I just finished the first issue of Megadungeon by Hack & Slash Publishing. I had heard about the little magazine a while ago but it took me some time to get curious. It weighs in at 38 pages and is rather small. The art isn’t top notch but I rather like it. It reminds me of fanzines at anime conventions when I was younger.
My expectations for the magazine weren’t very high. I was hoping for some half-decent dungeon maps I could use for my own games. There were only 2 maps (and one of them was a 3D/sideview). Although it was weak on maps the little book really delivered. It gave gamers an introduction to the megadungeon concept, introduced a new setting and offered optional game rules.
The discussion of the megadungeon concept was nothing new to me but it was nice to see a serviceable presentation offered in one place. I may be passing this to fellow gamers soon to make sure we’re on the same page when planning a dungeon crawling campaign of my own.
The Numenhalla setting is written for the magazine and gets a little more material in each issue. It’s a gritty setting that hints at an ancient apocalypse that left behind “magic” that few understand. The setting isn’t too intricate yet has features that make it interesting. The dungeon maps incorporate elements from Numenhalla’s unique world into the scenario. This makes the maps stand out in my mind. I”m probably going to invent excuses to use these in the future.
Where Megadungeon really shines is the optional rules. Everything is written for both B/X D&D and 5th Edition. An intriguing skill system is presented that bolts onto B/X handily but only replaces a few skills in 5E. An article gives practical information on how to modify 5E’s rules to work better for megadungeon play. A new character class is given for “golems” (mechanical men) with interesting ideas on how to level up and give them “magic” items unique to them without making them too powerful.
I haven’t read the 2nd or 3rd issues yet but I already know I’m going to be referring to the first issue in the days to come. Thankfully, the next 2 issues offer more maps. If you have a chance, Megadungeon is recommended.
0 Comments