Another Solo D&D adventure, this time depending not on invisible ink but on a much more complex but interesting system of combat tables and multiple forking paths, this is a pretty fun game, supposedly following the rules of the Expert D&D set, but in reality having such specific rules to make it work as a solo adventure that it’s hard to see how it’s even the same game.

Of course it does share the setting with D&D, quite explicitly indeed as you can find the Isle of Dread, from the X1 modules right on the map of this adventure. The story shifts according to the pre-rolled character you select but the game advises you to start off with Lathan who will teach you about the game. Lathan’s quest is to rescue his kidnapped betrothed Alandah and for that he has to raise the ransom’s money, the titular Lathan’s Gold.

Five other characters are available with different quests which you can also do, or use to replace Lathan if it all goes downhill for him. Also worth noting is the excellent interior art by Jeff Easley, which I find better than Jim Rossof’s cover. I love Roslof, but this really isn’t one of his best efforts.