Publisher: Goodman Games
If you are looking for a thrilling and terrifying adventure for your Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG group, you might want to check out DCC #88.5 Curse of the Kingspire, a level 2 module by Harley Stroh. In this adventure, you will explore a haunted castle that hides a dark secret, and face a deadly curse that will trap you in a nightmare of endless horror and bloodshed. Here is my review of this module, which I received as a complimentary copy from Goodman Games.
The Story
The adventure starts with your characters being hired by a local lord to investigate the Kingspire, a ruined castle that was once the seat of power of a mighty king. The lord hopes to find some clues about the fate of the king and his legendary treasure. However, as soon as you enter the castle, you are transported to another realm, where you find yourself in the middle of a brutal war between two factions of undead. The war is fueled by the curse of the Kingspire, which prevents anyone from leaving the castle until they either join one of the factions or die. You must find a way to break the curse and return to your own world, before you become another victim of the Kingspire.
The Gameplay
The module is designed to be challenging and unpredictable, with multiple paths and outcomes depending on your choices and actions. You can ally with one of the factions, try to play both sides, or remain neutral. You can explore different areas of the castle, each with its own dangers and secrets. You can encounter new monsters, magic items, and spells that are unique to the setting. You can also discover the history and mystery of the Kingspire and its curse.
The module is suitable for 4-6 level 2 characters, and can be played as a standalone adventure or as part of a larger campaign. The module is fully illustrated and includes illuminated maps and a download code for the PDF edition. The module also features cover artwork by Clyde Caldwell, a renowned fantasy artist who has worked on many classic RPG products.
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 Mirrors: This is a large chamber filled with mirrors of various shapes and sizes. The mirrors reflect different versions of reality, some of which are more pleasant than others. The players can use the mirrors to travel to different areas of the castle, but they must be careful not to get lost or trapped in a mirror that shows a nightmare scenario.
- The Throne Room: This is the heart of the Kingspire, where the king once ruled over his domain. The throne room is now a battleground between the two factions of undead, who fight for control of the throne and its power. The players can try to claim the throne for themselves, or use it to break the curse, but they must face the wrath of the undead and the king’s ghost.
- The Vault: This is a secret chamber hidden beneath the castle, where the king stored his treasure and his most prized possessions. The vault is guarded by traps, puzzles, and ancient guardians. The players can find valuable items and clues in the vault, but they must also beware of the king’s curse, which may corrupt or destroy anything that is taken from the vault.
What are the most interesting encounters in this adventure?
Some of the most interesting encounters in this adventure are:
- The Bone Dragon: This is a fearsome creature that was once the king’s loyal mount, but now serves as the leader of one of the undead factions. The bone dragon is a massive skeleton that can fly, breathe fire, and command the undead. The players can fight the bone dragon, try to avoid it, or even attempt to tame it or ally with it.
- The Dream Eater: This is a strange and mysterious entity that lurks in the shadows of the castle, feeding on the dreams and nightmares of the living and the dead. The dream eater can manipulate the minds of the players, creating illusions, visions, and fears that can help or hinder them. The players can try to communicate with the dream eater, learn from it, or destroy it.
- The King’s Ghost: This is the restless spirit of the king who ruled the Kingspire, and the source of the curse that plagues the castle. The king’s ghost is a powerful and vengeful being that can haunt, possess, and curse the players. The players can try to appease the king’s ghost, free him from his torment, or confront him in a final battle.
Dungeon Crawl Classics #88.5: Curse of the Kingspire on DrivethruRpg
