Dungeon Crawl Classics #92: Through the Dragonwall by Daniel J. Bishop 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 3 characters.
The supplement is available as a 28-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $6.99 and is also available in printed form from sites such as Amazon. The PDF is the version reviewed although it was purchased at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. Two pages are the front and rear covers, one page is the front matter, half a page is the Open Game License and one page is an ad.
The Introduction explains that the adventure is aimed at five 3rd level characters, but could be scaled up, and that parties need to be well balanced. It also states it is not suitable for novice Judges or players, who may find it too challenging.
Adventure Summary gives an overview; the characters are chasing an agent of Chaos and end up going through a one-way teleport trap, transported to a hidden valley divided by the Dragonwall. There is a ruler on each side and, until one is dead, no-one can leave the valley.
Background explains how the area came to be, and how both rulers were exiled, for the crime of loving each other. One is a follower of the dragon-god Baphotet Khor, a deity introduced in Dragora’s Dungeon, the other a member of the Elder Kindred, introduced in Curse of the Kingspire as Elder Kith.
The characters will pursue the agent of Chaos into the entrance area and be caught by the trap that sends them to the valley. Each part of the valley is described, along with encounters in each; both have a different feel to them, and they are associated with different gods and people. There are various NPCs to encounter, some safer than others, and a number of random encounters.
Once the characters have fulfilled the exit conditions, they will need to leave, and quickly. Concluding the Adventure has some suggestions should they fail to do this.
Dungeon Crawl Classics #92: Through the Dragonwall in Review
The PDF is bookmarked but only the major sections are linked. Navigation could be better. The book primarily follows a two-column black and white format and appeared to be free of errors. As well as the maps, there are a number of black and white illustrations, all of which appear to be custom. Presentation is good.
The warning that this is not for novices should be heeded. Escaping the valley is difficult and time limited. Should the characters fail to do this in time, they will be trapped, and this is not the only part where at least one character could get stuck. There are enough potentially hostile beings to overwhelm parties that rely purely on force. Dungeon Crawl Classics #92: Through the Dragonwall is a difficult and dangerous adventure and it can be found by clicking here.
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