From the striking cover art to the very last section this is a solo gamebook that doesn't disappoint. This book notionally follows on from the Village of the Damned although you don't need to have played that adventure. What seems like a relatively safe opening soon has you catapaulted half-way across the world, forced to make your way in an exotic and dangerously unfamiliar land. The author has deftly woven some classic genre elements into this tale without it feeling hackneyed and the quality of the writing is top-shelf. In fact I actually ound some passages of truly exquisite prose. The book gives you the option to pick up some companions along the way which can help overcome some difficult obstacles and opponents. There seems to be some good replayability with multiple options to proceed. All in all a great read I would have happily paid for - but best of all - it's free!

A solid solo adventure which would fit with minimal adaptation into most quasi-medieval campaigns. Interesting take on the perils of in-between localities - easy way to add some pep to that underdeveloped small forest lurking on many a regional game map.

Minor spoilers follow.

Solo adventure, traversing a forest to deliver an important message: a classic Dragon Warriors theme. Quick to resolve, but replay value as there are alternate routes to reach the abbey. Generally forgiving until the climactic combat.

Possible improvements: (i) entry 40 refers to your trapped leg, but the PC may have avoided/escaped from the wolf trap; (ii) some entries tend to overlong.

Well illustrated. Big clear print. Captures the Faerie Forest atmosphere. Could be adapted to other systems. Recommended.

Mild spoilers follow.

Solo adventure exploring a classic Dragon Warriors theme. One main path, but some interesting detours that could give an advantage, if you are prepared to take a risk. Ample opportunities to gain clues regarding the nature of the evil. Well balanced between exploration, combat and problem solving; locations can be revisited, and sometimes it is wise to do so.

Possible improvements: (i) entry 80, cross the river, 49 seems a better link than 95 (which loops back to 80); (ii) double use of keyword Elm (see 37 and 52), choose a different codeword for 52 (unless this was a design choice). Otherwise links seem accurate; highlighting these and other key information is a good feature. Could be modified to other systems with a little work.

Fun adventure. Recommended.

Mild spoilers follow.

Solo quest to lift a curse on a village. Replay value as there are multiple routes to success, some easier than others. Some "puzzle book" elements: secret instructions, with one complete message very difficult to find in a single play; a pair of linear simultaneous algebraic equations to solve. A number of rousing combats.

Appropriate content and themes for a Dragon Warriors adventure, although conversion to other systems would not be too hard. Links seem accurate. Possible improvements: (i) Make the beggar encounter easier to find; (ii) A mystic or sorceror with appropriate knowledge could be given a chance to find "the ritual solution" despite not having all the clues.

Recommended.

Good adventure. Nice atmosphere. Now I want to know what happens next in the story

Sumptiously illustrated by the author, this short solo gamebook is a prime example of the talent and high standard of fan work coming out of Red Ruin. A quirky and atmospheric romp, with an eclectic cast of encounters and a nice sense of whimsy. Plenty of replayability with multiple paths through. I enjoyed this book. It would also fit nicely in an Arthurian style questing game.

This is a really engaging and entertaining solo adventure gamebook. The challenge level is good and there's plenty of playability with multiple paths. After several run throughs I still haven't cracked all its secrets. The author has done some pretty clever slight of hand with keywords and "hidden" sections. The illustrations are colourful and engaging. Professional standard work I'd be happy to pay for - but best of all it's free! The perfect way to scratch that rpg itch between your regular games.

Festive frights continue to delight in Casket of Fays, the quality and imagination just keeps coming with this Zine, I'm excited to behold what comes forth for issue 4 and 5. Red Ruin has done some other great atmospheric things that are easy to transfer to any setting.

Thumbs up!

A fantastic fanzine from the community and fans of The Dragon Warriors roleplaying game, a game filled with superstion and lore, spooky and gritty, Issue 2 builds really well from the first issue. The layout and artwork is nice and really gives a nice feel to the printed booklet, readily transferable to other games too.

This zine keeps getting bigger and better with each issue. With a great mix of short adventures, new spells and magical items, locations and write ups, this zine sets a high bar indeed for both quality of content and great atmospheric old school art work. Brockprint's illustrations are a rare delight and would be at home in any commercial publication. Kudos to the contributors and editorial team. Can't wait for the next issue.

Spoilers follow. Your solo character arrives in Frogton, with a number of almost immediately achievable tasks to perform. Frogton is populated by those waiting for strangers to turn up to do necessary courier work; the town guard are not the brightest, they do not seem to have checked the guard tower when seeking their missing colleague.

Links seem to work. Properties of the magic gemstone (see entry 3) do not seem to be discussed. Minor quibble: the name of the elven sorceress (see 13) seems to have multiple spellings (Talena/Talana).

Solo adventures are challenging to write as the text needs to have accurate links, be concise, yet do the referee's work of conjuring an interesting and vivid place to adventure. Some descriptions head in the right direction, for example: "Gavin, a local Hotblood". But the whole comes across as bland generic fantasy rather than Dragon Warriors. (This does make it easier to convert to other systems.)

Tries to do too much over a small number of entries. But free fan material should not be rated too harshly.

Long-time fan of Dragon Warriors here, thrilled that Red Ruin is producing new and high-quality content for one of my favourite games. If you have any interest in this game, don't hesitate to give this a look - we certainly can't complain about the price!

A cracking short journey into the DW setting that would fit smoothly into many mediveal campaigns. Cedric and Fulk are well-realised cleric-ish NPCs, sort of Cadfael-ish but with more ass-kickery. JRW

Fun read. The monk story was really good. Keep them coming!