Dungeon Backdrop: The Shard Isles (P1) by Bart Wynants is a role playing game supplement published by Raging Swan Press for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result.
The supplement is available as a 17-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $3.75 but was purchased at a reduced price in a special bundle. Two pages are the front and rear covers, two are ads, three the front matter and Contents and one the Open Game License. The PDF comes in two versions, one optimised for print and high-end devices and the other for low end devices and mobile.
Using a Dungeon Backdrop is a standard piece explaining how to use this, that the backdrop is intended for use with the Lonely Coast but can be modified to fit elsewhere, that location descriptions only cover the basics and that treasure is only minor and level appropriate treasure needs adding.
Dungeon Background explains that the isles are the sole remains of the town of Brochanmore, obliterated during a flood; legend has it, by the curse of a merman. A coven of Braal-worshippers more recently made their home in the tower above the remains, only for them, too, to be obliterated in a flood.
The Adventure Begins has three potential hooks to involve the characters.
Whispers & Rumours has six rumours the characters could hear.
The Surrounding Locality explains the bay is between Hosford and Wolverton, though few adventurers visit despite the legends of gold, and there are ten pieces of wilderness dressing and ten things to find. A sidebar looks at the tides, how they change and the dangers.
Notable Locations at a Glance gives an overview of the major features.
Generic Dungeon Features has the general features of the isles, followed by ten pieces of dressing and ten things to find. After this is a full-page map of the isles.
The isles are then described. Each page has two columns; one giving details on the locations and the other having some brief GM Notes as well as blank space for more.
Aftermath has ways to resolve the adventure depending on which adventure hook is used, and there are three more adventure hooks. A sidebar explains how this is intended to work with Dungeon Backdrop: Scarlock Hill and Dungeon Backdrop: Craghollow Mine along with The Secret Name to make a mini-campaign.
Dungeon Backdrop: The Shard Isles (P1) in Review
The PDF is bookmarked with major and minor sections linked and only sidebars missing. The Contents is to a similar level of depth and is hyperlinked. The text maintains a two-column format and appears to be free of errors. As well as the map, there are some stock black and white illustrations. Presentation is okay.
Like other Dungeon Backdrops, this is not an adventure in and of itself but a framework for one, being a location that can be developed. The GM will need to do some development, for as presented this is deliberately missing various components of a true adventure. This does mean that it can be adapted for different levels simply by adding appropriate details. Dungeon Backdrop: The Shard Isles (P1) is a useful framework and it can be found by clicking here.
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