I've gotten super into a solo journalling game, Of Moon and Leaf. The dev has an interesting piece on their page about more free form approaches to these games, and I think that that flexibility baked into the system is why I've really become quite enamoured with the game.

It scratches that same itch that makes roleplaying and play-by-post TTRPG so appealing to me- a sort of randomness of elements that are outside of your control, that you have to integrate into your own reply and think quickly on your feet- even when I was the GM for campaigns, I always did things on the fly while using homebrew systems- which made for chaotic fun, and was pretty well suited to the predominant monster of the week set up we had with our supernatural mafia setting.

It also focuses heavily on writing- it's a journalling game, after all. The clunk of the numbers is just light enough to not feel overwhelming or intrusive, while still providing a bit of novelty that makes it a lot easier to write in response to, and the light structure of the days also helps with keeping you on track. I'd struggle, I think, to see this adapted to a two person scenario, but it does make for a really lovely, intimate playthrough alone.

I also did wind up using one of the notebooks I had bought with the intention of playing a solo TTRPG on my own, which I'm pretty pleased about, even if it took some time- the smooth paper, closed lining, and easy flat lay of the spine make it very well suited, in addition to being my usual A5 size that I've found, after much trial and error, to be the most comfortable fit.

Anything that sees me making more use of my fountain pen collection and accompanying inks is a win in my book, and I've been playing the game as intended- hand written, creating a tangible object and record of your time in the woods: while also having toyed around with transcribing it into a Twine format.

I think that it'll likely come in handy when I want to reference earlier discoveries or days, or jumping between days of play, since I am using a notebook without a built in page ribbon, (and the next notebook I've been eyeing has much of the same issues, while being sturdier, and a gift from someone I love.)

And it's just neat to be able to more easily share what I've been up to with friends- offering the optional download of a PDF of the written pages from when I photograph them to transcribe from has been a good compromise. Hopefully this helps my handwriting- and at the least, it's good for maintaining hand strength for long sessions of writing.

Overall, I've been having a really good time, and I'm grateful for the gentle distraction and toy for when other options aren't as easily accessible or available, and between the gentle shimmer of my pink ink, and the glossy pages, it's really such a sensory treat to see it come together.

Would highly suggest others interested in giving solo journalling games a try to pick up a free copy. I think it might be one of the works that I consider to be an ideal transition for people looking to dip their toes into the genre, just like how Butterfly Court is amazing for groups new to table play.