After you start solo roleplaying for a while you build up a lot of books, tables, and other resources.
And while a lot of SoloRPG gamers store these electronically, I prefer to have physical items to use as solo roleplaying.
It’s one way I can disconnect from computers, tables, and phones, and just lose myself in the story that unfolds.
I have mentioned about my SoloRPG folder previously, but I see this as an evolution of what I used to use. But you still may find that post helpful.
Storage
I started with how I was going to store and carry it all.
I ended up buying a laptop bag that I knew would fit what I needed it to. I hunted for a bit, but finally found one for $10 at Office Works (a large stationary chain here in Australia).
It’s still a work in progress, but so far I have filled it with everything I need to play: notebook, grid book for maps, photocopied rules, a rule book, and stationary and dice.
Carry on reading for more information on each of these.
I’m really into playing Old School Essentials (OSE) at the moment, so that goes into the kit first. I have also made a bunch of A5-sized photocopies of most of the tools I use regularly, but more on this later.
I also hope to have my version of OSE (a new players guide) ready soon, and I will add that to the kit to replace the official OSE rule book.
I will go through each item in a picture above with a bit more detail to give you a better sense of what I use.
Mapping Grid Books
This is an A4-sized grid book I currently use for all my maps. I want everything A5-sized, so I am looking at exchanging this for the RHODIA book below (I love the RHODIA collection of notebooks).
I want everything to be A5-sized as it fits perfectly, and I can fit way more into the kit that way. Half the size, twice the quantity.
Notebook
Next is my notebook where I record all that happens on my adventures in real time. It’s a combination of new rules and tables I create on the fly, bullet-point notes, and a bit of prose. And maps too.
Plastic Container
The plastic box contains all my photocopied rules and tables that I use when solo roleplaying. It is a collection built up over the last 3 years and so is a bit eclectic.
It also contains some of my A5-sized d12 Monthly zines, which I use quite a lot.
And finally we come to the pencil case.
Pencil Case
I grabbed this one (only $10) as it was pretty robust, and it had three compartments.
The first one I use for all my stationary: pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, etc.
The other side contains all the markers and do-dads I use during the game.
As I don’t really use minis, marking down where the PCs are on the grid map instead, I use these bottle top circles for area of affect spells and lighting.
For example, the yellow one below I use for the party’s lantern light so I know how far they can see.
And the centre section, which is the largest, holds all my dice. Well, not ALL of them, but enough for what I need.
And that’s it. My kit bag.
I’m really happy with it so far, and I now have something that I can take on holidays, the library, cafes, or just at my table at home that has everything I need in a neat kit.
Over to You
What do you use for your kit? Do you have any suggestions for what to add to mine? Let me know in the comments below.
While You’re Here…
Since 2021 I have been publishing d12 Monthly, a monthly zine, which has a ton of articles for any edition of Dungeons and Dragons.
Printed copies are available in my store. The PDF is available on DriveThruRPG and you can get both, plus support my work, via my Patreon.
I will also be releasing some more products in the near future.
Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter or my contact page any time.