Elena Erasmi
Before we dive into the review of The Wolves of Langston, I wanted to thank Obvious Mimic for providing us with a copy of this solo adventure for D&D5e. This manual follows the structure of the gamebooks; However, it allows you to play the story both alone (without a narrator) and with a group, effectively transforming it into a more classic adventure.
If after reading this review you would like to purchase The Wolves of Langston, you can do so on the Obvious Mimic Press website in its various formats. Its collectable hardcover version is priced at 52.95 euros, while the PDF costs 14.95 euros.
The Wolves of Langston Aesthetics Review
Are you curious to know why I decided to start from the aesthetics of this manual? Now I’ll explain it to you. Although many role-playing game enthusiasts are fond of classic style black and white drawings, I would say that beautiful illustrations like those of The Wolves of Langston can make them change their minds. Their bright colours and a style consistent with the adventure they want to represent are added features of undoubted value.
The layout is excellent; paragraphs and cards with the information and statistics of the NPCs are very accurate. The font has an ideal size and format; the background enhances this element and makes the text perfectly readable. Bold and italics are used correctly and, especially the first ones highlight the possible choices in the evolution of the plot.
If I really had to find a flaw in this product, I would have preferred a more solid binding; considering the hardcover, it would have been an appreciable and useful detail.
The Premises of The Wolves of Langston
At the beginning of this manual, the authors make several premises. First of all, they explain us what is the objective of the game: to finish the whole story, overcome the obstacles and reach the epilogue in a single attempt. He then explains what we will need to overcome this challenge. What you need to play is minimal: this book, a set of dice and a character for D&D5e. The same manual advises you, if necessary, to reread the D&D5e rules on the D&D Beyond website, where you can also create sheets. Needing so few things is certainly a great advantage and makes the experience also suitable for accompanying a trip.
The premises conclude with what I believe is a precious idea not to be underestimated. If you’re a Dungeon Master and you really enjoyed this solo adventure, make it a regular one-shot for your playing group; you have everything you need and instructions (thanks to this official tool) to do it! I think it is very appreciable because potentially many solo adventures (and, if desired, many gamebooks) can be transformed into classic gaming sessions; few, however, point it out and provide the tools to do so.
The Beginning of the History and the Arrival to the City
After a long day on the road, you crest a hill and see the lights of a town. According to maps and helpful locals you’ve consulted, this must be Langston.
Don’t worry, I don’t want to give you spoilers, but what you have just read is the beginning of the introduction to the story. After a very long day of walking without stopping, our character manages to see the lights of a city in the distance: Langston. This is the place where the whole plot is set and where we can immerse ourselves in the intriguing story together with our character.
The city reached by the protagonist will obviously turn out to be different from what one expects. As stated at the beginning of the story, Langston may seem like a prosperous town to earn money and glory; but this belief will immediately be called into question when, during the night, a long and deep howl is heard which suddenly breaks the silence. Our search for fortune is therefore intertwined with this mysterious problem that afflicts the city; Will we be able to solve it before we become the wolves’ mid-afternoon snack?
The Mechanics of The Wolves of Langston
The mechanics of The Wolves of Langston are quite simple. They follow the D&D5e rules, so (simplifying) you will roll a d20 and add your bonuses when you need to make a check. Based on success or failure (a threshold to overcome) you will decide which crossroads to take or, for example, whether or not the PC managed to hit an enemy.
This solo adventure has a feature that, in my opinion, gives it added value. You can play it several times and it’s never the same story each time; the plot is not linear and will lead the protagonist to meet new people, face new obstacles and reach new goals.
Final Considerations and Advice
Before concluding, I would like to give you some advice. Play this solo adventure as it was born, that is, solo, but then, if it’s up your alley, transform it into a beautiful adventure for your party to experience; I’m sure you won’t regret it and that your gaming group will be satisfied! The second tip concerns expectations about the story; The Wolves of Langston is not an extremely heavy, harsh story or one with difficult moral choices. You explore a city, meet strange people, and fight against different creatures; there is no shortage of action and you will certainly never get bored!
I conclude this review by saying that The Wolves of Langston is truly an excellent product; the price is important, but justified by the quality and passion behind this product. I recommend this solo adventure to those who want to approach this type of story for the first time, but also to more experienced players who want to spend a carefree afternoon. Furthermore, although it is certainly not the traditional way to discover the most famous role-playing game in the world, I believe it can be a good alternative.
