Years ago I was faced with a problem while playing Solo RPGs: I had too many NPCs to track, and didn’t have a good – or fun – way to track them.
After a few years of tinkering, I’ve created a tool that can both help track NPC relationships in your solo games, and add a fun twist to create more dynamic NPC relationships.
Using the Relationship Tracker
The NPC Relationship Tracker tool can be broken into 3 simple steps, and can work with virtually any RPG system.
- Make a relationship roll (2d6) when meeting a significant NPC for the first time, or interacting with an NPC in a significant way.
- A result of 5 or less means the NPC has a bad first impression or the interaction was negative. This results in a low relationship score and a negative modifier or disadvantage with future interactions with the NPC.
A result of 9 or more means the NPC has a good first impression or the interaction was positive. This results in a high relationship score and a positive modifier or advantage with future interactions with the NPC.
Results 6-8 mean the NPC has a neutral impression with your character, and does not result in any modifier change. - Each time your character interacts with a significant NPC, use the current modifier for that NPC. Then after the interaction, make another relationship roll, and update the NPC’s relationship score!
The tool is simple, allows for you to track the important NPCs in your solo RPG, and follow a mechanically relevant (yet easy) set of rules to your game.
It’s also quite fun when you add heat to the relationship.
Relationship Heat
When doubles are rolled, heat is added to the NPC relationship. Heat represents a special spark in the relationship – positive or negative – that allows the relationship to become bigger than others.
If the relationship is positive, this means the relationship becomes one of fast friends, a partnership, or a relationship driven by romance or lust.
If the relationship is negative, this means the relationship becomes one of enemies or rivals, with possible bullying or competition involved.
These relationships with heat add a fun dynamic quality to NPC relationships in whatever solo game you are running!
Join The Community
Thank you for checking out the NPC Relationship Tracker Tool for solo RPGs! Let me know how it works for you!
You can join our community newsletter here, which will allow you to receive updates on news around all my games.
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Thank you for being a fan of games! I’m looking forward to gaming with you!
Paper Dice Games 