Publisher: Goodman Games
Are you ready to face the ultimate challenge of the Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG? Do you have the courage and the skill to rescue your friend from the clutches of Death himself? If you are looking for a thrilling and epic adventure that will test your mettle and your blades, then you should check out DCC #74 Blades Against Death by Harley Stroh and Doug Kovacs.
The Plot
The adventure is set in the city of Punjar, a dark and decadent metropolis full of cults, corruption, and danger. The adventure begins when one of the player characters dies and their soul is trapped by Death. The other characters must find a way to enter the afterlife and rescue their fallen comrade, while avoiding the wrath of Death and his minions.
The adventure takes the players through various realms of the dead, such as the Hall of Judgment, the Garden of Souls, the Palace of Bones, and the Tower of Doom. Along the way, they will encounter many dangers and wonders, such as a deadly game of chess, a maze of mirrors, a soul-stealing sword, and a final confrontation with Death. The adventure also features several new monsters, magic items, and spells, as well as optional rules for soul points and death curses.
The Style
The adventure is well-written and illustrated by Harley Stroh and Doug Kovacs, who capture the atmosphere and style of the DCC RPG. The adventure has a lot of flavor and personality, and it makes the players feel like they are part of a classic sword and sorcery tale. The adventure is not easy, but it is fair and rewarding. It also offers some moral dilemmas and choices for the players, such as whether to sacrifice their own souls or those of others, or whether to bargain with or defy Death. The adventure is a great example of what makes the DCC RPG fun and exciting.
What are the most interesting locations in this adventure?
There are many interesting locations in this adventure, but some of the most notable ones are:
- The Hall of Judgment: This is where the souls of the dead are weighed and judged by the God of Dooms. The players must pass a series of tests and trials to prove their worthiness and avoid being sent to the Abyss. The Hall of Judgment is full of traps, puzzles, and riddles, as well as a deadly game of chess with Death himself.
- The Garden of Souls: This is where the souls of the virtuous and the innocent are kept in a state of bliss and harmony. The players can find allies and friends here, as well as clues and secrets about Death’s plans. The Garden of Souls is a beautiful and peaceful place, but it also hides a dark secret: a soul-stealing sword that can grant immense power to whoever wields it.
- The Tower of Doom: This is where Death resides and where he keeps his most prized possessions and enemies. The players must climb the tower and face Death’s minions and guardians, such as the Four Horsemen, the Reaper, and the Soul Eater. The Tower of Doom is a terrifying and dangerous place, but it also offers the chance to challenge Death and free the trapped souls.
What are the most interesting encounters in this adventure?
There are many interesting encounters in this adventure, but some of the most notable ones are:
- The Chess Game: This is an encounter where the players must play a game of chess with Death, using their own souls as pieces. The game is not only a test of skill and strategy, but also of morality and courage. The players must decide whether to sacrifice their own souls or those of their allies, or whether to cheat or play fair. The chess game is a tense and dramatic encounter that can have lasting consequences for the characters and the adventure.
- The Mirror Maze: This is an encounter where the players must navigate a maze of mirrors that reflect their own fears, doubts, and secrets. The maze is full of illusions, traps, and enemies that can deceive and harm the players. The players must also face their own reflections, which can reveal their true selves or tempt them with false promises. The mirror maze is a challenging and psychological encounter that can test the characters’ sanity and loyalty.
- The Final Confrontation: This is the climax of the adventure, where the players must face Death himself in his tower. Death is a powerful and cunning foe, who can use his abilities to manipulate time, space, and reality. Death can also summon his minions and guardians, such as the Four Horsemen, the Reaper, and the Soul Eater. The final confrontation is a epic and dangerous encounter that can determine the fate of the characters and the world.
Dungeon Crawl Classics #74: Blades Against Death on DrivethruRpg
