Dungeon Backdrop: Starfall Chantry (P1) by Bart Wynants is a role playing game supplement published by Raging Swan Press for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result.
The supplement is available as a 17-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $3.75 but was purchased at a reduced price in a special bundle. Two pages are the front and rear covers, two are ads, two the front matter and Contents and one the Open Game License. The PDF comes in two versions, one optimised for print and high-end devices and the other for low end devices and mobile.
Using a Dungeon Backdrop is a standard piece explaining how to use this, that the backdrop is intended for use with the Duchy of Ashlar but can be modified to fit elsewhere, that location descriptions only cover the basics and that treasure is only minor and level appropriate treasure needs adding.
Dungeon Background gives some history of the region known as the Carmine Hills. It’s the sacred hunting ground of an orc goddess and the ruler of Dunstone allied with dwarves to conquer the region in exchange for mining rights. This worked until a meteorite impacted the dwarves’ fortress-temple and inspired the orcs to drive out the invaders. The ruined temple is the only thing of note left, and a recent attempt by the dwarves to explore it and recover the meteorite failed.
The Adventure Begins has three adventure hooks for directly getting the characters involved.
Whispers & Rumours has six rumours about the ruin.
The Surrounding Locality gives a general overview of the surrounding area. There are also ten pieces of wilderness dressing and ten things to find. A sidebar has the chances of an ambush happening.
Notable Locations at a Glance gives an overview of the important places at the chantry.
Generic Dungeon Features gives a description of the general features along with ten pieces of dungeon dressing and ten things to find, after which is a full-page map of the chantry. A sidebar covers starblight, which is when a meteorite can affect the surrounding area after it’s been in place for several years; in this case, it siphons heat.
The ruin is then described, covering the various locations. Each page has two columns, one with the description and the other mostly blank except for some GM Notes, which have suggestions on use. There is also a sidebar on the star metal, tordel.
Aftermath wraps things up using the three adventure hooks, depending on which one was used.
Further Adventures has two new adventure hooks. There is also a reference saying that if using the Vile Star storyline, refer to that to see how to progress.
Dungeon Backdrop: Starfall Chantry (P1) in Review
The PDF is bookmarked with major and minor sections linked and only sidebars missing. The Contents is to a similar level of depth and is hyperlinked. The text maintains a two-column format and appears to be free of errors. As well as the map, there are some stock black and white illustrations. Presentation is okay.
Like many Dungeon Backdrops, this is easy enough to site elsewhere, with varying changes; what’s mostly needed is an orc-dominated region to place a ruined dwarven fortress. Though the Carmine Hills are notable for their red colouration thanks to the ore, this is a minor point, and most of the background is usable with varying degrees of tweaks. As is standard with Dungeon Backdrops, this isn’t an adventure but a framework for such and some work will be needed by the GM to get it table ready. With there being no monsters or treasure, this means that it could be used for a wide range of levels. Dungeon Backdrop: Starfall Chantry (P1) can be found by clicking here.
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