Publisher: Goodman Games
Do you love the classic modules Tomb of Horrors and Expedition to the Barrier Peaks, where you had to face a deadly dungeon full of traps, puzzles, enemies, and secrets? Do you love the Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG, where you can experience old-school sword and sorcery and gonzo adventure? If you do, then you will love Dungeon Crawl Classics – DCC Crypt of the Devil Lich, a level 7 adventure for DCC RPG that is a re-release and conversion of one of the most cherished and challenging Dungeon Crawl Classics.
The Story
The adventure starts with a simple story: a group of heroes are sent into the crypt of the Devil Lich, a half-drow half-fiend lich who was prophesied to return to power and unleash her dark designs on the world. However, the heroes are unaware that they have been tricked into entering her crypt to free her from her prison. If they are truly heroes, they will uncover the deception and defeat the evil Devil Lich before she can escape.
The adventure is divided into four parts, each with its own theme and challenge. The first part is the introduction, where the characters meet their patron and their mission. The second part is the journey, where the characters have to travel to the crypt through a series of encounters and events. The third part is the crypt, where the characters have to explore a complex and deadly dungeon. The fourth part is the escape, where the characters have to flee from the crypt with their lives, while being pursued by the Devil Lich and her minions.
The Style
The adventure is written by Chris Doyle, who is known for his creative and challenging adventures for DCC RPG. He draws inspiration from the classic Tomb of Horrors, as well as his own imagination, to create a rich and immersive atmosphere that captures the essence and flavor of a deadly dungeon crawl. He uses vivid descriptions and evocative language to bring the scenes to life, and also adds some humor and irony to contrast with the dark and grim tone. He also provides plenty of guidance and advice for the judge on how to run the adventure and make it fun and memorable for the players.
The adventure also features beautiful color cover art by Erol Otus, as well as stunning interior art by various artists. The adventure also includes dozens of player handouts, in the tradition of the classic modules Tomb of Horrors and Expedition to the Barrier Peaks. The adventure also includes six fully developed pre-generated player characters based on the original tournament player characters.
The Challenge
The adventure is designed for level 7 characters, which means that they are experienced adventurers with some skills and abilities. They are not expected to survive or succeed in their quest, but rather to have fun and memorable experiences along the way. The adventure is not meant to be realistic or logical, but rather to be enjoyed as a fantastical and whimsical tale of adventure and wonder.
The adventure is also well-balanced and flexible, with enough challenge and reward for both players and judges. The author provides several options and variations for each part of the adventure, as well as tips on how to adjust the difficulty level or add more flavor. The adventure also includes several tables for random events, encounters, treasures, and outcomes, which add more replay value and unpredictability. The adventure also has some surprises and twists that will keep the players on their toes and make them wonder what will happen next.
What are the most interesting encounters in the adventure?
There are many interesting encounters in the adventure, but some of the most memorable ones are:
- The Crypt Entrance: This is the entrance to the crypt of the Devil Lich, where the characters have to solve a riddle and a puzzle to gain access. It is a clever and tricky challenge, where the characters have to use their wits and logic to find the correct answer and sequence. The entrance also has some dangers and rewards, such as traps, clues, and treasures.
- The Hall of Mirrors: This is a hall full of mirrors that reflect the characters’ images and actions. It is a fun and chaotic encounter, where the characters have to deal with various illusions and effects, such as duplicates, distortions, and reversals. The hall also has some surprises and secrets, such as hidden doors, switches, and messages.
- The Chamber of Souls: This is a chamber where the characters have to face the souls of their past lives and deeds. It is a dark and emotional encounter, where the characters have to confront their regrets, fears, and sins. The chamber also has some dangers and rewards, such as curses, blessings, and revelations.
- The Devil Lich’s Lair: This is the lair of the Devil Lich, where the characters have to face the final boss and her minions. It is a climactic and epic encounter, where the characters have to use their skills and luck to defeat the evil Devil Lich before she can escape. The lair also has some twists and turns, such as different phases, tactics, and outcomes.
Dungeon Crawl Classics Crypt of the Devil Lich on DrivethruRpg
