I had been intending to skip the Kickstarter for this one - since I'm unlikely ever to actually play Level Up, I don't really need to be buying in to supplements. But the previews persuaded me otherwise, and I'm glad that they did! "Dungeon Delver's Guide" is an outstanding book, containing content of value not just with Level Up, or even 5e, but for D&D and D&D-like games in general.
The book is split into three sections: a moderately large section on PC options (that is, frankly, largely forgettable), a moderately large section on DM tools (that is also, frankly, largely forgettable), and a huge middle section on dungeons - and it is this that holds all the value in the book.
The centrepiece of the book is a method for building dungeons (and, I'd imagine, dungeon-like settings) termed NODES - each location might have a Novelty, Obstacle, Discovery, Escalation, or Set Piece. It's a really strong, flexible way to construct these things, and exactly the sort of thing that should be going in to the next DMG in 2024.
The book also has several example dungeons, lots of random tables of varying utility, and other bits and pieces. But, basically, it's that NODES system and the surrounding material that makes the book - that's where the value lies, and it is why I recommend it unreservedly.
And now I'm hoping they'll do two more: one each for wilderness and urban adventures.
No comments:
Post a Comment