The very opening comments make me sit up and take notice. An adventure that's designed to give the party an opportunity to reflect on their place within the world, with ample opportunity to have in-character debate and discussion? Sounds good (and there's a fight at the end so no worries, you still get a good brawl!).

The lengthy backstory reveals the tragic events that lead to the situation this adventure is intended to resolve. It makes for a thought-provoking read, actually... although it's not clear just how much will ever come out in the course of the game. There is a synopsis of events should the party not intervene (if they do you will have to modify it) and several hooks to get them involved in the action. Everything is very open-ended, what the party chooses to do with the situation will have consequences, perhaps for years to come.

Most of the actual action of this site-based adventure occurs in and around a roadside inn although, depending on which hook you use, the party may have opportunity to do some research before they get there - there's an opportunity for you to reveal some of the impressive backstory if they ask in the right places. For that matter, the chief antagonist likes nothing better than a good debate, so anyone who disagrees with what he has to say is likely in for a good conversation. Neatly, matters are set up so that if he is not slain, he can make an unusual recurring adversary...

Perhaps a bit thoughtful for a party that lives to fight monsters and loot their stuff, but a spot of philosophical debate can enhance role-play no end as players work out where their characters stand on a certain point and debate it in-character - such conversations lead to memorable moments for any game, enabling characters to grow and develop. There are plenty of opportunities for a brawl, however, so those who prefer to let their sword-arms do the talking won't be disappointed either! An interesting and unusual adventure that can enhance any campaign.

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Reviewed: 26 June 2016