I need ideas for a solo campaign for an 11th level mage. I am clean out except for something that would be a one-shot. Anyone have some ideas that would work for a single character? The rest of the party is on hiatus.
The Styes adventure in Dungeon Magazine and it's sequel.
When the opportunity arrives for a 1-2-1 session with a group member, it can be an excellent time to flesh out that character's backstory and history - whether or not it has already been seeded in previous role-play.
Does the character belong to a Guild? Do they have siblings, lovers or rivals which dip back in the characters past before they were part of the current adventuring party?
This is a choice moment to introduce such NPC's and awaken themes personal to this character that can resound in the campaign ahead.
In case this is in any way unclear I'll throw down a few quick examples:
1. The Mage's Guild Master arrives and seems uncannily familiar with the PC's current activities and companions. He wishes the PC to do something that will detriment the adventuring parties current goals, perhaps even eliminate someone in the party.
2. A former lover, from a now elapsed relationship, has found themselves in serious trouble, and knowing that the PC has risen to some power, implores them to intervene and help them.
3. An old enemy or rival, personal to the PC, has: a. Established themselves as an agent of a local power group. b. Sought out the PC to form an uneasy alliance for a common goal. c. Devised a scheme to undermine, kill, or manipulated the PC.
Any of which could be a sweetly personalised hook into a published or home-made adventure.
Owner - Johnny Scott Comics and Games
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How's this for a solo campaign idea:
The PC Wizard returns from his regularly scheduled shopping day to find his master gone. There are signs of a struggle and blood stains on the floor. All of his master's scrolls are missing, as is his master's spellbook. Luckily, his master's travelling spellbook has been secreted away and was not taken. Armed with his master's travelling spellbook and some small knowledge of wizardry, the PC sets out to discover what happened to his master, and to bring those perpetrators to justice.
The available clues at the scene could vary depending on the type of campaign you wish to run. You could then determine the additional plotlines based on these clues, and use the clues themselves as adventure hooks.
Who did it? Was it an organization wronged by the PC's master? An old rival or enemy? An extra-planar being?
How was he/she taken? Traditional B&E, or was it magic-based?
Why was he/she taken? Old gambling debts? An old enmity between rivals? Research got a little too close to a secret better left alone?
Is he/she still alive?
As the PC follows up on each lead, he would receive another clue at the end of each adventure. Eventually, when the PC reaches whatever level you think is appropriate, the PC would learn the truth of his master's disappearance and confront the entity/organization responsible.
Placing the clues and keeping each adventure open-ended will probably be your biggest challenge, but I think this could be a lot of fun for both the PC and the DM as the campaign progresses.
Let me know what you think...
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Does the character belong to a Guild? Do they have siblings, lovers or rivals which dip back in the characters past before they were part of the current adventuring party?
Great ideas, thanks. Character background is fairly well defined, I think I have already explored most of the possible hooks there. I will take a look at the history again.
Alternatively, you could take adventures designed for a party of levels 5 or 6, and scale the number of opponents down based on the character's effectiveness.
Have you tried this in the past? Did it work out well?
Does your player's character have any cohorts or hirelings? You could run a standard campaign with one player if he or she is willing to negotiate say, an apprentice, a mercenary bodyguard or two, or maybe a "Nodwick."
I was thinking to supply an "fighter" of some type to help balance. But no, the character doesn't have any hirelings or cohorts.
The PC Wizard visits an old friend only to find them gone. There are signs of a struggle and blood stains on the floor. All of his old friend's scrolls are missing, as is his friend's spellbook. Luckily, his friend's travelling spellbook has been secreted away and was not taken. Armed with his friend's travelling spellbook/research, the PC sets out to discover what happened to his friend, and to bring those perpetrators to justice.
Thanks, Larry. But this was the last adventure I ran the character through, almost exactly.
One of the Head Guildmasters asks character to investigate an old friend who seems to have withdraw from normal communication. Character arrives at friend's home to find it ransacked and taken over by homeless from the area. "Friend" has been gone for weeks by the time the character arrives. Character must secure the home, find clues, and set out to search for "friend".
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Alternatively, you could take adventures designed for a party of levels 5 or 6, and scale the number of opponents down based on the character's effectiveness.Have you tried this in the past? Did it work out well?
Unfortunately, no. That is an estimation based on Challange Ratings equalling a fight for a balanced party of 4 PCs. A single Wizard of eleventh level could theoretically complete those adventures.
Unfortunately, no. That is an estimation based on Challange Ratings equalling a fight for a balanced party of 4 PCs. A single Wizard of eleventh level could theoretically complete those adventures.Alternatively, you could take adventures designed for a party of levels 5 or 6, and scale the number of opponents down based on the character's effectiveness.Have you tried this in the past? Did it work out well?
I only got to play in a 1 on 1 campaign once. The GM didn't really subscribe to that so I was getting things thrown at me that were my CR and even higher once or twice. I had to be very, VERY good to survive, but I also leveled very fast.
I would say that taking something about 3 or 4 CR under you would be the norm, and the idea could work, but it will take a flexible GM. One thing to worry is that you said that the regular party is on hiatus. If they come back and you are a level or two highter becouse of this how will they react?
I'd say that either you should go with several higherlings, ask the GM if you can run two characters, or picks a class that can be more self-sufficient like Rogue or Cleric. Actually one thing that could work really well is check with your GM and see if he will let you make a gestalt character (see Unearthed Arcana) for the 1 on 1 stuff.
Actally one good type of adventure path for a character in this situation is diplomacy/investigation/intrigue. You can do a little more with npc related stuff with just one player.
As far as lower level adventures I find it does work but you have to expect that the pc will now and then mop the floor with lesser opponents. However I like doing that now and then--a fair way to give experience in case you are gearing towards really tough opponents at some point is to grant it more based on accomplishments than on what the character has defeated. (there are good examples of this in the Savage Tide adventure path--and also good extra rewards as well.)
One fun element to the lower level adventure thing is that I've found that pcs are sometimes delighted to suddenly be utterly heroic, but you can nevertheless make a situation hair raising. (for example ghouls are normally not that dangerous to a really tough opponent. But what if you give them a "28 Days Later" type of scenario where there are HUNDREDS of ghouls prowling around?)
Well, what is a mage always looking for? Training!
An adventure that revolves around him trying to get a particular mage to train him - maybe this mage knows a special feat and/or spell that the PC wants to learn. The NPC mage is a little crazy (or is he?) and his wife (a cleric of some weird diety) is equally, though in a totally different way, crazy. Now they have an anniversary coming up......
Random outsiders always want stuff done. You could throw in some wierd mission like raiding a githyanki storehouse on the Astral Plane, catching a criminal in Sigil, or going big game hunting in the Beastlands.
Which issues are those?I need ideas for a solo campaign for an 11th level mage. I am clean out except for something that would be a one-shot. Anyone have some ideas that would work for a single character? The rest of the party is on hiatus.The Styes adventure in Dungeon Magazine and it's sequel.
Sorry I didnt get back to you straight away. I am at work so cant check my issues. I did a search of the Styes on this site and the Styes originally was in 121 and the follow up in 138.
They are set in a squalid port city (or sqaulid port part of a city)
-the first one the character(s) investigates the fact that a seemingly innocent person is about to be executed for a series of hideous murders. It is about investigation and dealing with the problems and people that are turned up.
The second is also an investigation piece -if anything IMO it is better.
They contain a fair bit of detail about the city/port allowing you to make it a campaign.
These are simply excellent adventures, in fact to say they are excellent is an understatement. They are by Richard Pett and have more than a tinge of investigative/horror to their style which IMO is a great way to have a solo adventure. If you dont own the dungeon magazines they are availabe from paizo (either in full or PDF) and are worth the coin for just these adventures.
I warn you it is likely that your player will be so horrified with the Styes he may want to nuke it to put everyone out of their misery.
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One thing to worry is that you said that the regular party is on hiatus. If they come back and you are a level or two highter becouse of this how will they react?
Actually one thing that could work really well is check with your GM and see if he will let you make a gestalt character (see Unearthed Arcana) for the 1 on 1 stuff.
I am the DM btw, I allow for Gestalt characters for the 1 on 1 adventures. The party is higher average level than this character is right now. He will be closer to their average level once everyone gets back to playing.
Actally one good type of adventure path for a character in this situation is diplomacy/investigation/intrigue. You can do a little more with npc related stuff with just one player.
Another alternative could be an entire story within an order of Wizards, or an academy of magic. Basicly, all potential allies and enemies would be Wizards and Sorcerers(not counting henchmen and summoned creatures), so it would mostly equal out.
An adventure that revolves around him trying to get a particular mage to train him - maybe this mage knows a special feat and/or spell that the PC wants to learn. The NPC mage is a little crazy (or is he?) and his wife (a cleric of some weird diety) is equally, though in a totally different way, crazy. Now they have an anniversary coming up......
Random outsiders always want stuff done. You could throw in some wierd mission like raiding a githyanki storehouse on the Astral Plane, catching a criminal in Sigil, or going big game hunting in the Beastlands.
These are all great ideas, thank you all for your help.
These are simply excellent adventures, in fact to say they are excellent is an understatement. They are by Richard Pett and have more than a tinge of investigative/horror to their style which IMO is a great way to have a solo adventure. If you dont own the dungeon magazines they are availabe from paizo (either in full or PDF) and are worth the coin for just these adventures.
I warn you it is likely that your player will be so horrified with the Styes he may want to nuke it to put everyone out of their misery.
I found those issues, I will take a look at them as well. Considering how the character has developed over the last several years, he might enjoy Styes and want to build his home there.
The PC is approached by a young man who asks the PC to create a love potion for him. The young man is actually a noble who seeks to do some mischief with the potion. He will be willing to pay quite a bit for the potion but wants to keep it very quiet 'for obvious reasons'.
If the PC can not craft a love potion, will he try to research the spell? As he is going library to library, he is raising some eyebrows of other mages and generally attracting unwanted attention. Why does he need this spell anyway?
If the PC turns down the request, the noble might sweeten the offer. That should arouse the suspicion of the PC. Why does this young man want this potion so bad and who is he that he has such resources at his disposal?
At some point, the PC should be drawn in by a third party who is very curious to know why our forlorn noble wants the potion. "What do you mean 'treason'?"
Monies are disappearing from the treasury. The king does not trust any of his advisors, so he asks the PC to investigate.
All of the suspects have more power and authority than the PC. They can use those resources to 'bully' the character during the investigation, feed misinformation or even offer to let the PC in on the deal. With a few interesting NPCs this could make for an interesting intrigue session. Throw in some henchmen for combat. Flavor to taste.
A local druid becomes enraged when trees from his sacred wood are cut down. He calls upon the darkest forces of nature to rain down a plague upon humanity. At first, people who consume dairy products become ill. Then some begin to die. Then the contamination spreads to all local crops. Soon panic spreads as people leave or try to get supplies from other towns.
Who Moved My Cheese?
The PC comes across a small village that has survived for centuries exporting its cheese. Trade has suddenly dried up as another small village not 50 miles away has discovered the recipe for the cheese and has begun exporting it for far less.
The village elders put forth several solutions, all of them short sighted. One suggesting a price war. One suggesting hiring the PC to kill the mayor of the other village. One suggesting hiring the PC to raid the caravans and steal the cheese.
Draw up a few interesting village elders and have them attempt to manipulate the PC into following their plan. Let the PC become entangled into the politics of this quaint little village. Be prepared for them to tell the other village and become further embroiled into even more politics.
PC comes into possession of a Harrow Deck. Soon he starts spotting individuals who resemble pictures on the cards. Then these individuals start attacking him! To stop the attacks, the PC must return the deck to its rightful owner. While attempting to locate the owner, the PC encounters a giant potato bug summoned by the Wizard/Sorcerror/whatever card. The owner turns out to be a bard who can manipulate others through dance. I leave it up to you whether the bard is evil or not and whether he attempts to control the PC.
The PC is entrusted by the local authority to protect his daughter, Maxine. Maxine continually tries to ditch her bodyguard for an illicit rendezvous with her lover whom her father knows nothing about. Sprinkle in some real threats to Maxine’s safety and some teenage angst.
The PC is tasked with delivering an important message (a secret, if you will) to another kingdom. His journey is first impeded by foul weather; thunder, lightning and rain. He is then attacked by a mage who has mastered sound magic (no verbal components for you). Lastly, a large and noisy metal golem is sent to dispatch our hero during his dispatch.
New Coins
The kingdom’s treasury is dangerously low, what with refurbishing the king’s palace with gilded gold and all. One of the king’s top advisors comes up with a great scheme.
A new coin will be minted. However, instead of gold, it will be minted in copper. It will still be valued the same as the gold coin. Further, everyone will turn in their gold coins for these new copper coins as it will be illegal to use gold coins within the kingdom from hence forth.
The PC is just passing through when he is arrested for attempting to use gold coins and have the remainder of his gold forcible converted to the coin of the realm.
Lover’s Quarrel
The PC happens upon a lover’s quarrel. Most people would keep out, so you need a reason for the PC to become involved. The PC could be related to one of the lovers. Maybe some authority figure instructed the PC to retrieve one of the lovers.
The quarrel turns violent and the PC should attempt to subdue the pair. About this time, either the father shows up to see the PC assaulting his daughter or, if you used the summons idea above, the city watch shows up to see the PC assaulting some important noble. Chaos ensues.
Let the Right One In
The PC investigates a series of grisly murders and soon discover they are on the trail of a vampire. Piecing the clues together he uncovers the vampire’s lair but when he steps into the inner sanctum, he discovers a somewhat smaller coffin than they expected.
Colosseum
Residents find themselves being strong-armed into selling their property in one neighborhood. As the PC follows the leads from goons, to Thieves’ Guild to one prominent City Elder they uncover a plan to build a colosseum.
While the tactics are evil, the colosseum would bring a lot of good to an over burdened city with a failing economy.
Two words for you; Wizard’s Duel!
A Series of Unfortunate Adventures
The Mete children are orphaned when a freak accident involving a Fire Ball which destroys their home and kills their parents. The PC is tasked with finding a suitable home for them.
The children's only living relative is a Count Folo. Count Folo secretly plans to transfer his mind into the middle child, Rider Mete. The PC should get an uneasy feeling about leaving the children with Count Folo. If he refuses, the count will use his power and influence to make life difficult for the PC. Insert a battle or two with minions and perhaps some trumped up charges. If the PC does leave the children with Count Folo he immediate discovers the count’s dastardly plan by finding a crumpled up receipt with the count’s signature on it or bumping into the alchemist that provided the count with the mind transferring potion.
You are welcome. I have been storing adventure bits in various places for a while. Most of them seemed equally applicable to a group or an individual.
I'm a big fan of framing the PC for something he didn't do. For extra fun, just have bounty hunters start showing up, and then you have the added bonus that he has to figure out what he supposedly did, before he can figure out how to prove he didn't -- likely by uncovering the conspiracy that led to his framing in the first place.
Another option -- have a villain with big plans, who has decided to be proactive, and is in the process of eliminating key individuals who might be a threat to his scheme. Start by killing off a few NPCs and eventually have the villain's hit squad come after the PC. Again, you have the fun of watching the PC try to figure out why these people are trying to kill him, eventually leading to the discovery of the overall evil plan.
CR
Even better, the hit squad is a misguided band of adventures convinced Mr. PC is an evil wizard. What is the CR for an 11th level wizard?
In my experience running a one PC campaign, you can run lower level modules with impunity. In ran a bard 6 through Dragonfiend Pact (2nd level adventure) and even with some mooks and a pseudodragon and a cleric 3, it was a challenging exciting adventure. I'm starting that same PC, now a Bard 8/Fighter 1/Rogue 1, through Crown of the Kobold King and she's already been pushed just getting to the first floor of the dungeon.
And I have to second those talking about being able to do more RP/Diplomacy/Investigation with just one player. You have no idea until you do it. You have no idea how useful starter towns become. The block of keeping everyone engaged in their own little interests is gone. Everything gets tailored to the player. It's awesome. However, you should include followers/cohorts/BFFs for someone for the PC to bound ideas off of, have the DM drop hints through, and as a bailout mechanism. In addition, with mysteries and puzzles, those become much harder when you don't have someone to brainstorm with; my player got very frustrated in one adventure when she was literally one step away from finishing the whole thing.
Apart from the ideas section, does anybody know of adventures for one character like the ones they published back in the adnd days? (I still have wizards challenge 2)
Apart from the ideas section, does anybody know of adventures for one character like the ones they published back in the adnd days? (I still have wizards challenge 2)
There are these one on one adventures that are coming out in a nice collection Look Here. I haven't played them, but they sound intriguing :)
Apart from the ideas section, does anybody know of adventures for one character like the ones they published back in the adnd days? (I still have wizards challenge 2)There are these one on one adventures that are coming out in a nice collection Look Here. I haven't played them, but they sound intriguing :)
Cheers!