The BEST book for improving your Solo Roleplaying Skills! (Title is clickbait but vid is good)

[@brandoncox7672]

BABE!! Wake up! Man Alone just dropped another video!! Best KZbinr out there, keep up the stellar work!

[@amanisalone]

Babe is referring to Babe the pig in this comment

[@Werelord22]

I think this is a fascinating topic. Rather than being sprinkled in amongst your other videos however, I think it deserves its own ‘mini series’ denoted in the title, like “The Psychology of Solo RP” or similar. That way, those who want to engage with this more ‘academic’ side of the hobby on your channel can, while those who are here to see cool games can easily tell them apart from your other videos. I personally enjoyed this a lot!

[@DesertDwellerSoloGaming]

Damn dude, I could write a crazy long comment about this video right now and join in some deep discourse, but instead I think I just want to say one thing: This is an EXTREMELY important video for solo gaming. I cannot overstate that enough.

[@amanisalone]

Thank you my friend - and BOY am I about to record a treat for you!! (not THE treat, but a treat nonetheless)

[@SaintSolo]

This was a Great time for me, I'm very much into this style of thinking and self reflection. I hope you lean in this just a bit more on your channel I think this could help a lot of people bridge the gap for solo play

[@amanisalone]

I am here to serve my friend

[@axtmann]

- Cat concealer - Flail - Medicine ball - Windproof firestarter - Plant dryer - Door draft seal

[@Jilluminum]

I've noticed that when I take a step back from my solo adventures, sometimes it feels like reflecting on a really vivid dream. Certain themes and bits of imagery start popping up repeatedly that feel so important to dig into for some meaning. A reward under cold water that's too deep to avoid drowning, having to act self destructively for a goal that might not be worth it or a character who wouldn't do the same in return, trying to help people and hurting them instead. Besides these games just being super fun, it has felt really productive to look at them as another window to stuff I didn't know I needed to think about. I love the idea that other people are experiencing something similar through this hobby. It's been a surprisingly profound healing activity

[@ChadRobb]

Wow, Man. I am impressed by the suggestion that playing better solo can be attained by more intimately understanding your unconscious self. An important contribution to the hobby and discussions which develop around it. I've been watching your videos for a while and they inspire me to look deeper at the kind of experience I want to have. And how I provide experiences to myself.

[@vintoks]

Catching farts in jars, brief Jung concepts, and divergent and convergent thought exercises... All wrapped up with a solo roleplay tie in with a dash of humor. Well done!

[@liammctaggart9840]

This was honestly super profound for me and challenged my thinking a lot. Generally I'm way on the other end of thinking in terms of creativity. I like the idea that "inspiration" is a completely outside force. As a writer, I usually wait for inspiration to arrive, and then once it does, I don't even do anything with it, I just let it interact with other inspirations until an entire story has been delivered to me apparently by "someone else". So the idea of just saying "fork, putting green... ummm Greg was eating when he first heard about my grandma's minor leagure golf career" (like I don't even know if I did that right) - point being, I have trouble letting myself get away with deciding on something that doesn't feel "inspired" and instead I'm forcing into existence. However, I do believe in the collective unconscious, and when thinking of those side by side, there's a pretty direct connection. In fact, this way of thinking sounds incredibly important. I didn't expect all this when I first started following you. Very interesting.

[@amanisalone]

I am so glad you shared this. Previously in my life when I was "inspired," it made me feel arrogant. Now it makes me feel grateful. I am grateful whenever the great unconscious pokes itself out into the physical world through my pen/keyboard

[@pvt.prinny759]

This has nothing to do with anything really but i’ll say it anyway, you have the most random intro i’ve ever seen and i love it. I mean just some old granny maybe one seal, why not

[@sitfrogsit]

Holy shizzle, this is THE GOOD STUFF! Will be listening again. More more more! And this is hitting me at 48:43 "Whatever it is, let it in. Let it happen. Stop trying to control the story, because when you do that it's boring. Let the story confuse you, let it frustrate you...."

[@amanisalone]

lol Holy Shizzle is the title of the secret unfinishing final book by Jung (and thanks for the comment, so glad it connected with you!)

[@SalvadorFlowers]

Not gonna lie at some point I was so engaged that I forgot that this was about solo roleplaying. Good stuff.

[@ronruger7160]

1) Fuzzy Flail. 2)Poor man's lawn dart. 3) Extremely small dining table. Brilliant video. Really needed this today. Apprecite your channel

[@adamlester2204]

Parents, peanut butter and tuna sandwiches. Man Alone's "live, laugh, love."

[@justinsutton3943]

I would use the brick and blanket to create an alarm system that would drop a brick on my stomach unless I get out of bed.

[@amanisalone]

lol oh my gosh okay this is sadistic and also there are some mornings that I desperately need this

[@judgegroovyman]

I usually have to go over topics from several perspectives before they sink in, in lieu of that I go over the same topic several times. This is such an important video that no ioke if you feel inspired to make another video like this or go over any of these concepts again in the same or different ways, it would be valuable for me at least

[@markstevenson7321]

Great commentary on how to solo. I like the incorporation of Jung! Favorite quote: "woozshy woozshy navel gazing"

[@Scibelius]

That was deep...as the fart and the jar was hilarious. I'm in somewhat of a psychological pickle at the moment.. Guess you're functioning as an accidental therapist to me. And I'm my own as well.. Never seen it that way but solo roleplaying has been my buble to retreat into for some time. Nice to realize it'snot only an escape but supporting the healing. As for the blanket and the brick... It could be a diving weight or weigh down whatever else you'd wrap in the blanket😅.. Or tie the corners to the brick. Throw it from a high place just for fun.

[@amanisalone]

why does my mind immediately go to farts and jars.. ALL THE TIME. (I've been on my own a lot in my life, I think sometimes it felt so lonely that my stomach hurt. But I found something in that loneliness, something I couldn't do without).

[@Scibelius]

Well I for one am thankful for your struggles if it made you make these video's. 😅 Guess we all have ours to a degree and have to find a way. That can be a lonely path. But with solo rpg's to busy our minds. Hope you're doing good.

[@jojophalphouvong9801]

Holy crap this whole video is a trip. Love Jung, and reading his work is always so cerebral in the best sense. There is a copy of the Red Book at my university library and paging through it is other worldly really. I've been really blessed to page through it in person, and honestly it was awesome to hear you talk about Jung books

[@DesertDwellerSoloGaming]

Video 11 (8 of 3) of me liking and then commenting on every new upload to beg Papa Man Alone for Mork Borg Gameplay and/or Campaign.

[@amanisalone]

I should mention that both dreams AND nightmares are worth interpreting!!! No reason for saying that, just thought of it!

[@Нищ-т2ы]

Man, this is amazing, you made me tear up a little at the end from all the deep realisations.

[@amanisalone]

This made me so happy to hear. This is the greatest reward doing these videos can offer. Thank you. Pay it forward to the next guy when you can.

[@Нищ-т2ы]

@@amanisalone No, thank you! RPGs and psychology are two of my biggest passions and I always knew they are deeply connected, although I didn't know how exactly. But this video has been an eye opener. And, yes, I plan on starting a channel in my native language (Bulgarian), because I see my people can benefit a lot from this and even heal a little. Your channel is a big inspiration!

[@richardstockham5847]

The bravery to say what you believe in this audience. I don't believe as you do, but I see the value of that belief. I didn't expect so much value in a channel outside of the obvious utility topic. Thanks.

[@ryanbartlett672]

Good work. That was an interesting connectiin. Just started Neumanns extension of Jung and am tryi g to ramp up on solo rpg again

[@amanisalone]

seems we have some synchronicity here hmmm, might be time for you to rise in the hobby once again.

[@adub_from_253]

Hahaha love the transparency of the title. 🙌🏼😄💖 “number 4 will leave you SPEECHLESS!”

[@OldDesertGal]

IMHO, we are DNA driven to Create (big C). Wooden Club to Moon Landing in an instant. If the process of Creation was not pleasurable (brain chemistry), we would still be in the trees. Solo Gaming, once you 'get' it, is a pure Creative experience. Akin to carving a sculpture, painting the Mona Lisa, launching a rocket.

[@amanisalone]

As much as it pains me to agree with this Adlerian, I must...our work is an extension of ourselves. I think all the work we do big and small is a literal outgrowth of our soul into the physical world. (Also kidding about Adler I'm cool with the Ad-heads far and wide)

[@Aria-pj6gn]

I was thinking about solo roleplaying for a few years, but didn't find any helpful videos. And after many attempts to find something, here's this video which didn't give me clear instructions on how to play solo, but it blew my mind so I started trying to figure it out myself 😂 Thank you! I think it was even more helpful, than what I wanted.

[@aaronparker7898]

Heat the brick next to campfire and place it under the blanket and have a bed warmer so your feet dont get cold

[@SentientSoup]

I am glad to have found your channel. I have subscribed and am deeply appreciative of your content and your openness. I believe if we had more open doors we, ourselves, would be less shut off. Open doors, my friend. The gift of seeing past the shell is immeasurable Thank you for sharing your yolk.

[@amanisalone]

I couldn't be more grateful for your comment, and unintentionally amazing that your YT handle is sentient soup, which is often how I think of this whole cosmic miasma

[@SentientSoup]

I agree, brother. Thank you ☀️😁🌙🍲

[@MostlyAnOutsider]

Robert Johnson, the author of He, She, We, also did a book called Inner Work which is all about active imagination.

[@no_you_hang_up]

I highly recommend this book.

[@finbob6762]

I play in a weekly online DnD cosmic horror game. My gnome wizard is dramatic, comedic and ridiculous. In between sessions I journal one or two paragraphs of this gnome's inner thoughts, staying away from the main plots and dealing with tangents that stick in my brain. This journal is there for all to see and I occasionally post one straight to our discord chat. I am fairly certain the rest of the group is there to roll dice and kick butt. They tolerate my roleplay with benign amusement even if I think they probably would be just fine without it. I am going to keep it up regardless as I enjoy my internal playfulness. I believe it helps me keep my characters voice more consistent. I am also looking forward to reviewing all my writing after a year of this game goes by. I am sure that somehow this post relates to Man Alone's great video. Somehow!

[@amanisalone]

I co-sign this 100% - so happy to hear that you are playing for YOU because ultimately we give the most when we are most fully situated within ourselves. Good on ya and thank you for sharing

[@primepiplup]

This has been an enormously inspiring listening experience. I would definitely like more of this, if that’s something you feel like creating. You could use the brick and blanket to mimic carrying a baby

[@mingus_catalog]

when you said hard candy + yacht, my mind went to: someone doing co(the white powder) on a yacht

[@amanisalone]

if I know one thing, it's that someone IS doing that right now. Godspeed to them.

[@johnmarcgreen]

Trent doing well in Sarasota made me laugh way too hard for much longer than I would have expected. 😂 your content is worth it for gems like that. Keep being you

[@amanisalone]

I still think of him sometimes...when I'm lonely...or after I trip and bang my head into a garage door...

[@thicctynine]

sorry about a third comment. youtube keeps eating them, otherwise I would edit. active imagination sounds interesting. I've done a lot of lucid dreaming in the past (which is why I found the "blowing your nose" thing especially funny, since that's one way of going lucid in a dream). Is most of the information for that in the book, or are there more specific resources for it? Maybe google can get me to where I need to be on it, but just asking out of curiosity.

[@amanisalone]

I have this one, there is no single book on it, but it is a collection of Jung’s writings on active imagination and I think it is a really good starting guide (apologies for huge dumb link from Amazon): www.amazon.com/Jung-Active-Imagination-C-G/dp/0691015767/ref=asc_df_0691015767?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693674918151&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3863350353103666899&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1025772&hvtargid=pla-451368424036&psc=1&mcid=014ec3baf8ca3b58bcbe7cba3fc6df78&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3df40bqUhgMVetjCBB2uwgfUEAQYASABEgLh-_D_BwE&dplnkId=a0d24d68-023a-4c83-9400-ffdf93de8f00&nodl=1

[@surtalogi99]

"Let that knight tell you what they want to do". Great viewpoint. All decisions/actions/events made when I play solo are done via a combination of words (adverbs,adjectives,nouns and verbs) from dice rolls. Let the knight be the dice.

[@Xeweros]

wrap the brick with the blanket to get a pillow a shitty grapple hook

[@Bogrin]

Fart in a jar sold me for sure!!

[@marcuselias4412]

Not gunna lie this video was a slog to get through lol, but those last ~10 minutes are gold. I'm glad I kept going, even if I don't understand psychology much. Honestly it's reassuring as well. I'm not the most creative person, so being told to trust my imagination is something I'm going to rely on.

[@The-Gate-House-Grognard]

I'm not sure what's up with the seals but I like them

[@claudiomonteverdi7126]

gem of a video

[@johnnieoperator]

Just wanted to say what a great video. Very interesting.

[@FlintFireforge]

Chet Spasman will be my next character. He will be an Aasimar lifeguard.

[@amanisalone]

HAHAHA I watched this video back and was like "of all the random things I've ever thought of...what is CHET SPASMAN and where did it come from???"

[@FlintFireforge]

@@amanisalone Back to dream analysis, I guess 🤣

[@OldDesertGal]

Excuse my serial commenting. After this, I went to my local library to obtain The Hero With a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. A perfect bridge from Jung to RPGs.

[@brettlawson5679]

Was baited to click but he was right. The video was good

[@aristospagang2446]

this is art

[@UncleFloydWing]

For the brick and blanket I could only come up with a flail or an uncomfortable pillow.

[@amanisalone]

if the flail is good enough, it is sort of a "pillow," in as far as it puts you *right to sleep* (i.e. permanently)

[@RoadDeerGames]

I want across a thousand dead world stuff!

[@HatsAlEsman]

All right, my blanket and brick ideas mostly involved using it as a sling/swing. So putting it on a tree branch or ledge and using it as a hammock with the brick at the top of it or putting the brick on top of a bit of the blanket on a cart and using it to pull something, or tying the brick up and just waving the brick around in the blanket as an improvised mace. As for the rest of the video, I really liked it. I typically don’t dream that much but the nights I do the dreams can get very interesting. I once dreamed of a plane based cult. I wish I could remember what the leader was saying because it sure sounded convincing. Another night I dreamed I was in a limousine with a black E celeb who is encouraging me to get all my racial slurs out before big red carpet event. I am not sure whether he was trying to get them all out-of-the-way or insight heated gamer moments or if he was just powering himself up off of my slurs.

[@SaintSolo]

Aww back on schedule lol

[@amanisalone]

I knew you were counting on me

[@ricardo.mazeto]

I like your sense of humor. 🤔

[@liquefiedpork]

I wish I could remember my dreams more acurately. From what I usually recall they are off the wall and far from reality. Do you remember all of yours and if so, do you have any tricks on doing so?

[@marcuselias4412]

Have a notebook, voice recorder, or something you can use to record your thoughts easily. Make it readily available so as soon as you wake up, grab it and write down as much as you can remember. You start forgetting your dream immediately, and most is gone after a few minutes, but your brain will get better at retaining the information after doing this for a while. What helped me was putting down a lot of quick key words, like 'red cloud', 'driving to store', 'friend said _ _ _' for significant moments throughout the dream. This helped me remember the earlier parts of the dream which are often forgotten first. After, go over it in greater detail. Even if it's a partial memory, put it down anyway.

[@amanisalone]

my only trick is that I do not move. Somehow movement cancels my dream. I don't even have to record it, I just start saying it out loud. Immediately. Once I say it, it seems to stick because I have stapled it to my brain through words.

[@micah_raygun_]

Hey bro the video cut off before you could tell us what you're interested in picking up from Mall of America. Now my yearning is burning, hope you're happy. Oh hey btw what doth life?

[@amanisalone]

yeah this is the 56th time my video cut off, I have to get better at ending videos...

[@OldDesertGal]

Stop smoking the waffles.

[@amanisalone]

I just need one more hit of the syrup, just to even me out!!! Thank you!!!

[@arkanewizdom9363]

Sahara + Seinfeld = "these pretzels are making me thirsty" 19:28

[@michaelmoore4022]

I've toyed with the idea of creating my own oracle deck based on symbols from my own dreams. Do you think creating your own solo rpg through active/alchemical imagination is a project worth undertaking eventually? Or is that too lofty of a goal/missing the point?

[@MagnusCross]

The color purple does not exist in the real world. A rainbow of light from red to violet floods our surroundings, but there is no such thing as purple light. Purple only exists in our heads. :D

[@OldDesertGal]

I'm an Adlerian. I have lost all hope for you.

[@supersiamesisk]

Many would say that there is no subconscsious, only one conscsious. I believe that the abstraction of conscsious into several levels to be understood equally abstracts our understanding of it. As a firm beliver of Heidegger, I would find it informative of you to build a Lovecraft setting from metaphysics. Also: love your insights!

[@amanisalone]

absolutely, I have been thinking about this vis a vis "mental illness" as well, how we take a series of symptoms and check them off and say "yes, this has checked off x numbers of symptoms, so this is schizophrenia." But we actually have no objective/empirical test for that. So we are just abstracting what is "wrong" on the inside using clues that we observe from the outside. We use these as necessary fictions to communicate complex ideas in a digestible way, but I think it's good to remember that we are doing that because we lose sight of the fact that things like "ego/superego/id" are just referent terms used to better whittle the idea into usable language. But there is (likely) no place in your brain labeled "id." Good thoughts, and I love the connection to Lovecraft bc I think a lot of what drives the protagonist to beyond the brink of understanding is a reorganization of the fundamental rules that they depend on to manage the "call of the chasm," especially those maddening thoughts re: scale

[@supersiamesisk]

@@amanisalone I think you're right on the money. Our language is in itself insufficiant to describe our most intimate, subjective experience and is even more eroded when we try to describe another persons, objective state. And yes, I often think of Francis Collins, for example, that came to a spiritual chartasis via his work with the hgp. Similarly, there would be several opportunities in a Lovecraftian setting considering metaphysics, especially, as you say, when we scale up insights to a cosmic level. Thank you.

[@SaintJames14]

This is the same as saying "because I have eyes I can see everything that can be seen; there is nothing unseen"

[@supersiamesisk]

@@SaintJames14 From a biblical perspective I suppose you could interpret in that way. I don't belive in neither an immortal soul nor in abstraction of something most abstract so I would decline your comparison.

[@N8ThaGr8r]

All i have to say is oof, and see ya in the next one

[@agincourt_archer]

Click!