Solo play with a generic oracle

Combination, Abstraction & Interpretation

TL;DR: Solo play can be both rewarding and frustrating when you hit creative blocks. This post breaks down two oracle types—specific (rich in genre details) and generic (versatile and creative)—outlining their pros and cons. It also showcases a fun 3d6 danger oracle, proving that with a bit of context, even generic random tables can ignite exciting gameplay. Happy rolling!

Got stuck? No problem!

Solo play can be a roller coaster ride—thrilling one moment and head-scratching the next. Sometimes, the game flows like silk; other times, it hits a snag because you just can’t figure out what to do next. And let’s be honest: in co-op or guided play, everyone gets to be surprised, but in solo play, that element of surprise is as elusive as a unicorn without a map. Enter the oracle... again.

Specific oracle pro and cons

There are at least two flavors of oracles: specific and generic. A specific oracle is deeply tied to a particular genre, setting, or locale. Think medieval inn generators, rune generators, or spaceship patch generators.

Pros:

• Immersive Flavor: It delivers results steeped in the setting’s lore and tone, pulling you deep into the narrative.

• Thematic Consistency: Keeps outcomes in line with the unique elements of the genre—be it magic, horror, or futuristic tech.

• Quick Reference: Offers fast decisions by focusing on genre-specific details, saving you from lengthy interpretations.

• Enhanced Roleplay: Encourages players to embrace the mindset and style of the setting, making character involvement all the more engaging.

Cons:

• Limited Flexibility: Might feel a bit too constricting when you want to mix genres or explore ideas that stray from the norm.

• Niche Utility: Works best when you’re sticking to the defined genre; otherwise, its usefulness might dwindle.

• Steeper Learning Curve: Demands familiarity with the setting’s nuances, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

• Potential Repetition: Overuse might lead to predictable patterns if the oracle isn’t varied enough.

Generic oracle pro and cons

Generic oracles, like a danger generator (more on this later) or an NPC physical description generator, are your go-to tools for a wide range of outcomes.

Pros:

• Versatility: They’re adaptable across multiple genres or hybrid settings, providing endless possibilities.

• Creativity Booster: By mixing random elements, they can spark those unexpected narrative twists.

• Accessible: Their simplicity makes them perfect for players of any experience level.

• Customizable: You can tweak or combine tables to adjust the randomness and detail to your liking.

Cons:

• Less Thematic Depth: They might lack the unique flavor of a genre-specific oracle, leading to outcomes that feel a bit generic.

• Interpretation Required: You might need to put in extra narrative work to connect the dots.

• Potential for Inconsistency: Sometimes, the random table results may not perfectly mesh with your established setting or character arcs.

• Balancing Complexity: Combining multiple tables can become a bit of a juggling act if not organized well, potentially slowing down gameplay.

The power of combination to leverage short oracle lists

One of the real strengths of generic oracles is the magic of combinations. A generic oracle should be easy to consult, capable of yielding a huge number of results, and generic enough to allow for a wide margin of interpretation. This blend makes them a powerful tool for sparking creativity without bogging down your game.

Analysis of the Danger oracle

Recently, I came up with an oracle to generate dangers. It uses a 3d6 roll and works like this:

| d6  | Type      | Source       | Magnitude               |
|-----|-----------|--------------|-------------------------|
| 1   | Threat    | Nature       | Distant or Trivial      |
| 2   | Mishap    | People       | Minor or Peripheral     |
| 3   | Encounter | Wildlife     | Advancing or Noticeable |
| 4   | Obstacle  | Organization | Concerning or Nearby    |
| 5   | Ambush    | Magic        | Escalating or Impending |
| 6   | Aftermath | Folklore     | Immediate or Pressing   |

Every roll generates one danger by combining a Type, a Source, and a Magnitude. With 216 possible combinations (and even more if you factor in the double nature of magnitude), this oracle might seem like a wild card on its own. But toss in a bit of context, and watch it work wonders.

Example 1

Imagine a night at the inn, where the characters are doing what characters do best. A danger roll might come up as Threat/Organization/Minor. The interpretation? A couple of local militia thugs have had enough—they’re not exactly looking for a friendly chat and might even get a bit ruffled if you don’t shut up or get out of their way.

Example 2

Picture this: sneaking upon a druid circle in the sacred grove. The danger roll comes up as Ambush/Wildlife/Nearby. Suddenly, the PCs hear something stirring not too far from their position. Is it worth investigating? Could it be dangerous if left unchecked? The suspense is real!

Conclusion

What can we take away from all this? Context is key in solo play, as it always is. Combinatory tables are a quick and dirty way to whip up something interesting on the fly. And when done right, generic oracles are a true powerhouse in your solo play toolkit.

Happy rolling!