Old School Renaissance – Dungeon Crawl Classics – DCC Shadow of the Beakman

Publisher: Goodman Games

If you are looking for a thrilling and original adventure for your Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG campaign, you might want to check out Shadow of the Beakman, a level 1 module by Harley Stroh and Goodman Games. In this adventure, you and your fellow adventurers will face a flock of ferocious feathered foes who have emerged from a mysterious obelisk. Can you stop them before they unleash their sinister plans?

What is Shadow of the Beakman?

Shadow of the Beakman is a 24-page adventure that can be played in one session, or as part of a larger campaign. It is set in a generic fantasy world, but it has a pulp flavor, with elements of horror and sci-fi. The main antagonists are the beakmen, a race of bird-like humanoids who have come from another dimension. They are armed with strange weapons that shoot fire and lightning, and they have a dark agenda that involves the obelisk and its secrets.

The adventure begins with the characters witnessing the arrival of the beakmen, who attack a nearby village. The characters must then decide how to deal with the threat, whether by fighting, sneaking, or negotiating. The adventure offers several hooks and options for different approaches, as well as consequences for each choice. The characters will eventually have to enter the obelisk, where they will discover its origin, its purpose, and its connection to the beakmen.

What are the most interesting locations in this adventure?

Some of the most interesting locations in this adventure are:

  • The beakmen’s camp, where the characters can witness the beakmen’s culture, rituals, and technology. They can also find clues, allies, and enemies among the beakmen. The camp is full of dangers and opportunities, depending on how the characters approach it.
  • The obelisk, where the characters can explore the ancient and mysterious structure that is the source of the beakmen’s invasion. The obelisk contains secrets, puzzles, and traps that will challenge the characters’ wits and skills. The obelisk also has a connection to a powerful patron, who may help or hinder the characters.
  • The final chamber, where the characters will face the ultimate threat of the adventure: the beakman king and his elite guard. The final chamber is a climactic and epic showdown that will test the characters’ courage and resolve. The final chamber also reveals the true purpose of the obelisk and its implications for the world.

What are the most interesting encounters in this adventure?

Some of the most interesting encounters in this adventure are:

  • The ambush by the beakmen scouts, who use their fire and lightning weapons to surprise and harass the characters. This encounter is a good introduction to the beakmen’s abilities and tactics, and can also provide some clues and loot for the characters. The encounter can be avoided or resolved in different ways, depending on the characters’ actions.
  • The encounter with the beakman shaman, who is performing a ritual to summon more beakmen from the obelisk. This encounter is a chance for the characters to learn more about the beakmen’s culture and religion, as well as their connection to the obelisk. The encounter can also lead to a confrontation with the shaman and his followers, or a possible alliance with a rebel beakman who opposes the invasion.
  • The encounter with the obelisk guardian, who is a giant metal bird that protects the entrance to the obelisk. This encounter is a challenging and exciting combat that will test the characters’ strength and skill. The encounter can also reveal some secrets about the origin and nature of the obelisk, as well as its link to a patron.

DCC Day #1 Shadow of the Beakman on DrivethruRpg