Publisher: Goodman Games
Are you ready for a fantastic and perilous adventure in the far-future world of the Dying Earth? If so, you should check out the latest adventure from Goodman Games: DCC Dying Earth #2: The Sorcerer’s Tower of Sanguine Slant. This is a level 2 adventure for Dungeon Crawl Classics, based on the Dying Earth book series by Jack Vance. In this adventure, you will join a group of adventurers who seek to steal the black IOUN stone, a rare and valuable artifact, from the tower of a powerful and eccentric wizard named Sanguine Slant. But be warned: the tower is not a place for the faint-hearted, as it is made of frozen blood that defies gravity, and is filled with weird and dangerous inhabitants. Here are some of the reasons why you should play this adventure:
The Setting
The setting of this adventure is the Dying Earth, a far-future world where the sun is dimming and magic is fading, and where ancient sorcerers and strange creatures dwell in the ruins of civilization. The setting is inspired by the Dying Earth book series by Jack Vance, one of the most influential and acclaimed fantasy authors of all time. The setting is rich and colorful, with a mix of humor, horror, and wonder. You will encounter exotic locations, such as the city of Kaiin, the forest of Ascolais, and the tower of Sanguine Slant; bizarre creatures, such as vat-birthed monstrosities, ghostly apparitions, and rival spellcasters; and mysterious artifacts, such as the black IOUN stone, the spellbook of Turjan of Miir, and the cloak of invisibility.
The Characters
The characters of this adventure are also inspired by Vance’s stories, and they are interesting and quirky. You will meet some of the most iconic characters from the Dying Earth series, such as Cugel the Clever, Iucounu the Laughing Magician, and Rhialto the Marvellous. You will also create your own characters using the DCC Dying Earth rules, which add new features and options to the DCC system. You will choose your class, such as thief, warrior, wizard, or rogue; your quirk, such as greedy, vain, or cowardly; your curse, such as bad luck, bad breath, or bad reputation; and your spells, which are unpredictable and dangerous. You will also have to deal with your alignment, which can change depending on your actions and choices.
The Gameplay
The gameplay of this adventure is exciting and challenging. You will have to use your skills, magic, and luck to survive and escape with the prize. You will face many dangers and obstacles along the way, such as:
- The tower of Sanguine Slant: This is the main location of the adventure, where you will find the black IOUN stone. The tower is made of frozen blood that defies gravity, and has a twisted and labyrinthine structure. You will have to navigate through its rooms and corridors, which are full of traps, puzzles, secrets, and enemies.
- The spell duels: These are duels between spellcasters that follow a set of rules and etiquette. They are common among the sorcerers of the Dying Earth, who use them to settle disputes or test their skills. You may have to engage in one or more spell duels during the adventure, either against Sanguine Slant or another spellcaster. You will have to know the rules, use your magic wisely, and be prepared for anything.
- The escape: This is the final part of the adventure, where you will have to flee from the tower with the black IOUN stone. You will have to avoid or overcome any obstacles or pursuers that may try to stop you or take your prize. You will also have to decide what to do with the stone: keep it for yourself, sell it for a fortune, or return it to its rightful owner.
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 city of Kaiin: This is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the Dying Earth, where you will start your adventure. Kaiin is a sprawling and ancient city, full of wonders and dangers. You will find shops, taverns, temples, guilds, and other places of interest, as well as various factions and personalities that may help or hinder you. You will also meet Cugel the Clever, one of the most famous and infamous characters from Vance’s stories, who will offer you a deal to join him in the heist.
- The forest of Ascolais: This is the vast and wild forest that lies between Kaiin and the tower of Sanguine Slant. The forest is home to many creatures and mysteries, some benign and some hostile. You will have to travel through the forest, either by foot, by horse, or by magic, and face any challenges or encounters that may arise. You will also meet Iucounu the Laughing Magician, another iconic character from Vance’s stories, who will try to stop you or join you in the heist, depending on his mood.
- The tower of Sanguine Slant: This is the main location of the adventure, where you will find the black IOUN stone. The tower is made of frozen blood that defies gravity, and has a twisted and labyrinthine structure. You will have to navigate through its rooms and corridors, which are full of traps, puzzles, secrets, and enemies. You will also meet Sanguine Slant himself, a powerful and eccentric wizard who has a penchant for spell duels and riddles. He may be your ally or your foe, depending on how you approach him.
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 entrance to the tower: This is the first challenge that the adventurers will face, as they have to find a way to enter the tower of Sanguine Slant, which is surrounded by a wall of frozen blood. The wall has a single gate that is guarded by two snow clan warriors, who will demand a toll or a challenge to let anyone pass. The adventurers can try to bribe, fight, or trick their way in, or look for another entrance, such as a secret tunnel or a flying spell.
- The hall of mirrors: This is one of the rooms inside the tower, where the adventurers will encounter a series of mirrors that reflect their images and personalities. The mirrors can be helpful or harmful, depending on how the adventurers interact with them. Some of the mirrors can reveal secrets, grant wishes, or offer advice, while others can trap, curse, or mock the adventurers. The adventurers will have to be careful and clever to deal with the mirrors and find the exit.
- The spell duel with Sanguine Slant: This is the final encounter of the adventure, where the adventurers will face Sanguine Slant himself, a powerful and eccentric wizard who has a penchant for spell duels and riddles. Sanguine Slant will challenge the adventurers to a spell duel, following a set of rules and etiquette. The spell duel is a contest of skill and wit, where the spellcasters have to use their magic wisely and creatively to outsmart and defeat their opponent. The adventurers will have to know the rules, use their magic wisely, and be prepared for anything.
Based on The Dying Earth Book Series by Jack Vance.
Dungeon Crawl Classics Dying Earth #2: The Sorcerer’s Tower of Sanguine Slant on DrivethruRpg
