First chapter in the Castle Whiterock tie-in campaign, Descent of the Ancient Fane, When the Stars Cried Despair is an unforgettable funnel/1st-level adventure with all-new mechanics for rich backstory and bonds between PCs.
When the Stars Cried Despair - A D&D 1st Level/DCC Level 0 Starter Adventure at the End of the World (Ancient Fane Pt. 0)
For there shall come the Lord Nightmare And every star shall cry despair Amid the doom, amid the strife You smile to see one give their life - The Savior's Prayer, Fort Saint Veronica
When the Stars Cried Despair is a starter adventure at the end of the world. Your 1st-level D&D 5e and Level 0 Dungeon Crawl Classics characters face no less than the apocalypse in this first chapter of Descent of the Ancient Fane, the upcoming tie-in with Goodman Games' Castle Whiterock (April 2026).
More than just global destruction is at stake, as When the Stars Cried Despair introduces new mechanics to create Bonds between PCs and establish their Business in the adventure, motivations that change the outcome of rolls and alter the story's plot. This unique approach to a funnel/1st level adventure makes When the Stars Cried Despair ideal to kick off a campaign whether Castle Whiterock or Descent of the Ancient Fane, or a homebrew of your own.
All backers also receive a free one-shot adventure tied to the tale, Bride of Baal!
This glossy 30+ page book features:
Cover and interior art by Jim Pavelec (Magic: The Gathering, D&D 4e) and interior art and cartography by Alexander Moore
Conversion from DCC to D&D 5e by Chris Doyle, author of the original Castle Whiterock and countless D&D titles
Bonds and Business tables to provide backstory and character connections that influence rolls and plotlines
15 magical items, some with epic powers that change characters forever
16 richly detailed areas with branching paths
3 magical sites with astonishing blessings and curses that alter characters' destinies
8+ new monsters, including rules for when fallen PCs return as demonic Risen
Mentors to train the survivors to become heroes
Much of the art is done, so fulfillment will be quick! We hope to have printed copies on your gaming tables and at conventions in January, well in advance of the launch of Descent of the Ancient Fane, April 2026. The PDF releases immediately upon survey completion. When the Stars Cried Despair's stretch goals include:
A Print Edition of our Funnel Bundle Level - including the first widely available printing of All Roads Lead to Conquest, the DCC Day 2025 three-path funnel adventure.
A poster-sized hand-drawn area map by Stefan Poag, continuing his series on the locations of the Legends of Lohre campaign setting
A hardcover edition with exclusive art, setting content such as the adventures and services around Fort Saint Veronica, new spells and patrons, magical items and more
Interior Features Include
Bonds and Business Tables to personalize the plot, bond PCs and influence rolls. Blessings, curses and bizarre incidents that shape the PCs in unexpected ways. Distinctive magical items that render mighty power and inflict a heavy cost. Unique monsters, including rules to revive fallen PCs as demonic foes, the Risen. This one-of-a-kind funnel heralds the approach of our one-of-a-kind dungeon, Descent of the Ancient Fane, the most hellish dungeon ever and Witch Pleas Publishing's tie-in with Castle Whiterock.
All followers receive a free, full-fledged one-shot adventure, Bride of Baal!
Bride of Baal is a level 1 Dungeon Crawl Classics adventure that's ideal for a surprise one shot. We've all been there - sometimes players cancel and the campaign can't continue, or sometimes the judge just needs a break from the narrative. Bride of Baal is perfect for such occasions, just like it's a perfect follow-up adventure to When the Stars Cried Despair.
As part of the Descent of the Ancient Fane narrative, Bride of Baal can get your players excited for the upcoming megadungeon or just be one hell of an exciting night. Its six areas are rife with puzzles, brutal traps, bizarre curses, unique magical items and most of all, the raw lethality that Dungeon Crawl Classics players love.
Shipping Details
As for shipping, standard rates at economy shipping apply. Estimates are:
Domestic: $7 for a single item, $10 for two or more items Canada/Mexico: $28 Overseas: $40
_______________________________________________________________________________ Castle Whiterock TM is a trademark of Goodman Games LLC. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
