Test the Scene table and explanation for the Chaos Solo Engine. Table for Testing the Scene and Explanations.
[Image by Jack Holliday]
Chaos Solo Engine - Fantasy Basic
Chaos Solo Engine aims to act as a companion to the player(s) when playing solo. Answering questions, helping with ideas, structuring scenes, and guiding ongoing play.
One element is Testing the Scene. Seeing if the story or game goes in the expected direction or takes an unexpected turn.
Test the Scene
When you have the next potential Scene, it's time to test if it starts as expected by rolling on Testing the Scene below.
If things are chaotic, consider adding a Bane (1 Bane is Unlikely, with 25% chance of starting as expected). Add more Banes if there are other reasons things might be interrupted.
If things are peaceful or the Characters are in control, consider adding a Boon (1 Boon is Likely, with 75% chance of starting as expected). Add more Boons (or skip the roll) if there's good planning or other calming factors.
To embrace the chaos, reverse Boons and Banes. Add Banes if things are quiet and Boons if it's chaotic.
There is a pdf of these tables and the full solo emulator on Drive Thru RPG as Chaos Solo Engine - Fantasy Basic.
Chaos Sorcery Engine - overview | yes/no oracle | test scene | events | action & theme | character | desc & focus | npcs & locs | setting | starting
Testing the Scene
Depending on the context, the next Scene could be in a different location or involve a different focus.
| d20 | Is the Scene as Expected? |
|---|---|
| 1 | No, the Danger Increases and it starts with an Event (or a conflict) |
| 2 | No, a Character is Missing or a Thread is Involved |
| 3 | No, Hostile Forces Oppose You or an Extra is Involved |
| 4 | No, an Obstacle Blocks the Way or a Thread is Involved |
| 5 | No, an Event happens first |
| 6 | No, a Major Detail is Worse (or Better) for the Character(s) |
| 7 | No, the Environment is Different or a Extra is Involved |
| 8 | No, an Extra is Involved or All is Not as it Seems |
| 9 | No, a Thread is Involved or Wouldn't it be Bad if... |
| 10 | No, there's a Moment for Reflection or a Character is Missing |
| 11-14 | Yes, scene starts as expected |
| 15 | Yes, scene is setup as expected and starts with an Event |
| 16-20 | Yes, scene starts as expected |
Testing Explanations
Testing the Scene - Results
All is Not as it Seems
Something about the Scene is off.
Someone is a spy, it's a trap, an Extra is lying to the Characters, there's an illusion, a foe is watching...
Character is Missing
An expected character is not there when the Scene starts.
A main Character(s), an Extra, a foe, an ally or an expected NPC (such as driver of a cart or guards at a gate).
Danger Increases
Whatever danger is present, becomes more acute, more plentiful or greater in scale. Danger could be foes, a hazard, social conflict or any threat to the Character(s).
Environment is Different
Either the Scene happens in a different location, or it's the same place, but the area is altered significantly.
Extra is Involved
An Extra is present or significant in some way. Pick the most obvious Extra or randomise one.
Hostile Forces Oppose You
Something against the Character(s) is in the Scene.
Guards here to catch a Character, an angry ex-lover, an official making everything difficult, hungry bandits or locals who've heard bad things about the group.
Major Detail is Worse (or Better)
A significant detail of the Scene is changed in some way, for better or worse.
The streets are crowded instead of quiet, the lever is not where it's meant to be, the commander is in a bad mood, there are two trolls instead of one, the bridge is closed.
Moment for Reflection.
Before the expected Scene, the Character(s) have a respite. A momentary pause or something longer.
A chance to take stock, have a meaningful moment or simply rest.
Obstacle Blocks the Way
Something stands between the Character(s) and further progress. It could be physical, magical, social or a mix.
A flooded river, a guard who needs bribing, a forest fire, an old grudge, constant rain.
Thread is Involved
A selected or random Thread is significant to the Scene in some way.
Wouldn't it be Bad if...
Think of the worst situation the Characters could face at the start of the Scene...
That's what occurs for the the next Scene.
Solo Tables
There is a pdf of these tables and the full solo emulator on Drive Thru RPG as Chaos Solo Engine - Fantasy Basic.
If you liked these there are Generators at Chaos Gen and a monthly random tools Newsletter. Or find us on the Rand Roll Discord or an instagram of Random Tables.