Publisher: Goodman Games
If you are looking for a new and exciting adventure for your Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG, you might want to check out The Black Obelisk, a 0-level funnel adventure set in the world of the Dying Earth. This is a far-future Earth where the sun is dying, and where magic and technology are so advanced that they are indistinguishable. The adventure is based on the classic Dying Earth series by Jack Vance, and it captures the essence of his style and tone.
The Plot
The adventure follows a group of pilgrims who are traveling to the holy city of Kaiin, where they hope to witness the return of the Great God Omaet-ko, who is said to reside in the mysterious Black Obelisk. Along the way, they will encounter strange creatures, ancient ruins, and powerful sorcerers, as well as the whimsical and often cruel humor of the Dying Earth.
The adventure is divided into four chapters, each with its own challenges and opportunities. The first chapter introduces the players to the setting and the main quest, as well as some of the dangers and wonders of the Dying Earth. The second chapter takes place in a ruined city, where the players will have to deal with a mad wizard and his minions. The third chapter involves a perilous journey across a desert, where the players will face sandstorms, bandits, and a giant worm. The fourth chapter is the climax of the adventure, where the players will reach Kaiin and discover the truth about the Black Obelisk and Omaet-ko.
The Features
The adventure is well-written and full of flavor, providing detailed descriptions of the locations, NPCs, and encounters. The author also provides suggestions for adapting the adventure to different DCC RPG settings, such as post-apocalyptic or science-fantasy. The adventure also includes patron information for Ohmvos, a demon who can be an ally or an enemy to the players, depending on their choices. The adventure is designed to be challenging but fair, and to encourage creativity and role-playing from both the players and the judge.
The adventure is available as a PDF or as a softcover book. You can also check out the DCC Dying Earth boxed set, which contains three books, a map, and more adventures in this doomed world.
What are the most interesting encounters in the adventure?
here are many interesting encounters in the adventure, but some of the most memorable ones are:
- The encounter with the mad wizard in the ruined city, who has a collection of bottled brains that he uses to power his spells and devices. The players can try to sneak past him, fight him, or bargain with him, but they have to be careful not to anger him or his brain golems.
- The encounter with the giant worm in the desert, who is attracted by the vibrations of the pilgrims’ footsteps. The players have to find a way to avoid or distract the worm, or face its deadly acid spray and razor-sharp teeth.
- The encounter with the Black Obelisk itself, which is a massive structure that emits a strange humming sound and a dark aura. The players have to decide whether to enter the obelisk, where they will face a series of trials and puzzles, or stay outside, where they will have to deal with the cultists and the demon Ohmvos.
What are the most interesting locations in the adventure?
The adventure has several interesting locations that the players can explore, such as:
- The Temple of the Sun, which is a huge pyramid that houses a solar furnace and a golden idol of the sun god. The players can learn more about the history and religion of the Dying Earth, as well as find some valuable treasures and secrets. However, they also have to beware of the priests and the traps that guard the temple.
- The City of the Dead, which is a vast necropolis that contains the tombs and mausoleums of the ancient kings and nobles. The players can discover the stories and legends of the past, as well as encounter some undead and ghosts that haunt the city. They might also find some ancient artifacts and cursed items that have been buried for centuries.
- The Tower of Ohmvos, which is a twisted spire that rises above the city of Kaiin. It is the lair of the demon Ohmvos, who is a patron of sorcery and chaos. The players can seek his favor or his wrath, depending on their actions and choices. They might also witness some of his bizarre experiments and dark rituals that he performs in his tower.
Based on The Dying Earth Book Series by Jack Vance.
Dungeon Crawl Classics Dying Earth #0: The Black Obelisk on DrivethruRpg
