Publisher: Goodman Games
A bundle of old school goodness for new and veteran players alike
If you are a fan of old school role-playing games, or if you are curious about what they are like, you might want to check out the Dungeon Crawl Classics First Time Fan Kit. This bundle includes three products that will help you start playing DCC RPG, a game that is inspired by the classic editions of Dungeons & Dragons, but with its own flavor and flair. The products are:
- The Dungeon Crawl Classics Core Rulebook
- The DCC RPG Judge’s Screen
- The Sailors on the Starless Sea adventure module
In this review, I will give you an overview of each product and tell you why I think they are worth getting.
The Dungeon Crawl Classics Core Rulebook
The Dungeon Crawl Classics Core Rulebook is the heart and soul of DCC RPG. It is a massive book of 480 pages that contains all the rules, classes, spells, monsters, and tables you need to play the game. The book is well-written, well-organized, and well-illustrated. It has a retro style that evokes the nostalgia and charm of the old school games, but it also has a modern touch that makes it easy to read and use.
The game itself is based on the classic editions of Dungeons & Dragons, but it has some unique features that make it stand out. For example, the game uses a system of dice chains, where you can roll different types of dice depending on your situation and modifiers. You can also use special dice like d3, d5, d7, and d30 to add more variety and randomness to your rolls. The game also features a fun and flavorful magic system, where spellcasters have to roll for spell checks and deal with the consequences of misfires, corruption, and mercurial magic. The game encourages creativity and experimentation, as well as embracing the chaos and danger of the dungeon.
The book also has a lot of content to offer. It has 14 classes to choose from, ranging from the familiar (cleric, thief, warrior) to the exotic (dwarf, elf, halfling). It has over 300 spells to cast, each with its own table of effects and outcomes. It has over 500 monsters to fight, each with its own description and stats. It has dozens of tables to generate dungeons, treasures, patrons, curses, traps, and more. It has everything you need to create your own adventures and campaigns in a world of ancient secrets, dark magic, and deadly monsters.
The DCC RPG Judge’s Screen
The DCC RPG Judge’s Screen is a handy accessory that provides a quick reference for the most common rules and tables in the game. The screen has four panels that display information such as combat actions, saving throws, critical hits, fumbles, spellburn, corruption, patron taint, and more. The screen is sturdy and durable, and it has a nice artwork on the front that shows a group of adventurers facing a horde of skeletons.
The screen also comes with a 16-page booklet that contains two new adventures: The Infernal Crucible of Sezrekan the Mad and The Abbot of the Woods. These adventures are suitable for low-level characters and can be used as standalone scenarios or as part of a larger campaign. They are well-designed and well-written, and they have maps, illustrations, and tips for running them.
The Sailors on the Starless Sea adventure module
The Sailors on the Starless Sea adventure module is one of the most popular and acclaimed modules for DCC RPG. It is designed for 0-level characters who are ordinary peasants thrust into a perilous quest to stop an ancient evil from rising. The adventure takes place in a ruined keep that hides a portal to a starless sea where a monstrous beast awaits. The adventure is full of traps, puzzles, secrets, and enemies that will challenge and thrill the players. The adventure also features beautiful illustrations by Doug Kovacs and Stefan Poag that capture the mood and atmosphere of the setting.
The Sailors on the Starless Sea is a great introduction to DCC RPG. It showcases the game’s style and mechanics in an exciting and memorable way. It is also a great example of how to create an engaging and immersive adventure that will leave a lasting impression on the players.
Conclusion
The Dungeon Crawl Classics First Time Fan Kit is a great way to get started with DCC RPG or to introduce new players to the game. It offers a lot of value and content for a reasonable price. The products are well-written, well-designed, and well-produced.