We're six days out from the campaign launch, and the doors of the Metadungeon are beginning to yawn invitingly open. Which means we can catch our first glimpse of what's within... or just in front of it I suppose, technically.
Stephanie Hans has given us the cover artwork, which we're affectionately calling "edition war": a clash between an impressive, classic barbarian and a joyfully vicious, thoroughly modern assassin, in the moody depths of the Metadungeon.
As an incentive for EARLY BIRD PHYSICAL BACKERS (meaning you back a physical pledge level in the First 48 Hours), we will include a FREE Carnivorous Cauldron miniature with your order.
This does not apply to Digital Only pledge levels, even if you add a physical item in the add-ons section. Don't worry though, even if you don't qualify for the free mini, you can still buy one as an add-on.
Just to make sure there is no confusion, the incentive is for backing at a PHYSICAL PLEDGE LEVEL during the FIRST 48 HOURS. After that, you may purchase the mini as an add-on.
WHAT ELSE?
Please take a look at this upcoming DCC/MCC project we are super excited about! The Eye of God is the first adventure in out new Apocalyptic Adventure! line. Designed as a bridge adventure between DCC & MCC, intended for 4-6 PCs of Level 2. Written by Scott Moore and illustrated by Leandro Seidler.
We're holding a Spellduel tournament for the Descent of the Ancient Fane launch party, April 7, at 9AM PST.
The winner gets their PC included in both the Dungeon Crawl Classics and D&D 5e versions of Descent of the Ancient Fane!
Spelldueling is fun and intense! You sign up for the tournament on Roll20, at this link. The day before the launch party, we'll release the bracket. You'll then have your chance to battle your fellow Wizards and Elves for a chance to be immortalized in Descent of the Ancient Fane!
What do we mean by "included"?
There's an area before an end boss in Descent of the Ancient Fane where unscrupulous and unsavory characters from around the multiverse have gathered for a party, the Golden Cave in the Dominion of Desire. A starting sketch by the brilliant Faith Murphree depicts it below:
Your PC will be an NPC there. They'll receive a description you provide and we'll edit for suitability, and they'll have a "trial" to win their favor that they'll present to PCs.
All to say, the winner of the Spellduel Launch Party won't just be background noise - their NPC will be central to the action, in a cool scene, at a crucial point in the Descent of the Ancient Fane campaign!
So sign up at Roll20 now! We've only got 6 days before the bracket is set, and you deserve your shot at diabolical glory!
Chris Doyle, author of the original Castle Whiterock, is the mind behind the 5E conversion of Witch Pleas' "ultimate Castle Whiterock tie-in," Descent of the Ancient Fane.
It was an amazing experience working with Chris on Descent of the Ancient Fane, connecting the mega dungeon to Whiterock's established NPCs and hidden areas, and offering Castle Whiterock's "secret diabolical history."
Chris blessed us with an interview on our blog that covers some of that experience, speaks to the original Castle Whiterock's personal origins, and delves into his ecology-focused approach to dungeon building.
Actually, it's quite hard to stop him, which is exactly what I like to see in a writer.
He chatted to All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions about DIE generally, and the Metadungeon specifically, and (I am given to understand) a good time was had by all!
This is more of a conversation starter than a real poll. Select an option below and then telling us more in the comments below. What adventuring party would you build if you were diving into a megadungon?
Not all graves remain silent… Some are answered. Deep within the cemetery, hidden from sacred eyes, an ancient ritual takes place — a communion between beauty, sacrifice… and something far older than death itself.
