Dungeon Crawl Classics #88.5: Curse of the Kingspire by Harley Stroh is a role playing game supplement published by Goodman Games for use with Dungeon Crawl Classics. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result. This is an adventure for level 2 characters and is converted from the original Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition supplement.
The supplement is available as a 48-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $9.99 but was purchased at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. Two pages are the front and rear covers, one the front matter, half a page is the Open game License and one is ads.
The Introduction explains that the adventure can be scaled up and that elves will get time in the spotlight. The adventure is also not recommended for first time judges or players; foolish choices will be punished.
The Adventure Summary explains that the adventure has three different chapters, each with its own style of play; infiltration, roleplaying and problem solving and finally brutal combat. It then goes through the parts of the adventure. Getting the Players Involved has some adventure hooks.
The Background explains that Kingshire, now called Kingspire, is a hamlet that has been taken over by a cult. It gives details on the Kingspire itself, now stuck elsewhere, and the inhabitants, who are Elder Kith, the forebears of the elves.
Kingspire Hamlet gives details on the locations in the hamlet, where the characters can find clues, as well as violence, both past and current.
The Drachenvold Swamp is a brief journey through the dangerous swamp.
Level 1: Ruins of Old Kingspire are the ruins of the citadel that exist in the current world, now taken over by the cult.
Level 2: Lost Kingspire is the citadel as it transferred to another realm due to a barbarian assault. However, the inhabitants, which will include the PCs, are forced to relive the same 24 hours of the assault over and over. Details are given on the Elder Kith that can be found in the citadel; all have different goals. A timeline has the fall of the Kingspire to the barbarian horde, from the start of the cycle to its destruction. Everything, including the PCs, is returned to its place and condition at the start of the cycle. The different parts of the citadel are then described. What characters will find in many places will depend on the part of the cycle they are in; the inhabitants may be defending against the barbarians if visited at one point in the cycle, or have been overrun if visited later. It’s possible characters may encounter both.
Appendix 1: The Runeblade is a powerful sword the characters will find in the citadel. It’s needed to stop the cycle, but can be used afterwards. It’s also dangerous for its owner.
Dungeon Crawl Classics #88.5: Curse of the Kingspire in Review
The PDF is bookmarked but only the major sections linked. Given the amount of different content, navigation is poor. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of error. There are a number of black and white illustrations, maps and handouts up to full page in size. Presentation is good.
Once the characters get to the Kingspire in its own plane, it is entirely likely that they will go through the cycle at least once, possibly before they truly know it exists. However, the restoration of everything in (most) of the citadel means that any mistakes they made on the first run through will be nullified, meaning that they can try again until they get it right. Consequences don’t become permanently terminal until they are in the final part of the adventure, seeking the item they need. Which could come as a nasty surprise when things don’t reset. This is one of the longer, more complex DCC adventures, though the reset does add a bit to make it easier. Dungeon Crawl Classics #88.5: Curse of the Kingspire can be found by clicking here.
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