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Solo Campaign Frameworks

Choose one framework or blend elements to create your own.

1. Lone Wanderer

Concept: You're a solo explorer, trader, or exile surviving across settlements. Build reputation, gather resources, and carve out a place in the world.

Structure:

  • Session = one mission or journey
  • Track reputation with factions (5-point scale: hostile to allied)
  • Build resource stockpile over time
  • Long-term goal: establish home base, gain faction membership, or achieve legendary status

Key Mechanics:

  • Use Mission Generator for each session
  • Track water tokens, equipment, and faction standing
  • Introduce recurring NPCs (allies, rivals, contacts)
  • Catch your breath = arrive at new settlement or find shelter

2. Settlement Caretaker

Concept: You manage a small outpost (20-50 inhabitants). Deal with resource shortages, external threats, and internal disputes.

Structure:

  • Session = one crisis (water shortage, superstorm, diplomatic incident)
  • Track settlement resources: Water (1-10), Power (1-10), Provisions (1-10)
  • Track population morale (1-10)
  • Long-term goal: achieve stability (all resources 7+) or relocate

Key Mechanics:

  • Use Complication Tables to generate crises
  • Each session, roll d6: 1-2 = resource depletes 1 point, 3-4 = stays same, 5-6 = improves 1 point
  • Morale changes based on how you resolve crises
  • Catch your breath = one week passes, resources shift

3. Caravan Escort

Concept: You're a trader or guard protecting caravans between settlements. Navigate weather, predators, and politics.

Structure:

  • Session = one journey segment (settlement to settlement)
  • Create route map with 3-5 waypoints per journey
  • Roll for complications at each waypoint
  • Track cargo (type and value), employer reputation
  • Long-term goal: join caravan guild, establish trade monopoly, or retire wealthy

Key Mechanics:

  • Use Location Generator for waypoints
  • Use Environmental Events and Predator Encounters at each waypoint
  • Catch your breath = reach settlement, resolve cargo delivery
  • Build relationships with recurring employers and rivals

4. Ruin Seeker

Concept: You investigate ancient Earth technology and Duskaran mysteries. Explore Deep Roads, day-side ruins, and alien structures.

Structure:

  • Session = one expedition into dangerous location
  • Use loot checks to find clues and artifacts
  • Build mystery over multiple sessions (e.g., "What caused the Stellar Horizon to crash?")
  • Track discoveries in journal
  • Long-term goal: decode major mystery, recover legendary artifact, or publish findings

Key Mechanics:

  • Use Location Generator (focus on ruins, caves, day-side)
  • Use Complication Tables for environmental hazards
  • Introduce rival explorers and faction interference
  • Catch your breath = return to settlement, catalog findings
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