The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter delves into the nuances of solo tabletop RPGs, blending advice, game recommendations, and creative strategies for players. It discusses game mechanics, storytelling techniques, upcoming releases, and provides insights into playing solo RPGs effectively while fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.

Solo RPG Mechanics and Strategies Game Recommendations and Reviews Creative Storytelling in RPGs Upcoming Game Releases and Kickstarters Community Engagement and Support RPG Game Design and Development Solo Play Challenges and Solutions Interviews and Insights from RPG Creators Mental Health in Gaming Seasonal and Event-Themed RPG Play

The hottest Substack posts of The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter

And their main takeaways

The Lone Toad Newsletter - April 2024

179 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Solo RPGs Game design
  1. The OSR (Old School Renaissance) can bring interesting mechanics and principles into solo RPG play, such as focusing on rulings over rules and implementing reaction tables and morale checks.
  2. Retainers in solo RPGs, like torchbearers, mercenaries, and hedge wizards, can add depth and assistance to your character as they navigate dangerous scenarios.
  3. Consider trying out OSR solo RPG suggestions like Scarlet Heroes and Black Streams:Solo Heroes for a different gaming experience rooted in classic tabletop rules.

The Lone Toad - Ribbiting Adventures Issue 1

219 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Solo Play Creative Process
  1. Castle Grief prefers analog creation over digital, finding the tactile experience more engaging and personal.
  2. The world of Tarvannion was inspired by historical events and the desire for a long-form solo RPG campaign, showcasing a blend of rich storytelling and exploration.
  3. Solo RPG play offers a unique creative freedom, helping to enhance storytelling skills and provide a peaceful, meditative experience for Castle Grief.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - March 2024

159 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Solo RPGs Games Illustration Newsletter
  1. The Lone Toad newsletter is going bi-monthly, offering more content and free-flowing thoughts on Solo RPG development.
  2. Exciting new RPG called Substratum Protocol by Pandion Games launching on Backerkit March 26th, offering a unique solo survival mystery experience.
  3. Croaker RPGs is continuously releasing new games like Night Terror and An Antique Land, with more to come like the Lost City of Cargoth, showcasing their dedication to creating engaging RPG content.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - January 2024

219 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPG Solo Play
  1. Challenge your solo RPG play with unique challenges like The No Combat Challenge, The Permadeath Challenge, and Pure Random Challenge.
  2. Stay updated on upcoming solo RPG game releases and Kickstarters like the Cartograph Atlas Edition, a solo map-making RPG that offers an upgraded experience.
  3. Explore various solo RPG game recommendations, like Worlds Without Number and Wandering Worlds Volume 1, to enhance your solo gaming experience.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - Zimo 24!

119 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Visual art
  1. Zimo 24 is a time when many creators share their amazing games on crowdfunding sites, particularly solo RPG zines.
  2. A zine should be short, visually striking, and push the limits of what RPGs can be.
  3. Featured solo projects like 'Courier - Repackaged', 'MIRU 3: An Analog Defense Game', and 'Milk Bar' offer unique gameplay experiences for solo RPG enthusiasts.
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The Lone Toad Newsletter - February 2024

139 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Podcasts
  1. The Solo But Not Alone 4 bundle features 125 solo games and supports mental health initiatives in the gaming community, it's a great opportunity to explore unique games while contributing to a good cause.
  2. Some highlighted games from the Solo But Not Alone 4 bundle include 'People, Places & Perils' by Cezar Capacle, 'Haxen' by Not Writing, and 'We Deal in Lead' by Odin’s Beard RPG, offering diverse gameplay experiences with innovative mechanics.
  3. Upcoming projects from Croaker RPGs include the completion of 'Night Terror' and the release of 'The Lost City of Cargoth,' showcasing a creative journey in expanding the world of solo RPGs.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - December 2023

139 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs
  1. During the busy holiday season, solo RPGs can be a great way to enjoy tabletop gaming on your own schedule.
  2. With solo RPGs, you have the freedom to play the way you want, whether it's a quick game session or a more detailed narrative.
  3. Consider exploring new solo RPGs during the holiday season, making use of different themes and rule sets to keep the gaming experience fresh.

The Lone Toad - Ribbiting Adventures Issue 2

2 HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Fantasy Design
  1. Buffalo Castle may have been the first solo RPG adventure created, opening up a new world for solo tabletop roleplaying games.
  2. Tunnels & Trolls, developed as a simpler and more accessible alternative to D&D, paved the way for unique RPG experiences.
  3. Designing solo RPGs requires balancing storytelling and player agency, as seen in lessons learned from Buffalo Castle, the pioneering solo adventure.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - August 2023

179 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration RPG Solo RPGs Design Newsletter
  1. Hex crawling solo in RPGs can be engaging by incorporating random encounters, multiple characters, and creating stories from clues and rumors.
  2. Running a small group of characters in a solo hexcrawl adventure can advance the story and keep things interesting.
  3. Duets games, like Badger + Coyote by Pandion Games, offer a full RPG experience with less than a full group, showcasing the cozy experience of unlikely friends working together.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - September 2023

139 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Gaming Interview Recommendations Projects Updates
  1. The newsletter features an interview with Steve Morrison from Errant Adventures podcast about solo RPGs and his favorite games like Ironsworn and Starforged.
  2. Steve Morrison discusses the appeal of Solo RPGs for focusing on a single character's story and his plans to continue telling stories within a specific universe.
  3. There are recommendations for releasing a Solo Actual Play podcast, including building up a backlog of episodes and maintaining a consistent production schedule.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - July 2023

159 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
  1. Approach solo RPGs with an open mind and positive mindset, as they offer unique benefits compared to traditional RPGs.
  2. When guiding others into solo RPGs, ask about their interests and preferred play style to recommend suitable games, such as Ironsworn for its versatility.
  3. Highlighting and sharing cool solo games from niche designers can help increase visibility and promote creativity within the solo RPG community.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - June 2023

159 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Newsletters Blogging Podcasts
  1. Croaker RPGs has achieved great milestones in its first year, including high page views, popular posts, and significant game downloads and payments.
  2. Future plans for Croaker RPGs include creating more games, exploring new blog hosting options, and focusing on quality over quantity in blog posts.
  3. The newsletter highlights interesting solo RPG games like Nihilation, MIRU-II, and Wands and Laserguns, encouraging sharing and visibility within the niche solo RPG community.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - May 2023

139 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming RPG Solo Play Blogging Podcasts
  1. The newsletter discusses the choice between First-Person and Third-Person perspectives in solo games, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  2. The author recommends solo RPG games like 'The Taming of the Slugiraffe' and 'A Wonderful, Awful Idea', providing links for further exploration.
  3. Upcoming content on the blog includes a retrospective to celebrate its 1-year anniversary, along with stats about games released and more.

Happy Holidays from Croaker RPGs

19 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs News Solo RPGs Adventure Gaming
  1. Croaker RPGs sends holiday greetings and thanks subscribers for their support in the newsletter.
  2. The December Lone Toad Newsletter offers 13 RPG recommendations and a Winter Sale till 6 December 2024.
  3. Featured RPGs in the newsletter include 'Queenless,' a Solo RPG of exploration, and 'Sea Beast,' an adventure compatible with Ironsworn.

Welcome (again) to the Lone Toad Newsletter - January 2023

139 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
  1. The newsletter reflects on the ending of the Revue platform and a previous newsletter, welcoming new subscribers and offering an opt-out option.
  2. Plans for 2023 include more solo RPG actual plays and self-authored games, engaging with the community and expressing gratitude to readers.
  3. Highlights of past blog posts include tactical skirmish games, solo RPG actual plays, insights into running an Alien RPG solo campaign, and recommendations for cool solo games like Scarlet Heroes.

Queenless - A solo RPG by Croaker RPGs

79 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration RPG Solo Play Game design Fantasy
  1. In 'Queenless', you play as a Bee trying to save the hive by collecting six jars of Royal Jelly from the valley.
  2. The game features interactions with different insects like the helpful Dragonfly and the menacing Praying Mantis.
  3. Gameplay in 'Queenless' involves a unique system using cards and dice to determine success, offering an engaging solo gaming experience.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - April 2023

79 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Solo Play Game design
  1. The Lone Toad Newsletter in April 2023 is dedicated to Stoneburner, an upcoming solo-friendly RPG blending sci-fi and fantasy.
  2. Stoneburner's unique concept involves classic fantasy cultures in a sci-fi setting, making it easy for players to envision the universe without complex explanations.
  3. Designing a solo-friendly game like Stoneburner involves focusing on player-centric mechanics, solid core gameplay loops, and providing tools like oracles and rolling tables for solo play.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - March 2023

39 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Solo RPGs New releases Podcasts
  1. Favorite blog posts from February 2023 include highlights from the Solo But Not Alone 3 Bundle and a review of the game Golem - Stories of a Person Twisted By Magic.
  2. Croaker RPGs released a new game called The Ferrum Mysteries, an adventure for Ironsworn: Starforged with unique mystery elements.
  3. It's okay to take a break from solo gaming if you're not feeling it, just focus on having fun and the interest will return naturally.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - February 2023

19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Solo Play Interviews
  1. The transition to Substack from Revue went smoothly with positive feedback, maintaining the audience.
  2. February brings new content and gaming opportunities, despite varying weather conditions around the world.
  3. Exploring and enjoying quick one-shot solo RPG games can offer a refreshing break and a fun gaming experience.