Four Houses in Amber

[zircher]

I created a solo framework for Amber Diceless a while back and posted it on G+.  I figure it wouldn't hurt to mention it here.
http://tangent-zero.com

Actually doing a solo run on the Sunday Skypers forum as time permits.  It will be interesting to see how that turns out.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to fire away.

[finarvyn]

I downloaded it and am trying to decipher what I am reading. Do I understand correctly that the intent is to have a card-based method of playing ADRP solo?

[zircher]

Exactly, it uses a tarot deck (since it matches the Amber theme) to help set scenes, answer questions, and generally inspire the GM (either as a person or a role that the solo player takes.)  

Some examples...

GM: Let's grab a card to start the game in media res... The Tower, hoo boy!
 
Something itched his nose as Lee slept.  He dreamed of a mouthwatering barbecue while drinking a cold brew with Lorna.  She was looking hot, a smoky hot brunette with a winning smile and hazel eyes.  Smoke?  He looked down and noticed that his shorts were on fire.  That was about the time that the fire alarm shattered his dreams and Lee bolted upright.
 
Lee: Is the room on fire?  Is Lorna with me?
 
GM: No and no, there is smoke curling under the door.
 
Lee: I'll jump out of bed and check the door.
 
GM: The fan-girls will want to know, what are you wearing and what does the room look like?  Oh, the door is hot enough to cook on.
 
Lee: Uh, black silk pajama with orange tiger stripes.  It looks like a generic dormitory room.  It's a bit curious in that it lacks most personal touches and there are no signs of electronic devices.  I grab my go-bag, it's essentially all the stuff I care about.  

and

GM:  The day is young.  Harri and Murdock follow your footsteps.  Every now and then Murdock says something in faux Latin and zaps an ember with his ice wand to ensure that it will not re-kindle another fire.  What are you looking for?
 
Lee: Clues, doubt that I am going to find any answers.  "Harri, be on the lookout for anything out of place."
 
GM: Let's ask the deck, 5+ to find a clue; The Emperor reversed, The Chariot, and the Ten of Wands.  That's a solid yes and more.  
 
Harri points off to the left, "You mean like that summoning circle and the brass book that should rightful be a pile of ashes?"  Murdock steps around you two and gets a closer look.  "I know that face."  He gingerly tests and then picks up the tome.  "Hmff, still warm."  He then proceeds to messily blow off the ashes covering it.  Up close you can see that the brass cover has been cast in bas-relief with the face of a demon, curved horns, goat-like beard, and very realistic eyes. Murdock, always the teacher, stops to explain, "It's the Tome of the Fire Lord, dangerous magic.  It would be stupid for a student to try and use this.  How did it get out of library?"
 
Harri shrugs, "Maybe it was summoned?"  The Professor at first moved to dismiss the idea, pauses, and begins to examine what is left of the circle.  He motions Harri to follow.  Lee, that's when you notice a half burned piece of paper that was under the book.
 
Lee: Oh, the book might have been fire-proof, but any paper sticking out from underneath it would have gotten burned.  I, of course, pick it up.
 
GM:  You immediately realize that it is too stiff for paper.
 
Lee: Parchment?
 
GM:  Flipping it over you realize that it is a card back, a tarot card back.  Flipping back to the face you look at the ruined card.

[zircher]

In the above examples from a solo game that I'm playing, I basically have two roles; Lee Gale and the GM.  As with any RPG, it's a conversation.  In the first example, we use a card draw to set the scene and then run with it.  You shouldn't draw a card every time there is a question, just when you need a spark or the GM wants to throw in a possible random twist.  In the second example, we've got the deck answering a question and elaborating on it.  Prior to drawing, I had no idea what clues were going to be there.  In short order, I had suspects, the beginnings of a plot, and a plan of action from the 'good guys'.

[zircher]

In case you're curious about what that looks like, here is the full text for part 1.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ToddZircher/posts/DfUV451BUFk