Old School Renaissance – Dungeon Crawl Classics – DCC #103 Bloom on the Blood Garden

Publisher: Goodman Games

If you are looking for a horror-themed adventure for your Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG campaign, you might want to check out DCC #103 Bloom on the Blood Garden by Harley Stroh. This adventure is designed for a group of 0-level characters who are hired to investigate the mysterious disappearances of workers at an old manor. What they find there is a nightmare of twisted plants, flesh-eating creatures, and dark secrets.

The Setting

The adventure takes place in three locations: the twisted gardens, the crumbling manor, and the dark spaces beneath it. Each location is filled with traps, puzzles, and enemies that will challenge the players and test their survival skills.

The setting is well-written and has a lot of atmosphere and tension. The author does a great job of creating a creepy and unsettling setting that will keep the players on edge. The adventure also has some interesting twists and reveals that will surprise and shock the players. The adventure is not for the faint of heart, as it involves some graphic descriptions of gore and violence, as well as some disturbing themes and imagery.

The Gameplay

The adventure is suitable for both new and experienced players and judges, as it provides enough guidance and tips to run it smoothly. The adventure also has some optional rules and suggestions to adjust the difficulty level and the tone of the adventure. The adventure can be used as a standalone one-shot or as a campaign starter, as it has some hooks and connections to other DCC adventures.

The adventure is fun and challenging, as it requires the players to use their wits, skills, and resources to survive. The adventure also has some moral dilemmas and choices that will affect the outcome of the story. The adventure is not a linear or railroaded one, as it allows the players to explore different paths and options.

What are the most interesting encounters in the adventure?

The adventure has many interesting encounters that will challenge and entertain the players. Some of the most interesting ones are:

  • The Garden of the Blood Bloom: This is the first location that the players will explore, and it is full of twisted and dangerous plants that have been corrupted by a demonic influence. The players will have to deal with carnivorous vines, poisonous flowers, and a giant blood-red bloom that is the source of the evil. The players will also encounter some of the missing workers who have been transformed into plant-like creatures.
  • The Manor of Cob Hill: This is the second location that the players will visit, and it is a crumbling and haunted mansion that was once owned by a noble family. The players will have to face ghosts, traps, and puzzles that will reveal the dark history of the manor and its former inhabitants. The players will also find clues and secrets that will lead them to the final location.
  • The Underground Chambers: This is the third and final location that the players will enter, and it is a network of dark and damp tunnels and rooms that hide a terrible secret. The players will have to confront the true mastermind behind the disappearances and the corruption of the garden: a demonic being that has been summoned by an ancient blood pact. The players will have to fight for their lives and their souls in this climactic encounter.

What are the most interesting locations in the adventure?

The adventure has many interesting locations that will appeal to different types of players. Some of the most interesting ones are:

  • The Twisted Gardens: This is the first location that the players will explore, and it is full of twisted and dangerous plants that have been corrupted by a demonic influence. The players will have to deal with carnivorous vines, poisonous flowers, and a giant blood-red bloom that is the source of the evil. The players will also encounter some of the missing workers who have been transformed into plant-like creatures. This location is great for players who enjoy exploration, survival, and horror elements.
  • The Crumbling Manor: This is the second location that the players will visit, and it is a crumbling and haunted mansion that was once owned by a noble family. The players will have to face ghosts, traps, and puzzles that will reveal the dark history of the manor and its former inhabitants. The players will also find clues and secrets that will lead them to the final location. This location is great for players who enjoy investigation, mystery, and role-playing elements.
  • The Underground Chambers: This is the third and final location that the players will enter, and it is a network of dark and damp tunnels and rooms that hide a terrible secret. The players will have to confront the true mastermind behind the disappearances and the corruption of the garden: a demonic being that has been summoned by an ancient blood pact. The players will have to fight for their lives and their souls in this climactic encounter. This location is great for players who enjoy combat, action, and epic elements.

Dungeon Crawl Classics #103 Bloom on the Blood Garden on DrivethruRpg