Sign in

iiinova is part of the Atmosphere — an open, public network where you own your identity.

The Soloist

@the-soloist.itch.io
3.4K followers 853 following 547 posts

Worked on games you played 20 years ago like The Sims 1&2, Mass Effect 2&3, Dragon Age. Now making and writing about tabletop RPGs. soloist.substack.com | SOLO BORG Kickstarter

PostsRepliesMedia
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 14h
Completed Star Wars: Zero Company tonight. Despite some game crashing bugs (the two in the last mission were crushing), this is my favorite PC game of 2026. Great writing, level design, pacing, variety and flavor. Looking forward to more missions in the future!
090 9
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 06/10/2026
Cats messing with your games is nothing new. Saw this on a 17th century Japanese screen at the National Museum of Asian Art in DC.
36518 65
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 28/09/2026
I’m running Dino Island tomorrow night for the first time. Any players or Dino Masters have any stories about great experiences or recommendations? #ttrpg
1112 11
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 18/09/2026
Working on a little setting for the Vaults of Vaarn Jam (and Hobbit Day). #ttrpg
4417 41
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 31/08/2026
How could I pass up this adorable Karl the Fog patch at the San Francisco Pen Show?
0110 11
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 06/03/2026
0100 10
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 06/03/2026
Played Old Morris Cave by @timhutchings.bsky.social. It's a solo archaeology game where you excavate a cave that's been used continuously for 1000 years. You build a strata map from the bedrock up, drawing layers every d6 inches and past events (campfires, bones). Here's my map: #soloRPG
3345 34
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 04/03/2026
Mail call! Picked up some new books during the @ospreygames.bsky.social sale!
2240 24
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 31/01/2026
Do you have a recommendation for a solo RPG that’s easy to pack and play on a plane? I have a long flight coming up and need a few. I’ll post your pics and my thoughts in an upcoming issue of The Soloist. #solorpg #ttrpg #thesoloist
156516 65
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 28/01/2026
Here’s another.
130 3
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 21/01/2026
There is nothing more ironic than an ICE agent wearing a Gadsden flag patch on their body armor while beating protestors. The state doesn't get to claim "Don't Tread on Me." Take it back.
0130 13
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 21/01/2026
The Yes/No Oracle is an esssential piece of your solo RPG toolkit. The newest issue of The Soloist tackles when and how to use it, types of questions to ask, and handling the "Buts" and "Ands." soloist.substack.com #solorpg #ttrpg
YES/NO ORACLE
 d6	 Answer	 Interpreting
 1	 No, and...	 Add a cost or increase intensity.
 2	 No.	 No. 
 3	 No, but...	 Add a silver lining or alternative.
 4	 Yes, but...	 Add a complication, cost, or twist
 5	 Yes.	 Yes.
 6	 Yes, and...	 Add a benefit or increase intensity.

•	Ask a question as you might ask a GM.
•	If the answer could benefit the character, frame it so "Yes" is the win.
•	Even Odds: Roll 1d6.
•	Likely: Roll 2d6, keep the highest.
•	Unlikely: Roll 2d6, keep the lowest.
07420 74
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 21/10/2025
🧑‍🚀 I'm working on The Soloist's annual sci-fi special edition. It's always a popular issue and my favorite to write. If you have recommendations for new/upcoming games to include or suggestions for other sci-fi features, reply, send a DM, or write me at patrick@soloistgames.com. #solorpg #ttrpg
1249 24
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 27/09/2025
🚨 Scam Alert 🚨 Someone posing as my “cousin” (names used: Parker or Ryan) is contacting Kickstarter creators offering consulting services. This person is not related to me, not affiliated with me, and is a fraud. Ignore, report, and block.
2199 19
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 27/09/2025
When asked "Why play solo RPGs?", I try to hit: - Flexibility: play anytime - Creativity: build your own worlds, characters, stories - Skills: learn systems, practice GMing - Focus: center on one character - Immersion: explore personal experiences and emotions - Community: share your stories
47921 79
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 24/09/2025
Do they make tiles? I could replace my bathroom floor!
140 4
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 24/09/2025
030 3
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 24/09/2025
When the awesome sci-fi film Prospect hit theaters in 2018, writer-directors Chris Caldwell and Zeek Earl released a Guide to the Green Moon. Brilliant worldbuilding just for the hell of it. Ready made for a @mothership.bsky.social mission. #TTRPG
2122 12
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 14/09/2025
Every time I see the AccuWeather icon on my phone, I see the Imperial Sunburst, symbol of the 3rd Imperium (Traveller). #ttrpg
AccuWeather logoImperial Sunburst (Traveller)
0260 26
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 11/09/2025
How do you answer your phone?
020 2
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 08/09/2025
✍️ I'm working on a piece for the next issue of The Soloist about journaling tips for solo RPGs. What do you find useful when keeping a record of your solo play? Would love to here your ideas and resources. #Soloist #soloRPG
1910537 105
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 03/08/2025
Gen Con 2025 is in the dice bag! I had an incredible time thanks in no small part to the company of Jason Lutes, @jpcoovert.bsky.social and @outridercreative.bsky.social. Awesome chats with so many great indie #TTRPG folks like @explorersdesign.bsky.social (in pic) and @willjobst.bsky.social!
1440 44
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 28/07/2025
That moment you realize the painting in your living room is the view from Starfleet Academy. 🖖 #startrek
1572 57
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 19/07/2025
160 6
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 14/07/2025
#TTRPG mail call! Backed these a long ago and they both arrived today! Some books I get for reading, these I want to get to the table! I didn’t realize Coriolis had solo rules. Will need to give those a shot soon.
4452 45
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 02/07/2025
🎲 Over the past 2 years, 26 TTRPG creators have played The Inquiracle, The Soloist’s self-interview microgame where they roll dice to generate a question that they then answer. I’ve put together an index so you can check out their responses, insights, and surprises. #solorpg #ttrpg
2184 18
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 21/06/2025
New issue of The Soloist is out today! soloist.substack.com #soloRPG #ttrpg
13113 31
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 28/05/2025
SOLO BORG's May Update is out. Backers get it automatically. It dives into charadcter classes and how they're an integral part of the solo design. Each update includes art from the book. This one is for The Hunted class by @somaticmaterialcomp.itch.io www.kickstarter.com/projects/the... #TTRPG
070 7
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 20/05/2025
The Egyptian Embassy in DC has some truly awful AI gen travel posters. Visit Egypt! Decipher new hieroglyphics. Wonder at the palm obelisks!Behold the horrifying face of the sphinx!
1100 10
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 19/05/2025
Rascal News It almost goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, that @rascalnews.bsky.social is a must read for anyone interested in indie TTRPGs. Covers literally everything: reviews, previews, APs, miniatures, community organizing, fundraising, and investigative writing. Go support them!
1134 13
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 19/05/2025
I love getting fresh #TTRPG goodies in my inbox. It's hard to keep up with Discord and Reddit can feel like a firehose. Newsletters are covenient, curated, and calm. Here are some of my favorites (in thread). What are you reading?
3183 18
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 11/05/2025
🚨 SCAM ALERT: I've been told that someone is impersonating me on Facebook using the account "Patrick Soloist." It looks like a phishing scam. Please report or ignore.
394 9
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 01/05/2025
Wishing the jack-of-all trades and merchant prince(esses) out there a happy Traveller Day! May you survive character creation! Check out my interview with Traveller Marc Miller in The Soloist archives: soloist.substack.com/the-sci-fi-issue #travellerday
1277 27
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 25/04/2025
First I’m hearing about the EP! And I just played the base game last weekend.
030 3
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 10/04/2025
🎤 Solo Actual Plays are having a moment I’m gathering recommendations for solo APs — podcasts, YouTube channels, blogs, and more. Have one? Got a favorite? Drop it in this form: forms.gle/LPGrPFLBxFvB... I’ll share highlights in an upcoming issue of The Soloist! #ActualPlay #soloRPG #TTRPG #AP
Image of a microphone with text on the top that reads "Recommend a solo AP" and on the bottom that reads "THE SOLOIST"
66437 64
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 09/04/2025
Repost with a favorite book from childhood.
3180 18
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 04/04/2025
Just wrapped-up writing the special Dungeon Delving issue of The Soloist and it's packed! 📬 Hiitting your in-box Friday, April 4 - 3:00PM UK, 7:00AM PT Free subscription: soloist.substack.com #TTRPG #soloRPG
0232 23
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 31/03/2025
✍️ I'm writing a special Dungeon Delving issue of The Soloist. I’d love your recommendations for solo games and supplements focused on exploring, creating, or running a dungeon. Looking for your favorites and hidden gems! And feel free to share why they stand out to you. Issue out this week! #ttrpg
84213 42
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 27/03/2025
I've had the PDF of Star Trek Adventures SOLO Captain's Log for awhile, but @modiphius.bsky.social has print on sale for 1/3 off. Now I just have to decide which cover to get! #ttrpg #solorpg #startrek
270 7
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 25/03/2025
I have this set too!
120 2
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 18/03/2025
💀 SOLO BORG launches on Kickstarter March 25! 🤘 A standalone solo #TTRPG of doom, ruin & grim survival--play MORK BORG on your own. 🌏 Systems for worldbuilding & quests 🎲 Dozens of random tables to fuel chaos ⚔ Lite bookkeeping, fast play, pure misery Follow: www.kickstarter.com/projects/the...
77720 77
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 17/03/2025
As a child of the 70s, I recommend classic Johnny Quest. I mean the cryptids are usually humans wearing a rubber mask, but it's a fun show and adult-watchable.
090 9
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 06/03/2025
📣 Public service reminder that Drive Thru RPG gives you the ability to turn off seeing AI-generated content. It relies on self-reporting, so it's not perfect. But if seeing AI-gen "art" burns your eyes and soul, it'll help. More info here: help.drivethrurpg.com/hc/en-us/art... #ttrpg
36932 69
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 04/03/2025
DriveThru RPG's big sale is on! It's called "GM's Day" but there are a bunch of GM-less and solo-friendly games too. Two of my favorites on sale: 🚀 Across a Thousand Dead Worlds www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/4... 🎲 Mythic GM Emulator 2 www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/4... #ttrpg #solorpg
0225 22
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 01/03/2025
Joined the Tesla protest today in Berkeley. I endorse mariachi bands at all demonstrations!
0458 45
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 27/02/2025
Deadline is a news-chronicling, map-making GMless RPG where you are a reporter in a city of your own creation. Read my play session (of steampunk Venice-inspired Lunicia) here: soloist.substack.com/p/solo-sessi.... Deadline just released here: www.wanderers-tome.com/shop/p/deadl... #ttrpg #solorpg
0163 16
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 22/02/2025
The new issue of The Soloist features 10 Zine Quest gems that look great but haven't yet reached their funding goals. Most are solo or GMless RPGs. Check them out soon, some only have hours left to crowdfund! soloist.substack.com/p/10-zine-mont… #TTRPG #zimo #zinequest
04927 49
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 10/02/2025
After I'm done with SOLO BORG, my next project is a 2d6 sci-fi solo game. I've love the idea of the lone IISS field scout exploring uncharted systems and planets in their Type-S ship. Surviving hostile environments, competitng with other scouts for fame, dealing with the Bureaucracy.
2274 27
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 06/02/2025
I think this is a good excuse to post cat pictures. Here is my daughter's cat who will be moving out of our house into his new appartment this month. I'll miss the big fella.
130 3
The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 03/02/2025
Affinity users! Check out Hikodo's cool tip on making funky city maps. Here is my first test. Can't wait to experiment more. Thanks Hinokodo!
1142 14