A Review of the Role Playing Game Supplement Monstrous Lair #88: Ankheg Burrow

Monstrous Lair #88: Ankheg Burrow by Robert Manson 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 as an 8-page PDF for $1.65 from DriveThruRPG but was purchased at a reduced price thanks to a special offer. The supplement comes in two versions, a plaintext file and a PDF. Two pages of the PDF are the front and rear covers, two pages are ads, about half a page the front matter and Contents and one page 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.

The first paragraph gives some brief details on ankhegs. Following this are the d10 lists.

1: Outside the Lair has some descriptions for land outside the lair.

2: What’s Going On? is what the ankheg might be doing within the burrow.

3: Major Lair Features are the larger features of the burrow.

4: Minor Lair Features are minor pieces of burrow dressing.

5: Ankheg’s Appearance has ways of making the ankheg distinctive.

6: Treasure has generally valuable items, though values are not given.

7: Trinkets & Trash is largely worthless detritus.

Monstrous Lair #88: Ankheg Burrow in Review

The PDF is bookmarked with major and minor sections linked. The Contents are to a similar level of depth and is hyperlinked. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of errors. There is a single piece of black and white stock art. Presentation is okay.

This is a specialised supplement, but it is one that sticks to the theme, something that doesn’t always happen in the series. It’s perhaps one that wouldn’t be used much, but it will enliven an ankheg encounter. Monstrous Lair #88: Ankheg Burrow can be found by clicking here.