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The Solo Adventurer's Toolbox

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Want to travel in a world where the fall of the dice can make things appear randomly? Get completely lost in this book with multiple quests and worlds of your choosing, without a DM. This book could even help you worldbuild for your very own campaign.

Scott Niedjela

This product is now available on Roll20. Click here to check it out!

The Solo Adventurer's Toolbox Part Two: The Toolbox Expanded available here!

Now released: The Sci-fi / Spelljammer Toolbox

Sick of not being able to find a game? Have a burning passion for D&D and everything it represents, but no way to indulge that passion in actual gameplay?

5e Solo Gamebooks presents The Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox. This book is the result of many months’ work and contains a complete system for generating detailed, immersive solo 5e Dungeons & Dragon adventures.  And by solo, we mean true solo, without a dungeon master. There is no shortage of solo RPG tools out there, and many of them have a system-agnostic focus. The Solo Adventurer's Toolbox focuses solely on 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons.

The Fantasy Grounds version is now available here!

Using this system, paired with 5e mechanics, you can guide your PC or PCs solo through any adventure environment, creating meaningful adventures for them as they journey in the Forgotten Realms (or a campaign setting of your choice).

The Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox covers a variety of topics including quest generation, random encounter generation, random dungeon generation, random wilderness exploration, discovering settlements, merchants and shopping, downtime activities, random NPC generation, and systems for generating infinite monster encounters all tailored towards the solo PC.

In addition to being a go-to for solo D&D gamers, it also happens to be an excellent tool for DMs as well. The breadth of tables makes it an invaluable tool for brainstorming adventure ideas. This book, paired with your creativity, will enable you to create endless adventures for your weekly game, possibly as you guide your own PC or PCs through them. 

LIST OF CHAPTERS

Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Chapters

Chapter 2: We examine the Question / Answer Mechanic that I have created for use with the resources in this book. This simple system allows you to gain answers to any question in the same way as a system like Mythic GM Emulator, but far more stripped down.

Chapter 3: Deals with travel, modes of travel, weather, camping, unmarked settlements and the like. A more detailed system for wilderness exploration is outlined in Chapter 9.

Chapter 4: Wilderness encounters. In this chapter, you will find a d100 table of random wilderness encounters, all with an open-ended nature so that they can be interpreted differently every time. You can use these, or you may choose to use the encounter generation tools in Chapter 14.

Chapter 5: The same as above, but for urban settings.

Chapter 6: The same as above, but for dungeon settings.

Chapter 7: Contains tools for generating quests for your solo PC or PCs.

Chapter 8: Contains tables for the random generation of dungeons and their contents.

Chapter 9: Contains tables for the random generation of wilderness terrain and its contents.

Chapter 10: Contains guidance on merchants and shopping while in settlements.

Chapter 11: Contains guidance on downtime activities for your solo PC.

Chapter 12: Contains some ideas about roleplay in the solo format.

Chapter 13: Tables for the random generation of any number of NPCs you might meet on your travels.

Chapter 14: A collection of tables designed to generate an infinite number of random encounters in any environment, and also answer detailed questions framed by the player.

Chapter 15: A slightly experimental chapter dealing with monster tactics.

Chapter 16: Contains tables to generate monster encounters, with difficulty adjusted for the solo PC. Tables are arranged by environment type and CR.

Chapter 17: Loot tables, Individual and Hoard, arranged by CR.

Chapter 18: An example of solo gameplay using this system.


The biggest plus is having all the tools you need to solo in one place. I've used a lot of system-agnostic GM-less tools and they tend to require a fair amount of additional supplementation to cover all the bases… The Solo Adventurer's Toolbox provides a complete system for playing 5e without a DM and a powerful tool for generating encounters, quests, NPC's and places of interest. Easily customisable to fit your game-world and level of desired complexity, with a consistent format that makes modifying the tables to fit your personal preference a breeze. This toolbox is an all-in-one gift to Solo Players!

Jay Davies

Essential for any DM, even if you have no interest in solo adventuring whatsoever! The breadth of tables and ideas presented in this document warrant the price of admission alone!

Aaron F.

The Solo Adventurer's Toolbox contains a plethora of resources to create adventures, worlds, and random encounters and events to fill your D&D sessions. It's a great resource for solo adventurers, but it's also a wonderful inspiration for DMs to create interesting and unique adventures for their players.

Kristina Chun

Imaginative and wide-reaching... I had problems taking breaks from solo-ing to play with friends!

John Todsen

I couldn't wait to get started on my personal campaign. I'm using a journal to keep myself honest and to keep for worldbuilding notes.

Josh Law from StrMod

Nice for a player. A must for a DM.

Patrick Higingbotham, NonZero Sum Games

What impressed me the most was seeing the question I had answered come to life. In solo play we can reach a level of detail that is very intuitive, rivalling even a group setting.

Timothy Arthur

All in all, this book is a must-have for those looking to explore the concept of solo play with D&D, within any campaign setting.

Please check out our other titles by clicking on 5e Solo Gamebooks at the top of this page.

Check out this great video of Ginny Di demonstrating some of the tools from this book, and from Part 2 as well.

Please check out our full range of solo adventure titles:

Death Knight's Squire

Tyrant of Zhentil Keep

Citadel of the Raven

The Tortured Land

Drums at Daggerford

Caught In A Wizard's Web

Solo Adventure Bundle 1 (First 4 solo adventures)

Solo Skirmish: The Cult of Mol'goroz

Solo Skirmish: Stone, Wood & Thunder

Eberron Solo Adventure: The Saviour of Sharn

Tables of Doom: 5E Solo Adventuring

Adventurers Wanted!: The Dread Vault of Tgozur

Adventurers Wanted: Labyrinth of Lies

Rage of the Rakasta 5e Solo Conversion

Menace of the Icy Spire 5e Solo Conversion

Ghost of Lion Castle 5e Solo Conversion

Toolbox Solo Adventure A1: The Dead Don't Sleep



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Reviews (28)
Discussions (69)
Customer avatar
Brian H October 19, 2023 4:10 am UTC
How does this compare to Sandbox Generator?
Reply
Customer avatar
Paul B November 02, 2023 1:46 am UTC
CREATOR
From what I know of that product, it is more DM-focused. This is more about generating a world as a solo player moves through it, rather than generating the broad details and lore of a world. It is about generating what you come across, as a player.
Customer avatar
Luis C September 12, 2023 1:06 pm UTC
Hi, noob here. So, I've never played D&D or any tabletop RPG. Have very basic knowledge about the subject, and don't own any other material. Is this book enough for me to get started? Or do I need something else? Thanks
Reply
Customer avatar
Mark S September 12, 2023 2:15 pm UTC
PURCHASER
This solo book is to be used along with the D&D 5th edition rulebooks. So I think if you are a complete beginner it may be a tough challenge to know how to play D&D solo. It’s possible but more difficult.

It is on the far end of the spectrum of solo gaming where you have more freedom vs. an adventure book on the other end of the spectrum where it’s more preplanned or easier rules. Recommend start out with “Four Against Darkness” because it’s all there and easier to learn. Also folks recommend “Lone Wolf” or “Fabled Lands” as an even more adventure book solo play.

Highly recommend watching “Introduction to Solo RPGs” from “How It’s Played” channel:
https://youtu.be/M1PUjbtUIlo?si=l72roxR4h0G9rO54
Reply
Customer avatar
Luis C September 12, 2023 7:37 pm UTC
Thanks for this tips! Really aprecciate it!
Reply
Customer avatar
Mark S September 12, 2023 11:12 pm UTC
PURCHASER
You are welcome! The toolbox (both editions) are excellent books.

Also consider Baulder’s Gate 3 video game if you want to know some of how the game is played. It is almost exactly like the 5e rule set.
Reply
Customer avatar
Mark S September 12, 2023 11:15 pm UTC
PURCHASER
One other thing. You can also use other role playing games along with this toolbox (not just 5e) but you would have to adjust a bit.
Customer avatar
Noni Kent K August 08, 2023 2:06 am UTC
Is this theater of the mind or does it provide visualization?
Reply
Customer avatar
Paul B August 09, 2023 1:01 am UTC
CREATOR
It's designed to be used with standard TTRPGs, so largely theater of the mind. The descriptions provided are quite detailed, however, and I've done my best to help potential players visualise (in the mind) interesting and compelling scenes.
Customer avatar
Lawrence J C July 09, 2023 9:52 pm UTC
PURCHASER
How do I send an email to Trevor Salla?
Reply
Customer avatar
Paul B July 10, 2023 10:01 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hi Lawrence. Excuse my ignorance... who is Trevor Salla?
Customer avatar
Brent R June 12, 2023 8:50 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I've purchased this pdf, but the link for "Part Two" takes me to the dmsguild where I don't have a login. Will you be adding that title to drivethrurpg?
Reply
Customer avatar
Paul B June 12, 2023 10:46 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hi Brent
Unfortunately not, it's hosted on DM's Guild as it uses WOTC IP. Does your DTRPG sign-in not work on DM's Guild? I know mine does.
Reply
Customer avatar
Brent R June 13, 2023 3:24 am UTC
PURCHASER
Ahh hadn't tried actually. I was logged in here and wasn't logged in there when I clicked the link. I'll try that - Thanks!
Customer avatar
charles B February 09, 2023 4:40 am UTC
Do you have to use 5th edition rules?
Reply
Customer avatar
Jeffrey S February 09, 2023 10:03 am UTC
PURCHASER
No. It's targeted towards 5E but compatible with most D&D like products.
Customer avatar
Joshua B February 03, 2023 10:47 am UTC
PURCHASER
Going to purchase the PDF & print it out myself. How many pages is this?
Reply
Customer avatar
Saul R February 04, 2023 5:42 am UTC
PURCHASER
167 from front to back. Let me know how your print goes please :)
Customer avatar
Benjamin N January 27, 2023 10:07 pm UTC
How well would this work for balancing the game for a duet campaign? ie. 1 player & 1 DM.
Reply
Customer avatar
Jeffrey S January 28, 2023 3:54 am UTC
PURCHASER
The book is designed to make it possible for a single PC to play without a DM. A DM using it to run for a single PC would find it just as handy as everything would be geared towards their single PC party. There are tables towards the back of the book for single PC combat encounters as well.
Customer avatar
Saul R January 18, 2023 4:46 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Anyone else attempt to print/bind this title at home? I'm curious if it's just me or is every page off-centered within the PDF, the margin on the left is larger than that of the right?
Customer avatar
scott M January 04, 2023 10:03 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I will try again. After multiple attempts at failure trying to get feedback, i'm dumb enuf to go once more. Ordered this, Cannot
make it work, have emailed and texted the author, as well as Ginny D of the video, and this board, with absolutely no response. I have questions, and think it would be better for some email exchanges as opposed to quick bites. Email is
smoellmer@yahoo.com, anyone who has successfully worked this product PLEASE email me, or it will continue to gather dust.
Ty
Reply
Customer avatar
Jeffrey S January 05, 2023 8:52 am UTC
PURCHASER
For discourse on solo role playing, check out the /r/solo_roleplaying subreddit, the associated Discord or the solo D&D Facebook group. The latter was created by the author. Each has a large community which should be able to provide you with guidance
Reply
Customer avatar
scott M January 05, 2023 6:16 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for replying. I have no idea what "/r/solo_roleplaying subreddit" means. The nearest subreddit equiv i could find has no posts more recent than 2 years ago. I am aware of Discord, but have no idea what the name of the group is i'd need to be invited to. And i could find no solo D+D group associated with Paul Bimler, sorry. Facebook solo D+D groups that i did find also have no posts beyond 2020. Do you have any links i could try?
Reply
Customer avatar
Jeffrey S January 05, 2023 9:44 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Solo_Roleplaying/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/1534486549964104/

Discord: https://discord.gg/qdnYKUqM

Good luck
Reply
Customer avatar
scott M January 05, 2023 10:53 pm UTC
PURCHASER
ty, will try. appreciate your time.
Reply
Customer avatar
Paul B January 14, 2023 8:11 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hi Scott. I hope the answers I provided in our FB group have been sufficient. I was away over New Years and probably should have been a bit more diligent checking my product pages. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Customer avatar
Cas B December 20, 2022 6:56 pm UTC
PURCHASER
This is an incredibly interesting resource, and I'm really enjoying the PDFs, however, I never received my physical merchandise. The tracking info says delivered, but it was not in my mailbox or delivered to the front office of my building, and there doesn't appear to be an easy way to contact the publisher.
Reply
Customer avatar
Beau Y December 24, 2022 7:07 am UTC
Reach out to DriveThruRPG. They're the shippers. They have excellent customer service and have fixed shipping issues for me in the past ASAP.
Customer avatar
Carlos T November 29, 2022 4:42 am UTC
Is there any chance of translating this adventure? My english is not that good and would be nice to play it in portuguese.
Customer avatar
Tim K October 03, 2022 1:59 am UTC
PURCHASER
My physical copy was shipped a month ago to Australia. It hasn't arrived yet. Is this a normal time frame? Lettermail Priority Packet shipping.
Reply
Customer avatar
Jeffrey S October 03, 2022 6:45 am UTC
PURCHASER
As a fellow Aussie, yes, that is normal. In my experience, it can take anywhere from 1.5-3 months.
Reply
Customer avatar
Tim K October 03, 2022 7:08 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks
Customer avatar
Tim V September 14, 2022 7:57 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Is there a discount for the physical books if we already have the PDF's?
Reply
Customer avatar
Paul B September 21, 2022 11:08 pm UTC
CREATOR
Unfortunately not, sorry Tim. I've tried to keep physical prices down, however, in comparison to other DM's Guild titles. The margins are pretty thin on my end.
Reply
Customer avatar
Tim V September 22, 2022 8:27 am UTC
PURCHASER
No worries. I still plan on buying them. I like physical books much more than digital.
Reply
Customer avatar
Paul B October 03, 2022 7:51 pm UTC
CREATOR
Yeah... me too!
Customer avatar
Jan C September 08, 2022 3:08 pm UTC
Can this tool box be used with existing dnd modules like ghosts of saltmarsh or curse of strahd?
Reply
Customer avatar
Paul B September 10, 2022 9:57 pm UTC
CREATOR
It can be used to add detail to existing modules, but it is mainly designed for generation of freeform adventures.
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File Last Updated:
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This title was added to our catalog on September 14, 2018.