Samael
First, I would like to thank the author, Danilo Frontani, for providing us with a digital copy of The House of 99 Souls, allowing me to write this review.
This adventure, published by Hellwinter Forge of Wonders for Old-School Essentials, is intended for characters of levels 2 through 4.
The product is available for purchase on DriveThruRPG for 2.99$ (approximately 2.70 €).
The Adventure Plot
As always, I will be careful and will not reveal anything that could spoil your gaming experience.
In The House of 99 Souls players are led to explore Brightmoore Manor, a location that serves as the background for the entire sandbox-style plot. But believe me, what appears to be an uninhabited mansion hides numerous unexpected events and a past to be unveiled. To do so, prepare to face its 4 levels and 22 rooms with a dark and sometimes suffocating atmosphere.
Do you think it’s an easy job? Well, beware the living, and even more those who are no longer so. Don’t worry, if you hear strange ticking and sinister laughter, it’s not the effect of a creepy joke but rather a chilling warning. Few chances of escape: rooms, halls, stairs, and environments with a gothic flair await you, unwary visitors.
Keyword: Accessibility
While preparing this review of The House of 99 Souls, I particularly appreciated the tips for the Game Master and the various narrative hooks. They make the product accessible even to less experienced GMs, without making it trivial. At the same time, a more experienced Game Master finds a solid base on which to weave additional situations and challenges at their pleasure. Also excellent is the presence of the table dedicated to random events and encounters which, although they may risk repeating, offers the narrator an additional interesting tool.
I also find it interesting that the players themselves could approach the adventure very differently. They could be eager to discover the hidden truths of Brightmoore Manor, or simply try to save their own lives. In The House of 99 Souls there is indeed the possibility to delve into investigations, discover Machiavellian connections, and solve puzzles. All of this, of course, seasoned with fights that could completely change the entire story.
Review of the Aesthetics and Structure of The House of 99 Souls
Upon opening The House of 99 Souls, it was immediately clear that this was an old-school module. The predominantly monochrome images are minimalist and perfectly suited to the product’s style. The full-page layout, complete with a side column of advice and notes, is both clear and efficient.
Entirely in English, it consists of 40 pages in PDF format. In addition to the plot, we find 4 maps, 6 pre-generated character sheets, and a bestiary that introduces 4 new creatures specifically designed for this adventure.
Conclusions of The House of 99 Souls Review
Even if this isn’t usually my favourite genre, but it’s almost a regret that I’ve already read The House of 99 Souls for this review.
I would certainly have enjoyed venturing into this story, discovering the truths hidden in Brightmoore Manor, and fully experiencing this adventure in which, I warn you, there are plenty of plot twists.
