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OD&D Handling Positive Monster Reaction Rolls in Solo Play

There are almost endless challenges to forming a suitable set of rules to enable solo play of Dungeons & Dragons. This hobby has kept me fully occupied in trying to solve many of the problems I have come across so far and I wouldn't want to change that. It is very much part of the fun!

A recent challenge for me has been handling positive reactions rolls by monsters. What happens? In a group game this is left up to the referee who gets to keep the players on their toes. This is difficult to recreate in a solo experience. However, I enjoy the challenge of giving it a go!

OD&D Handling Positive Monster Reaction Rolls in Solo Play

One approach I have recently been experimenting with is allowing myself (as the solo player) to decide what the outcome of a positive reaction roll will be. To make this work a finite number of options should be available that best represent what is typically offered in an OD&D game. Studying the rulebooks inside out is the best way to decide what options are most appropriate.

I've boiled some suitable options down to the following:
  1. Receive directions (randomly generate more of the underworld or wilderness map). In order to receive directions communication must be possible through shared language, remember that only 20% of creatures speak the “common tongue”. 
  2. Lure the Monster into service.
  3. Receive a bribe (a roll on the random treasure table under DISTRIBUTION OF MONSTERS & TREASURE in D&D VOL.III could be useful here.)
  4. Receive a quest from the monster in exchange for 1/2 of any guarded treasure.
  5. Exchange prisoners for ransom.
This list is not exhaustive and I can imagine that I myself will probably expand on this in time.

I've put together a PDF which includes the above and some suggested rules specific to each option. The PDF first provides some additional rules for consistently applying adjustments to the reaction rolls. Taking into account, fear, alignment, charisma and so on. I've covered this stuff in more detail in a separate article.

Random Actions by Monsters Table from "Underworld & Wilderness Adventures"
Random Actions by Monsters Table from "Underworld & Wilderness Adventures"

I'd be interested in hearing what others think of this and what options might be included that I haven't listed above.
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