
Tactical Random Design
On Quisicosas since 29 May 2025
Featured in the newsletter of
29 May 2025 (on Substack)
What it is about
1 Page Tactical Hex Design. Fills in basic elements of a scene, randomizing encounter motivation/combat. Compatible with any Fantasy TTRPG. Gather a set of TTRPG dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, d00) a blank hex grid and this one-page rule set and you're ready to roll. Set the Scene: Roll your set of dice on to the hex grid all at once, to create a scene with the corresponding tables. The d4 is rolled only one time, to give a sort of vibe for the scene. The d8, d10, d00 can be rolled multiple times to add flavor or obstacles for the grid-based encounter. The d6, d12, and d20 are considered your encounters/monsters. Combat: Once the scene is set, it is time to replace the dice with whatever tools you have in your solo toolbox. Use miniatures, blocks, anything works. I use Legos with an example down below. Using your chosen TTRPG rules, start combat initiative. Using d12 and the corresponding table can add a little more depth to your hex grid battle. With multiple PCs, roll a d6 to figure who the encounter/monster is fighting. Continue until one party flees or dies. Optional Rule: Add a little more uncertainty by giving a moral check during combat. Chose which mode you would like to play and roll a d20 every 3rd encounter turn. Good luck! Example: Using the minimalist approach, I rolled on my hex grid and replaced the dice with my visual markers. I added a few more pieces to add continuity to the scene like adding an additional pillars and extending the stream. I placed my PCs on one side of the hex grid and started the battle! PC1 = Yellow PC2 = Pink Pillars = Gray Tent = Orange Pond = Blue Trees = Green/Brown Stream = Blue/Tan Enemy Encounters = Red *I would love to see different examples from the community* Acknowledgments: Image by Albert Robida (Public Domain)