Lone Wolves (adventure)

Lone Wolves (adventure) describes a type of adventure or campaign setting, often used in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) and narrative fiction, where player characters (PCs) primarily operate individually or in very small, often transient groups. This contrasts with traditional adventure formats where a larger, more permanent party collaborates extensively to achieve shared goals.

The "Lone Wolves" approach typically emphasizes individual character skills, survival instincts, and moral choices. Adventures may revolve around personal quests, solo investigations, or scenarios requiring stealth and independent action. Group encounters are possible, but the focus often remains on the individual's experience and impact on the larger narrative.

Common characteristics of Lone Wolves adventures include:

• Emphasis on Individual Skills: Characters need to be self-sufficient and possess a diverse range of abilities to overcome challenges.
• High Stakes: Due to limited support, failures often have significant consequences for the individual character.
• Moral Ambiguity: Characters frequently face difficult choices with no clear right or wrong answer. The consequences of these choices shape the narrative.
• Open World or Sandbox Environments: Players are often given considerable freedom to explore and pursue their own objectives within a larger world.
• Focus on Survival: Resources may be scarce, and players must manage their health, supplies, and sanity to survive.
• Limited Reliance on Party Dynamics: While temporary alliances or rivalries with other characters are possible, the focus is on the individual's journey and development.

The Lone Wolves format can be applied to various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, and historical settings. It offers a different style of gameplay compared to traditional group-focused adventures, emphasizing player agency and individual character development.