Free Role Playing Game Supplement Review: The Barrow of Bhalagrim – JEM1

The Barrow of Bhalagrim – JEM1 is a role playing game supplement written and published by G.A. Mitchell for use with Journeyman, Expert, Master.

The supplement is available as a 13-page PDF for free from DriveThruRPG. Two pages are the front and rear covers and one the front matter. There are also two pngs, one a players’ map of the barrow, the other a GM’s copy.

The Introduction explains that this is a small dungeon that’s intended to serve as an introductory adventure. The stats are for Journeyman, Expert, Master, but the adventure should be suitable for other similar games.

Game Master’s Background explains that centuries ago the area was the site of a great battle between dwarves and the forces of chaos. A great general was slain and his body was interred in the barrow along with those of other dwarves. Since then, the area has become human farmland and others have become interested in the barrow.

Hooks has some example hooks to get the characters involved.

Rumours about the Barrow has a d10 table of gossip to hear, marked as whether the rumours are true, false or a combination.

The Timer is a week-long table of events that will happen.

The Barrow Dungeon starts with general details on doors and light in the barrow, the different factions that can be encountered, a table of random encounters and stats for the creatures. Following a full-page map of the barrow, the various locations are detailed.

The Barrow of Bhalagrim – JEM1 in Review

The PDF is well bookmarked with all sections linked. Navigation is good. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of errors. As well as some custom maps, there are some black and white stock illustrations. Presentation is decent.

This is a simple dungeon-crawl, with essentially a major fight where the characters can end up with the most valuable item. With there being several factions within the barrow, how the characters handle them can vary, leading to some flexibility in what is otherwise a straightforward dungeon. It also shouldn’t be too hard to convert to other systems. The Barrow of Bhalagrim – JEM1 can be downloaded for free by clicking here.