Publisher: Goodman Games
If you are looking for a thrilling and mind-bending adventure for your Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG campaign, you should definitely check out The Accursed Heart of the World-Ender, a zero-level funnel module by Brendan LaSalle. This module will take you and your players on a journey to the holy city of Al-Khazadar, where you will face ancient evils, cosmic secrets, and a destiny that could save or doom the universe. In this review, I will tell you why I think this module is one of the best DCC modules ever made, and how you can get your hands on it.
The Story
The Accursed Heart of the World-Ender is set in a war-torn world, where a group of pilgrims are traveling to Al-Khazadar, the city of the spear. There, they hope to find the legendary Seven-Tree Spear, a weapon that can only be wielded by the true king of their nation. However, their journey is not easy, as they encounter deadly traps, bizarre creatures, and a mysterious and ancient evil that threatens to destroy not only their world, but the entire universe.
The module is divided into three parts: The Road to Al-Khazadar, The City of the Spear, and The Accursed Heart. Each part has its own challenges and surprises, and the module provides plenty of guidance for the judge on how to run them. The module also includes new monsters, spells, items, and patron information.
The story is a mix of horror, humor, and heroism, and it has a twist that will make you question your reality. The module is inspired by cosmic horror authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Robert W. Chambers, but it also has a lot of originality and creativity. The module is designed to be challenging but fair, and it encourages creative problem-solving and role-playing.
The Design
The Accursed Heart of the World-Ender is a 16-page module that can be purchased as a PDF or a print-on-demand book. The module is written by Brendan LaSalle, who is a veteran DCC judge and author. He has written several other DCC modules, such as Hole in the Sky, The Inn at Five Points, and Sailors on the Starless Sea.
The module is beautifully illustrated by Doug Kovacs, who is one of the most iconic DCC artists. His illustrations capture the mood and atmosphere of the adventure with his distinctive style. The module also has a nice layout and typography that make it easy to read and use.
The module is suitable for both new and experienced players and judges, and it can be easily adapted to different settings and themes. The module can be played as a standalone adventure or as part of a larger campaign. The module can also be used as a source of inspiration for your own adventures.
What are the most interesting encounters in the adventure?
There are many interesting encounters in the adventure, but some of the most memorable ones are:
- The encounter with the Giant Worm in the Road to Al-Khazadar. This is a massive creature that burrows under the ground and attacks the pilgrims with its razor-sharp teeth and acid spit. The pilgrims have to find a way to escape or defeat the worm, or they will be devoured. This encounter is exciting and tense, and it introduces the theme of cosmic horror that pervades the adventure.
- The encounter with the Cult of the Yellow Sign in the City of the Spear. This is a group of fanatics who worship a mysterious entity known as the King in Yellow, and they have infiltrated the city and corrupted its inhabitants. The pilgrims have to avoid or fight the cultists, who use mind control, poison, and dark magic to achieve their goals. This encounter is creepy and disturbing, and it reveals some of the secrets behind the adventure.
- The encounter with the Accursed Heart in the Accursed Heart. This is the final and most epic encounter of the adventure, where the pilgrims face the source of the evil that threatens the universe: a gigantic heart that beats with dark energy and spawns horrific creatures. The pilgrims have to use the Seven-Tree Spear to destroy the heart, or they will be consumed by its power. This encounter is challenging and climactic, and it determines the fate of the world and the pilgrims.
What are the most interesting locations in the adventure?
The adventure has several interesting locations that the pilgrims visit on their way to Al-Khazadar. Some of the most notable ones are:
- The Oasis of the Seven Palms in the Road to Al-Khazadar. This is a lush and verdant oasis that offers a respite from the harsh desert. The pilgrims can rest, replenish their supplies, and interact with the friendly locals. However, they also have to deal with a hidden threat that lurks beneath the surface of the water. This location is interesting because it contrasts the beauty and tranquility of nature with the danger and horror of the unknown.
- The Temple of the Seven Stars in the City of the Spear. This is a majestic and ancient temple that houses the Seven-Tree Spear, the holy relic that the pilgrims seek. The temple is guarded by a powerful and mysterious order of priests, who test the pilgrims’ faith and worthiness. The pilgrims have to prove themselves by solving riddles, performing rituals, and facing trials. This location is interesting because it reveals the history and lore of the world, and it challenges the pilgrims’ beliefs and morals.
- The World-Ender’s Rift in the Accursed Heart. This is a colossal and terrifying rift that opens in the sky above Al-Khazadar, unleashing a torrent of cosmic energy and abominations. The rift is the gateway to the Accursed Heart, the source of the evil that threatens the universe. The pilgrims have to brave the rift and enter the heart, where they will face their final and most epic encounter. This location is interesting because it showcases the scale and scope of the adventure, and it offers a spectacular and climactic finale.
Dungeon Crawl Classics The Accursed Heart of the World-Ender on DrivethruRpg
