Publisher: Goodman Games
Dungeon Crawl Classics – DCC Dying Earth is a boxed set that contains comprehensive rules options and new material for the Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG explicitly designed to capture the setting of the Dying Earth, a singular world of Jack Vance’s imagination, set in the distant last days of the world, where magic and science blend together and querulous sorcerers feud endlessly. The set includes four new classes for DCC RPG: magician, vat-thing, wayfarer, and witch, as well as new rules for “grudge tokens” to track the resentments that characters accumulate with every minor imprecation they encounter. The set also includes a beautiful map of the world of Dying Earth illustrated by Doug Kovacs.
What is the Dying Earth?
The Dying Earth is a series of stories by Jack Vance that take place in a far-future Earth, where the sun is dimming and civilization is in decline. The stories feature colorful characters, exotic locations, and bizarre adventures, often with a humorous tone and a sense of irony. The Dying Earth is considered one of the most influential works of fantasy and science fiction, inspiring many authors and game designers.
What’s in the Box?
The boxed set contains the following items:
- A 128-page rulebook that contains all the rules and options for playing in the Dying Earth setting, including four new classes, new spells, new patrons, new monsters, and more.
- A 64-page adventure book that contains three ready-to-play adventures that showcase the different aspects of the Dying Earth setting, as well as guidelines for creating your own adventures.
- A 24-page gazetteer that provides an overview of the world of Dying Earth, its history, geography, cultures, and factions.
- A 16-page booklet that contains tables and charts for generating random encounters, locations, treasures, and more.
- A double-sided poster map that shows the world of Dying Earth on one side and a detailed city map on the other side.
- A deck of 24 cards that represent grudge tokens, which are used to track the animosities and favors that characters accumulate during their travels.
- A set of custom dice that are used for casting spells and resolving other actions in the game.
How Does It Play?
Dungeon Crawl Classics – DCC Dying Earth is compatible with the core rules of Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG, but it also introduces some new mechanics and options that reflect the unique nature of the setting. Some of the main features are:
- Magician Class: The magician class is a new option for spellcasters who want to create their own spells using a system of components and effects. Magicians can combine different elements such as fire, water, air, earth, light, darkness, life, death, mind, matter, time, space, etc., to produce various outcomes. However, casting spells is not without risks. Magicians must roll on a table to determine if their spell works as intended or if it backfires or overcasts. Overcasting can result in powerful but dangerous effects that can harm the caster or their surroundings. Backfiring can cause minor or major mishaps that can affect the caster or their allies. Magicians can also learn pre-made spells from books or other sources, but they still have to roll on the table to see if they can cast them successfully.
- Vat-Thing Class: The vat-thing class is a new option for players who want to play as a creature created by ancient science or sorcery. Vat-things are humanoid beings that have been grown or modified in vats or laboratories. They have random mutations and special abilities that make them unique and unpredictable.
- Wayfarer Class: The wayfarer class is a new option for players who want to play as a wanderer or explorer who travels across the Dying Earth in search of adventure and knowledge. Wayfarers are skilled in various fields such as survival, lore, languages, etc., and they have access to special equipment such as goggles, cloaks, boots, etc., that help them in their journeys. Wayfarers can also choose from different backgrounds such as scholar, scavenger, pilgrim, spy, etc., each with their own perks and quirks.
- Witch Class: The witch class is a new option for players who want to play as a practitioner of natural magic and herbalism. Witches can brew potions, craft charms, cast hexes, and commune with spirits. Witches can also choose from different traditions such as green witch, white witch, black witch, etc., each with their own specialties and limitations.
- Grudge Tokens: Grudge tokens are a new mechanic that adds another layer of roleplaying and interaction to the game. Grudge tokens are tokens that represent the ill will that characters generate or receive from others due to their actions or words. Characters can use grudge tokens to gain advantages or inflict disadvantages on their enemies or allies, but they also risk attracting the attention of powerful patrons or foes who may intervene in their affairs. Grudge tokens can also be used to fuel certain spells or abilities, adding more options and risks to the game.
What Do I Think?
Dungeon Crawl Classics – DCC Dying Earth is a fantastic product for fans of Jack Vance’s stories and DCC RPG alike. The boxed set captures the essence of the Dying Earth, a world of wonder, whimsy, and woe, where ancient secrets lie hidden in forgotten ruins and strange creatures lurk in the shadows. The new classes are well-designed and flavorful, each with their own unique abilities and drawbacks. The magician class is especially interesting, as it allows the players to create their own spells using a system of components and effects, but also exposes them to the dangers of overcasting and backfiring. The vat-thing class is also a fun option for those who want to play as a bizarre creation of science gone wrong, with random mutations and special abilities. The wayfarer and witch classes are more conventional, but still offer some twists and variations on the standard DCC RPG classes.
The rules for grudge tokens are a clever addition that adds another layer of roleplaying and interaction to the game. Grudge tokens are tokens that represent the ill will that characters generate or receive from others due to their actions or words. Characters can use grudge tokens to gain advantages or inflict disadvantages on their enemies or allies, but they also risk attracting the attention of powerful patrons or foes who may intervene in their affairs. Grudge tokens can also be used to fuel certain spells or abilities, adding more options and risks to the game.
The map of the Dying Earth is a beautiful piece of art that shows the main regions and landmarks of the world, as well as some hints and secrets for the GM to explore. The map is not meant to be a definitive or accurate representation of the world, but rather a suggestive and evocative one that invites curiosity and adventure.
Overall, Dungeon Crawl Classics – DCC Dying Earth is a highly recommended product for anyone who enjoys DCC RPG or Jack Vance’s works. It is a rich and immersive sourcebook that offers plenty of material and inspiration for creating memorable campaigns and characters in the dying days of the world.
Dungeon Crawl Classics Dying Earth on DrivethruRpg
