Triple-O: The Player Character Emulator

Play solo as the GM

Triple-O is a tool for solo RPG players who want to invert roles and play as the GM instead of a character. This resource allows you to dynamically and naturally emulate character behavior and actions, making it ideal for running published adventure modules or exploring your own creations.

Originally released as a one-page tool that sold more than 500 copies, this expanded zine edition builds on that foundation with clearer explanations, additional use cases, real-play examples, and a wider set of tables. No bloat, no filler, no complications. Just polished and enriched! 

Its engine is based on one core assumption:

Your character will do the most obvious thing—unless there is a reason not to.

Every time such a reason comes up, you think of three possible actions (the Triple-O):

• The Obvious — the default, expected action.
• The Option — a reasonable alternative that still makes sense.
• The Odd — something unexpected, coming a bit from left field.

You then resolve which one happens through a simple procedure, supported by spark tables that help you interpret character traits, moods, and situational pressures. Those traits can be pulled directly from any character sheet, regardless of system, or generated with the provided random tables.

Triple-O is useful in many scenarios: 

• Run published adventures: GM a group of emulated characters through any adventure module.
• Explore your creations: Test your world-building, adventure design, or even your session prep against unpredictable character behavior.
• Delegate actions: Focus on a primary character while using Triple-O to emulate hirelings, allies, or secondary characters.

 54 pages, 8.5 x 6 inches, full color RPG Zine