Publisher: Goodman Games
Are you looking for some new adventures to spice up your Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG sessions? Do you want to explore the city of Lankhmar, where danger and magic lurk in every corner? If so, you might be interested in this supplement by Goodman Games. It is called DCC Lankhmar #9 Grave Matters, and it contains two adventures that take place in the city of Lankhmar, based on the fantasy world of Fritz Leiber’s Lankhmar stories. In this review, I will tell you what you can expect from this supplement and how it can enhance your gaming experience.
What is DCC Lankhmar #9 Grave Matters?
It is part of the DCC Lankhmar line, which is a series of supplements that adapt the DCC RPG system to the Lankhmar setting. The Lankhmar setting is based on the stories of Fritz Leiber, who created a rich and colorful world of sword and sorcery, featuring the famous duo of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser.
The supplement contains two adventures that are suitable for level 2 characters. The first adventure is called The Sarcophagus Heist, and it involves the characters in a plot to steal back a stolen sarcophagus from a smuggling ring. The second adventure is called Grave Matters, and it involves the characters being thrown together by misfortune and having to fight their way out of an underground wizard’s lair. Both adventures are set in the city of Lankhmar, where skullduggery and sorcery are common.
The supplement also includes some new rules for urban encounters in Lankhmar, such as street gangs, beggars, and watchmen. It also has a table of random events that can happen in the city, such as fires, riots, festivals, and crimes. These rules can add some flavor and challenge to any city-based adventure.
What are the Adventures Like?
The adventures in this supplement are very different from each other, but they both capture the spirit and atmosphere of Lankhmar. They are full of action, intrigue, mystery, and humor. They also have some twists and surprises that will keep the players on their toes.
The Sarcophagus Heist is a fast-paced and action-packed adventure that involves the characters in a plot to steal back a stolen sarcophagus from a smuggling ring. The sarcophagus belongs to an overlord of Lankhmar, and the characters are hired by his agent to retrieve it before it leaves the city. The adventure has several scenes, such as a chase through the streets, a fight in an embalmer’s shop, and a confrontation in a warehouse. The adventure is fun and exciting, with some opportunities for stealth and diplomacy.
Grave Matters is more exploration-based and mysterious adventure that can be used as an introduction to a new DCC Lankhmar campaign. It involves the characters being thrown together by misfortune and having to fight their way out of an underground wizard’s lair. The adventure has several challenges, such as traps, puzzles, monsters, and rival adventurers. The adventure is more dark and creepy, with some twists and surprises.
Both adventures are well-written and well-illustrated, with clear maps and descriptions. They are easy to follow and run, with enough guidance and flexibility for the judge. They also have some references and connections to the Lankhmar stories, which will please fans of Fritz Leiber.
What are the New Rules Like?
The supplement also includes some new rules for urban encounters in Lankhmar, such as street gangs, beggars, and watchmen. These rules can help create a more realistic and dynamic city environment for the characters to explore. They also include a table of random events that can happen in the city, such as fires, riots, festivals, and crimes. These events can add some flavor and challenge to any city-based adventure.
The new rules are simple and easy to use, with enough detail and variety to make them interesting. They are compatible with the DCC RPG system and the Lankhmar setting. They also have some examples and suggestions for how to use them in your games.
What are the most interesting locations in this adventure?
The most interesting locations in this adventure are the ones that have a connection to the Lankhmar stories or the ones that have a unique feature or challenge. For example:
- The Silver Eel: This is a famous tavern where Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser often hang out and meet their allies and enemies. It is also the headquarters of the Thieves’ Guild, which plays a major role in the Sarcophagus Heist adventure. The Silver Eel is a place where you can find information, contacts, rumors, and trouble.
- The Bazaar of the Bizarre: This is a magical market where you can buy or sell strange and wondrous items, such as a talking skull, a flying carpet, or a shrinking potion. It is also a place where magic and madness are intertwined, and where you might encounter some weird and dangerous creatures or events. The Bazaar of the Bizarre is a place where you can find treasure, adventure, and mystery.
- The Black Bones: This is a graveyard where the dead are buried or cremated. It is also a place where ghosts, ghouls, and necromancers haunt. The Black Bones is a place where you can find horror, secrets, and danger.
Dungeon Crawl Classics Lankhmar #9 Grave Matters on DrivethruRpg
