Reviews of tabletop RPG stuff I’ve actually used in my games. Your mileage may vary.
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Shadowdark – 05/09/2025 Shipwreckers – Geeks & Games
In Skaalberg, adventurers faced undead remnants of the Skull Lord while exploring Fiadh’s Tower on a misty isle. After battles with skeletons and discovering Súigh’s true nature, they confronted Nathair, ultimately defeating him. The adventure concluded tragically as Richard, cursed by Nathair’s armor, transformed into his foe and fled.
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Shadowdark Session Recap: 05/02/2025 – Geeks & Games
Captain Tybold Kleinmarke’s crew encounters a false lighthouse that lures ships to destruction. After defeating thieves, they form the guild “Shipwreckers” in Skaalberg, a city with anti-magic laws. Their adventures lead them to Fiadh’s Tower, where they meet magical beings and face challenges, including a sorceress’s binding.
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Wreckers (D&D 5E AL Adapted to Shadowdark for Forbidden North)
The author describes running “Wreckers” by William Beers as an introduction to a Shadowdark campaign in Daj Kodan, showcasing its adaptability for open tables. The adventure involved cultists and a sea monster, leading to an ambush that gave players a smuggling sloop. While requiring some adjustments, it emphasized action over narrative.
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Shadowdark Session Recap: 04/25/2025 – Geeks & Games
The party’s journey to Skaal aboard Captain Tybal’s ship ends abruptly when they’re lured by a false beacon, leading to a crash. They defeat hostile cultists, uncover a smuggling operation, and rescue captured sailors. Ultimately, they capture a pirate vessel, gaining resources and allies to continue their adventure.
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Ultraviolet Empress (Ultraviolet Grasslands x Cloud Empress)
Overview Pros Cons Other Notes Final Thoughts
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Kobold Guide to Dungeons (Kobold Press)
The Kobold Guide to Dungeons, a 2012 Ennie Winner, features 20 essays, many lacking substantive value. While a few offer genuine dungeon design advice, most focus on narrative control and issues with D&D 5E and Pathfinder 1, resulting in a mediocre experience overall.
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Shadowdark Session Recap: 04/12/2025 – Eugene
After a seven-week journey, travelers arrive in Skaal, where they face goblins, a tavern conflict, and imprisonment. Led by Belia and Slib, they escape, encountering dangers en route to Khardruz, gaining experience and enemies.
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Tombs of Atuan: Ursula K. Le Guin
Atuan is praised as a standout in the Earthsea series, exploring the nature of evil while overcoming pacing issues found in earlier books. The author, LeGuin, develops characters better in the sequels, while some view the original as weaker.
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Shadowdark Session Recap: 04/04/2025 – Shadowkillers – Geeks & Games
The party prepares for their battle against Greeshak the dragon, facing orcs and a wounded ogre. After initial combat and significant dragon encounters, they return to town, meet Duchess Violeta, and successfully steal a valuable amulet, setting the stage for future adventures.
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Shadowdark Session Recap: 03/28/2025 – Shadowkillers – Geeks & Games
The party arrives at the Barrow Mound, facing orcs, hazardous floors, and undead elves. After a fierce battle, they discover treasures and the sentient Ruby of Ramlaat. A tragic attempt to retrieve glinting objects from a deadly pool results in the deaths of two members. The adventure concludes with a funeral and the transformation of…
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Dubious Heroes 