If you’re a tabletop RPG enthusiast, you’ve probably found yourself in need of a dungeon at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re a Dungeon Master (DM) for Dungeons & Dragons or a player looking for a solo adventure, The Deck of Many Dungeons (DoMD) is a tool that can help you create dungeons quickly and efficiently. In this blog post, we’ll explore what this deck is, who created it, how it works, and why it’s a fantastic tool for both group and solo RPG play.
What Is The Deck of Many Dungeons?
The Deck of Many Dungeons is a card-based dungeon generator designed for use in tabletop role-playing games, particularly those inspired by Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). The deck allows you to generate random dungeons on the fly, making it an invaluable resource for DMs and players alike. It’s already packed with random tables for everything you’ll need in the dungeon and completely aligned with D&D 5e material.
Who Created It?
The Deck of Many Dungeons was created by Axebane Games, a RPG enthusiast and game designer who saw the need for a portable, versatile tool that could assist in dungeon creation. Their goal was to provide a resource that could be used in any fantasy RPG system, whether you’re running D&D 5e or another game entirely.
How Is It Based on D&D 5e?
While The Deck of Many Dungeons is inspired by the mechanics and style of D&D 5e, it’s designed to be system-agnostic. This means you can use it with any RPG system, whether you’re playing Pathfinder, Dungeon World, or even creating your own game. The deck’s content, such as monster encounters, traps, and treasure, can easily be adapted to fit the rules and tone of any fantasy role-playing game.
How Does The Deck of Many Dungeons Work?
The deck is divided into several types of cards, each serving a specific purpose in dungeon creation:
- Room Cards: These cards depict different rooms or chambers, complete with layouts and features like doors, treasure chests, or hidden traps. When drawn, these cards form the backbone of your dungeon’s layout.
- Corridor Cards: These cards represent the hallways and passages that connect rooms. They ensure that your dungeon is more than just a series of isolated encounters, creating a cohesive, labyrinthine environment.
- Trap Cards: These cards introduce various traps that adventurers might encounter. Each trap is described with details on how it functions and how it can be disarmed or avoided.
- Monster Cards: These cards list different monsters or enemies that could be placed in the dungeon. The monsters are inspired by classic fantasy creatures, and each card provides a basic description, which can be adapted to fit your RPG system.
- Treasure Cards: These cards show possible treasures or loot that can be found in the dungeon. From mundane items to magical artifacts, these cards add a reward system to your adventure.
- Event Cards: These cards describe random events or encounters that could occur within the dungeon, such as environmental changes, unexpected visitors, or magical effects.
Why Is It a Good and Compact Tool?
One of the greatest strengths of The Deck of Many Dungeons is its compactness and ease of use. The entire deck fits neatly into a small box, making it portable and perfect for on-the-go gaming. Whether you’re at a friend’s house, at a convention, or even on a solo adventure at home, the deck allows you to create a full-fledged dungeon without needing a pile of books or a computer.
The simplicity of drawing cards to create a dungeon means that you can set up an adventure in minutes, which is especially useful for spontaneous gaming sessions or when your players go off the beaten path and you need to improvise.
Using The Deck of Many Dungeons as a Solo RPG Tool
The Deck of Many Dungeons is also an excellent tool for solo RPG play. If you’re a player who enjoys solo adventures, this deck can provide you with endless dungeon-crawling opportunities. Simply draw cards to build your dungeon, populate it with monsters, traps, and treasure, and then take on the role of both the adventurer and the DM.
By using a system that allows you to emulate a Game Master role or simply making decisions based on the outcomes of your dice rolls, you can navigate the dungeon, fight monsters, and collect loot just as you would in a traditional group setting. The deck adds an element of surprise and unpredictability, making your solo adventures more dynamic and engaging.
Where to Find The Deck of Many Dungeons
The Deck of Many Dungeons is available in both digital and physical formats. You can find the digital version on DriveThruRPG, perfect for printing at home or using on a tablet. If you prefer a physical deck, you can order it as a print-on-demand product from The Game Crafter, ensuring you always have a tangible, ready-to-use tool at your fingertips (There’s even an expansion pack on The Game Crafter website).
Conclusion
The Deck of Many Dungeons is a versatile and compact tool that every RPG enthusiast should consider adding to their collection. Whether you’re running a game of D&D 5e, playing a different system, or embarking on a solo adventure, this deck provides you with everything you need to create exciting, varied dungeons in minutes. Its portability, ease of use, and adaptability make it an invaluable resource for both DMs and players alike. So, next time you’re in need of a dungeon, reach for The Deck of Many Dungeons and let the adventure begin!
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