every time i read into werewolf the apocalypse, i get a little repulsed. mainly by the gross lore, the bioessentialism, the frequent racist appropriation. but that's mainly a criticism of white wolf's editorial oversight. it's only worth mentioning this because the writers of heart of the forest, like a good game master, have made something palatable out of a setting i found unpalatable, have made something compelling out of a setting that doesn't particularly appeal to me. the writing is very good. it's all introduction and clever loredumps—you're a newcomer, surrounded by acquittances that represent different demographics of a hairy world that you're unfamiliar with. the systems of balancing rage, will, and health work very well here. so well that it's a little unfortunate that it is just an introduction, that these acquaintances don't have time to grow. unfortunate, but understandable given the scope of the game. i really hope these developers do more in this setting and these systems!!

extremely happy to see a nonbinary werewolf in anything, especially something this good. also lesbian werewolves. "as if being a lesbian wasn't hard enough" well said