo Dungeons & Dragons games are often underrated in the TTRPG community. While the roleplaying element can feel diminished when playing alone, the real advantage lies in the limitless potential for creativity—allowing you to craft your own unique story.

    People play solo games for various reasons, but I find them especially useful, and perhaps even practical, when preparing for a new game. If I have the time, I enjoy taking my character on a brief adventure before the campaign starts to establish a solid understanding of who they are.

    In this video, I’ll also introduce the Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox, a fantastic resource that guides you through running your own solo game.

  • Writing a Perfect Character Death in Dungeons & Dragons

    I examine the process of crafting and roleplaying a meaningful character death in Dungeons & Dragons, which serves as an important developmental moment for both players and Dungeon Masters.

    I provide strategies for improvising a compelling death scene, especially when it occurs unexpectedly and catches everyone off guard.

    Additionally, I break down the various forms of death a character may experience, including:

    • Physical death: The most literal form, occurring when a character’s life ends. I discuss how to effectively write and roleplay this type of death.
    • Emotional death: A significant transformation in a character’s life, often marked by the loss of a loved one or the collapse of a long-held dream.
    • Psychological death: A shift in a character’s personality, typically induced by trauma, which fundamentally alters their behavior, values, and perspective on the world.

    Finally, I address the aftermath of a character’s death, focusing on how to navigate this transition when resurrection is not immediately possible or is considered only in the distant future. I offer suggestions for how players can approach these situations thoughtfully within their game.