The Lone Toad Newsletter - February 2024
Solo But Not Alone Hightlights!
Welcome to the February 2024 issue of the Lone Toad. Well, no denying it, 2024 has its claws stuck into us and there is no escaping. Alas! There is good news. The Solo But Not Alone 4 bundle was released last month. It has tons and tons of solo games to keep you occupied through this annual trip around the sun.
Are you enjoying the newsletter? Like it, please! I’m not desperate or anything and my self-worth isn’t tied to how many people like this…
Before we get to the meat and potatoes of the post, I just wanted to thank all of you for making the January 2024 edition the most read and liked Lone Toad newsletter ever! I write these because you all read them and (I guess?) like reading them. Otherwise, I’d just stand on a street corner yelling about solo RPG gameplay loops or what makes a good oracle. (I still may do that).
We are also nearing 200 subscribers! As of writing this, the newsletter is at 189, which is WAY bigger than I ever thought it would get. Maybe we can do something special at 200? I’ll have to think.
Also can’t get enough of me? I can’t blame you. Follow me on Threads here!
Solo But Not Alone 4
In its 4th year, Solo But Not Alone is something I look forward to every January. I’m proud to have provided a game in the bundle for the last two years (more about my game a bit later) and generally to be a part of such a great initiative. So what is Solo But Not Alone? It is a charity bundle supporting mental health in the gaming community.
All proceeds go to Take This, a charity whose mission is to decrease the stigma, and increase the support for, mental health in the game enthusiast community and inside the game industry.
There are 125 games on offer in Solo But Not Alone 4 and I’m pleased to highlight a few I think are especially cool or interesting. Most of these games are worth the $10 alone, but all of them and about 120 more? That is a steal!
People, Places & Perils by Cezar Capacle
Let’s start with People, Places & Perils, designed by the excellent Cezar Capacle (check out his other solo-friendly games such as Nexalis and Not a Demon), People, Places & Perils is a solo story-building game about exploring a wondrous land.
I like how it is beginner-friendly and a one-page game, making it a nice and easy game to start with as you work your way through the Solo But Not Alone bundle.
Haxen by Not Writing
Haxen looks super cool and I’m keen to jump into this one. It’s an RPG about exploring a shifting post-apocalyptic future with anachronistic characters. But Haxen doesn’t use Dice (whattttt I can hear you yelling through time and space). Yes, no dice.
Instead, the game utilizes runes that describe outcomes, risks, and rewards. It is based on the Blades in the Dark system.
Dragon Dowser by HatchlingDM
Dragon Dowser is an awesome Solo Journaling game using the Carta system. Basically, you’ll lay out cards in a grid and use them as a travel map, flipping cards and uncovering things as you go. The premise of the game is:
"Using your dowsing crystal, you must overcome the elements, uncover ancient mysteries, avoid the attentions of a tyrannical ruler and save the last of the dragon eggs."
If that doesn’t get you interested in playing, the AMAZING art will get your blood pumping. I think you should check it out just to look at some of the amazing pieces.
We Deal in Lead by Odin’s Beard RPG
Really leaning into the Weird West, We Deal in Lead is a solo-friendly OSR-style game. What is Weird West? Think cowboys and six-shooters but with demons and dragons and other weird mystical stuff.
I bought We Deal in Lead while it was itch Funding so I’m so happy others will get to play it through this bundle. This one is worth the $10 of the bundle alone, no doubt.
Sea Beast by Croaker RPGs
Recommending my own game? Is that allowed? I guess so! Sea Beast is an introductory adventure for Ironsworn.
“Death from below, a monster from the deep! A great Sea Beast hunts the fisherman of Karvee. Desperate and on their last legs, the people of Karvee call out for salvation. They look to you, an Ironsworn traveler, to deliver them from certain death.”
Dive into Sea Beast. Save the village of Karvee and be a hero!
Work in Progress
Night Terror
My Mork Borg Compatible doodle daydream dungeon crawl is complete and ready to go on sale! I’ll be sure to put out an announcement soon!
The Lost City of Cargoth
This Ironsworn adventure will be an entry into the RPG Talk Game Jam that has the Theme of Lost City. This adventure has you trekking into the Deep Wilds to stop (or co-opt) a great magical artifact. Will be out by the end of February!
Be sure to check out my other games here!
Other RPG Stuff
Castle Grief is playing Shadowdark solo. Check it out for a well-written (and sketched) summary of their game.
If you are interested in designing a game in 2024, this is the single best collection of game design and marketing resources online. Curated by Goblin Archives, the person who made Liminal Horror.
I’ve started my Band of Blades playthrough, check it out for some grim dark fantasy action!
SGH has started his Blades in the Dark solo actual play. It’s as good as you’d expect.
Next Month for Croaker RPGs
It seems like every month is a big month for Croaker RPGs. I’ll be releasing Night Terror and continuing to work on Lost City of Cargoth. As always to blog will continue to publish my Actual Plays and I’m aiming to do a mid-February round-up of ZineQuest games!
Be sure to check out the League of Incredible Soloists.
Thank you for Reading!
As always I write this because you all read it. Please like this newsletter and share it with others who may be interested.
Thanks for the kind words, Croaker! And awesome to see a Band of Blades solo play out there! I love that Tigeria bridge scenario.