The RuneQuest Starter Set comes packed with a SoloQuest booklet in which you play the role of Vasana, Daughter of Farnan in the Battle of Dangerford. Don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil the adventure for curious minds but I do find myself chuckling at my first attempt.

Short version: I failed and very quickly on the first attempt. Vasana was critically hit by an arrow and slain. Even an attempt at healing her failed. She died in the mud.

Longer version: I deeply enjoyed this experience and could not stop laughing once the number of times I failed a skill roll for Vasana mounted up. Even in defeat and humiliation there is good experience to be had. Yes, Vasana died but the SoloQuest does an excellent job of drawing you in to Glorantha.

Of particular interest to me was the moment when I chose to have Vasana approach the make-shift altar of her goddess and offer prayers.

The description in the book (while slightly different to the art) evoked a strong sense of verisimilitude and even though I failed the Worship roll, it was a moving part of the tale.

The SoloQuest has strong replay value as there are several alternative endings to discover. Given that this is teaching you how to play the RuneQuest game rules through active play, there’s value replaying it to embed your understanding even if you do win through.

It’s early days for me in returning to Glorantha to play and yet this experience has positively impacted my desire to continue. I was a little skeptical of the value of the SoloQuest but it has won me over – I am very glad to have played, even though I brutally failed.

Most of all, I was impressed with the quality of the writing which evokes the world. Taking time to explore the part that Vasana plays in the story of Glorantha through this famous battle is well-worth the effort. Win or lose, her efforts feel real and important.

Game on!