Monstrous Lair #21: Pirates’ Cove by Steve Hood is a role playing game supplement published by Raging Swan Press. The supplement is stated to be system neutral, but also compatible with any version of Dungeons & Dragons, and is therefore covered by the Open Game License with some parts considered to be Open Game Content as a result.
The supplement is available for $1.45 from DriveThruRPG but was purchased at a reduced price thanks to a special offer. The supplement comes in two versions, a plaintext file and an eight-page PDF. Two pages of the PDF are the front and rear covers, two pages are ads, about half a page is the front matter and Contents and one page is the Open Game License.
Using this Monstrous Lair is a standard piece of text for the series and explains what the tables are and that the supplement makes two assumptions; the GM has a map of the lair and stats for monsters and details of any treasure.
After an introductory paragraph on pirates, the d10 tables follow.
1: Outside the Lair has what characters might see near the cove.
2: What’s Going On? has activities that pirates might be doing.
3: Major Lair Features has some descriptions of generally larger features.
4: Minor Lair Features are similar features and encounters, but are more minor.
5: Pirate’s Appearance has descriptions for pirates.
6: Treasure has a number of things, most valuable, magical or both.
7: Trinkets & Trash has some trinkets of minor value, and some trash with none.
Monstrous Lair #21: Pirates’ Cove
The PDF is bookmarked, with major and minor sections linked. The Contents is to a similar level of depth and is hyperlinked. Navigation is good. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be mostly free of errors. There is a single piece of black and white stock art. Presentation is okay.
The series can vary with how well it sticks to the theme; some themes are easier than others. This one isn’t exactly cove-like – perhaps that was just to call it something better than “Pirates’ Lair” – but the pirate/nautical theme is followed. The different results make sense and manage to steer clear of the stereotypical pirate depictions. Monstrous Lair #21: Pirates’ Cove is a nice little supplement and it can be found by clicking here.
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