When people think of tabletop roleplaying games, some of the first things to come to mind are polyhedral dice and complicated mathematics associated with games like Dungeons & Dragons, but Jay Dragon's brand new game Wanderhome isn't like that at all. Built using the No Dice, No Masters game system, Possum Creek Games' Wanderhome is a pastoral roleplaying game set in the original world of Hæth, where the player characters are animal-folk called Kith who travel along the road to adventure guided by its never-ending song and changing seasons.
Wanderhome is designed so that players can be driven along their journey by a guide, but the use of a guide isn't required or even necessary to build the story. Advancing the story and the state of the world is achieved through interactive and collective storytelling efforts, and the implemented safety mechanics are set in place to promote character growth and empowerment while also shaping the type of game all players involved feel most comfortable playing.
Inspired by the creative works of Brian Jacques, Tove Jansson and Hayao Miyazaki, the anthropomorphic animals in Wanderhome are shaped by the players' intentions and actions, rather than a set morality chosen by societal expectations. For example, in most worlds, snakes would be considered dangerous and shady creatures, out for their own well-being, but in this game, a snake can be anything it wants, including a peaceful farmer or shepherd lovingly watching over its precious flock of giant beetles.
The land of Hæth was once ravaged by darkness and discord, but those who inhabit it work diligently to restore its peace, abundance and beauty. They thrive on elements of love in every beautiful facet imaginable, hope, happiness and community, striving to foster an environment they are all proud to be a part of. This is one thing that makes Wanderhome such a peaceful and beautiful game to play as a group or family. The elements of story and the ever-changing seasons draw the characters away from dark concepts like power and greed and steer them into an ongoing process designed to promote growth and healing of the land and the soul.
With 15 character archetypes to choose from, players can be anything from Merchants and Poets to Guardians and Teachers. Their origins and nature are determined by the player, with recommended attributes in each Playbook, and they have immense capacity to differ depending on background choices, role in society and a willingness to grow and change with the game.
Wanderhome uses a token reward and currency system to guide the story. Players can earn tokens by acting outside their comfort zone, noticing never before seen worldly marvels or inconveniencing themselves to help someone else. Tokens can then be spent to advance the player's abilities, help heal the world and its inhabitants, reveal secrets about others (or ask them to reveal them) or achieve otherwise difficult actions that might not necessarily resolve with ease.
While there are certainly core elements of the landscape, seasons and Kith who dwell in Hæth, it's the players' role to shape the world and its events through their conjoined storytelling efforts. They can even help shape one another so they can grow together, all while traveling the road, taking much-needed rests around a campfire, helping other Kith they encounter on the road and following each season of change with wonder and curiosity.
The player's manual is full of beautiful, enchanting artwork created by a number of talented artists. When combined with the lyrical elements that describe the world, its rules and its people, it's all but impossible not to be drawn into the game. Whether gathering together for a quick one-shot around the firepit or planning to turn adventures in Hæth into an ongoing adventure that could last for years as the world changes and grows through the seasons and the character's experiences as they travel and work together, there is an abundance of possibility for players to create a relaxing and peaceful game for friends and family looking to find adventure on balmy summer nights.