I hadn’t rated since my purchase, and I see I can generate some community copies by doing so! I appreciate those being out there when cash is tight, so I hope someone gets to play and enjoy through this!
Apothecaria is a tidy, cozy little role playing game that you don’t need to round up a play group for. It’s self contained and meant to be enjoyed solo! Previous to this, the idea of a journaling game was something I had never heard of! I am pretty sure I have a problem with writing supplies, judging by my collection of pens and markers… and partially started journals and notebooks from every trip through the office supplies store. I can’t keep a real diary - I always end up throwing them out - but Apothecaria creates something I’m actually pleased to go back to read.
The system may seem daunting at first, but as with all rule systems (and pirate codes) they can be mostly a guideline for you to settle into the world and start exploring and telling cute stories. But i fully suggest sticking to the text until you find what you think fits your story best.
There’s so many colorful locations to explore, each with fantastic events and mysterious flora and fauna. Just in the base game!
A simple deck of playing cards (some players substitute or supplement with tarot cards, Ive read!) can generate everything you need for the creative bits in the game, along side the charts in the book.
If you’re more of a salty D&D gamer like me, and don’t own any cards at all, card generators exist online, like Random.org (new tab) or Random-card.com (new tab) - or if you also like the real materials feel, a d12/d20 and d4 (12, 20, and 4 sided dice for use with games like Dungeons and Dragons) can stand in. As any polyhedron, dice need to have an even number of sides, so it can’t represent the full 13 in a suit. You could treat any roll of 12 as either a Queen or King as you choose, or use the d20 and reroll any result above 13! (Makes it more complicated than needed, but if you hate computer generated stuff and really don’t have a deck to hand, you can make it work) Use that evil little d4 to find the suit if you need it (ie: random choice of patient chart - Villager, Monster, Adventurer, repeat patient).
There’s so much room for the player’s imagination. One event in my trial play led to the discovery of a chest, and let me fill in the blank of what was inside. Being a D&D gremlin, I imagined a magical item. Then randomly designed one that would be of help and not break the game by making challenging things moot. I made: The Necklace of Screaming! It has 3 total uses - represented by a stylized stone skull amulet with 3 cartoonish teeth. A use removes a tooth. It basically scares away things that might force you to drop a reagent. (if it makes sense) allowing you to escape with your loot but not pick up anything new that turn. I think I may have used it to frighten off some naughty fey creatures that wanted my stuff. I even took time to make a little doodle of it.
You may encounter other people. You’re encouraged to develop them as reoccurring characters, and describe how you interact with them over time. A siren singing a song? A message in a bottle you can reply to? All delightful.
I haven’t yet dived into the main story about the witch you’ve replaced! But the minimal reading through the book so far tells me it’s going to be an interesting plot!
All in all, personal rambling and experiences aside - Apothecaria is restful and creative, and is very deserving of a play. Play as is, or use as a springboard for your own creative stories solo, or to share with likeminded friends!
Cheers to the author, and all contributors to the publishing. Any expansions to the base game that I purchase will undoubtedly be joyful.