Butch Screams | B/X D&D Solo Play — BX Brew

In this solo edition of BX Brew, the host plays through the 1981 Moldavey Basic D&D rules, finding the procedural system well-suited for solo play. During a dungeon expedition, the party, which includes two recently surrendered orcs, encounters a chest of gems they must leave behind to honor a pact with local dwarves. As the group attempts to rest, they are ambushed by a swarm of fire beetles that break down their spiked door. The episode concludes with a brutal total party kill, as the entire eight-member group is wiped out by the relentless insects.

Topics discussed

Introduction to BX Brew Solo and 1981 BX rules Technical setup and Twitch chat issues Discussion on Dwarf and Demihuman classes Recap: Kobold friendship and Dwarven King's hoard Day 3 start and resting mechanics Orcs surrender and join the party Preparation for combat and marching order Party size, retainers, and monster HP simplification Combat setup: Orc weapons and damage rules Debate on checking chest traps without a thief Using a 10-foot pole to test the trap Baldo uses pole to trigger trap safely Identifying treasure type and room rules Opening chest: Disappointing gem loot Decision to retreat from the dungeon Movement rates and wandering monster checks Spiking door and tracking torches Importance of strict timekeeping in campaigns Inventory check: Torches, lanterns, and oil Calculating rations and healing for rest Rolling for evening wandering monsters Encounter: Eight fire beetles appear Party prepares for sleep with orcs present Fire beetles attempt to break down spiked door Discussion on old module percentage rolls Beetles successfully break the door Surprise rolls and combat begins Fire beetle stats and tactical positioning First round of combat: Orcs vs Beetles Second round: Orcs and party attacks Third round: Orc killed and morale check Party status: Baldo and Torsten wounded Orcs continue fighting despite losses Cornelius moves forward to engage Initiative rolls and party attacks Bullyless wounded; threat of TPK Orc kills wounded beetle Orc morale check fails; they stay Party attacks; Cleric and Hawk roll low Lili dies; party down to half strength Confusion over initiative and turns Orcs cheer; party still six strong Party wins initiative; Orc attacks Front rank engaged; Gart's orc killed Baldo saves against fire beetle Party focuses on wounded beetle Baldo kills the wounded beetle Torsten is slain by fire beetle Fiora charges and is engaged Party wins initiative; focus fire Isadora prepares to throw oil Baldo dies; Fiora is wounded Isadora throws oil; misfire check Oil hits two beetles; damage applied Fiora attacks wounded beetle Fiora dies; party down to three Beetles surround Fiora; final moments Total Party Kill confirmed and outro

Episode summaries and topics are generated from the audio by Castria — a free podcast app that skips ads automatically. IP Geolocation by DB-IP

Butch Screams | B/X D&D Solo Play

Summary

Topics discussed