I started a solo game with one of my best friends last night. One who had NEVER played an RPG of any kind! She was super excited after our session zero and can’t wait to play (maybe even today). Here a link to the questions and answers.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VOYEJNQuNnWDnPkc1uV5WBzF9EK52lCwioQkveh0g6U/edit?usp=sharing
The adventure seed came from a slightly modified “Adventure Builder” by John Lewis (basically I just took the last two parts out and ran the first 4 together).
http://www.rpgalchemy.com/dungeon-world-adventure-builder/
Here’s the map I made as we went along, and then the Inkarnate version I made later. The hex grid came late in the process by accident, and for some reason I can’t take it off. I hadn’t saved in a while so it was easier to leave it on than redoing 45 minutes of work after my last save LOL.
Any advice about solo DM?
This is my second solo game (the first was with my son). The biggest thing I’ve learned is that it’s THEIR story, not yours (which should really apply to any game, not just solo games).
I messed that up a bit when I GMd for my son, trying to lead him in certain directions.
With Garrett I said “here are some ideas, let’s run with it” but we really didn’t have an “adventure”. I used my modified “John Lewis Adventure Builder” with Barbie and we already have a decently fleshed out world and adventure to follow.
Ask questions and use the answers. Fill in gaps, but always make it their story.
Great advice. Thanks.