Using Word Tables In Solo Roleplaying

Word tables are an integral tool in my solo roleplaying toolkit.

They allow me to find out the ‘why’ when the oracle gives me an answer.

I use a simple D6 Oracle and so there are often times I need more information than a simple yes/no.

And this is where word tables really shine.

Word Tables for Solo Roleplaying

I have mentioned how I have created word tables in a previous post, but using the right word table at the right time is critical in giving you the best inspiration and creative push, rather than standing in your way.

I tend to use four types of word tables:

• • • Verb word table
    • Adjective word table
    • Noun word table
    • Collective word table

The first three are exactly what they say: word tables that are filled with either verbs, adjectives, or nouns, respectively. The last one is a mix of all three.

Remember, don’t take these words too literally – you can use their broader meanings or synonyms to get your idea.

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How to Use These Word Tables

I use these tables at different times for different questions.

Say, for example, I walk into a tavern looking for a specific NPC who I was told frequents that establishment.

The first question I ask the Oracle is “Is Darkin in the tavern?”

Depending on the answer I get back from my D6 oracle, will prompt me as to whether I roll on a word table. Out of the possible answers from the Oracle, I get the response: “No, but…”

This indicates a no, but there is some sort of complication or added information. To understand what this “but” is, I turn to a word table. But which one?

I need to go back to the question for the answer.

“Is Darkin in the tavern?” was the question.

This question is an action statement – Darkin is actively there or he isn’t. So, I turn to the verb table. As verbs are doing words.

I roll on the table and get “travel”.

You can also roll 2-3 times to get more options if you wish. But, in this case, “travel” gives me all I need.

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Darkin isn’t in the tavern as he is traveling somewhere.

Let’s say I was after Darkin as he had information about an illicit shipment that was going to be smuggled into the city – something that I was interested in obtaining myself.

Darkin could have left the city for many reasons: maybe he was on the run from someone, maybe he was doing some business elsewhere, or maybe visiting a loved one. At this point my character doesn’t know.

In fact, I don’t even know he is out of town – just that he isn’t in the tavern.

So, after waiting there a while for Darkin to arrive, and he doesn’t show, I ask the barkeep nicely if he knows anything. After some encouragement, the barkeep lets me know he was in here yesterday with someone else and he overheard them talking about a trip Darkin was going to make.

If using reaction rolls for the barkeep, you may want to know why he reacts the way he does. I would recommend using my “why dice”, which combines reaction rolls and a D6 oracle roll.

So, now, I ask the Oracle: “Did Darkin seem agitated?” (which is the same question I ask the barkeep).

The answer: “Yes, and…”

Again, we need to turn to a word table to find out why he was agitated.

Agitated is an adjective, but I need to know what or who made him this way, so I roll on the Noun table this time.

This time I roll on it three times and get: “conclusion”, “policy”, and “college”.

I can use one, two, or all three of these words.

Remember, don’t take these words too literally – you can use their broader meanings or synonyms to get your idea.

Given he was agitated, I am going to combine these words into the following reason:

Darkin was paid to act as middleman on a fencing job, but it turned south quickly, and now, fearing for his life due to any blowback, he has quickly left town.

Unfortunately, my character doesn’t know this, and the barkeep doesn’t know where he went. So, the character asks the barkeep who the other person was he was in here with last night.

I ask the Oracle if they are currently here.

The answer: Yes.

A solid response. The barkeep points out a young, dark-haired woman at one of the tables.

Is she by herself?

Answer: Yes, but…

Another roll on the table is needed.

This time I am going to use the verb table again as whatever the “but” is, it’s more likely to be an action. I get “travel” again.

Interesting.

I am thinking at this point that she will be meeting Darkin wherever he is. Maybe she had to take care of some business before she left.

Instead of talking to her, and getting her suspicious, I decide to tail her instead, thinking she may lead me to Darkin, eventually.

As you can see, you can use word tables strategically to give you a better – and more meaningful – result.

Over to You

Do you use word tables at all? I would love to know which ones. Let me know in the comments below.

Also, feel free to download my word tables to use in your own solo efforts.

While You’re Here…

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I will also be releasing some more products in the near future.

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