Dungeoneer

I'm Running a Demo at Gamescape in San Rafael

2012-01-23T16:48:00.001-08:00

Game #2 – A Darklord Emerges!
World of Dungeoneer 3-5 Players
GM - Thomas Denmark
Mon Jan 30

The Darklord and his minions are marching across the freelands of Tarnyss. A ragged band of heroes is all that stands between enslavement and peace. You can defeat the Darklord by beating back his armies, by crushing his dungeon strongholds, or by destroying the artifact of evil that gives power to the Darklord. You will face impossible quests and overcome heroic challenges to win – or you will die trying…

World of Dungeoneer is an RPG-like boardgame set in a grim fantasy world. It is based on the popular card game series published by Atlas Games. At the start of each game, a “Darklord” card is chosen who is trying to conquer the world with his evil minions: Angrihm the Lich King and his Undead Hordes, Nakari the Queen of Darkness and her legion of Naga maidens, or Umbar the Golem Lord and his mechanized horde. Players work cooperatively against the game. The war rages on both a giant world map where armies battle, and small dungeon maps where special Quests are completed by the players’ characters. Run by the famed artist and creator of the Dungeoneer card game, this will be a great chance to try it out before it hits the shelves!

Working on Layout

2011-06-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

The final document for Dungeoneer Deluxe, simply called "Hero's Guide" is now in layout. There are still some loose ends to tie up in the back end of the book, various things like using other Dungeoneer sets with it and some optional rules. But I can really start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is a huge milestone in the long saga of developing this game.

Still have some illustrations to finish for the cards themselves. By some of course I mean lots. :)

Mistress of Illusion

2011-06-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

One of the fascinating things about product development is refining the components that will come in that product. There are a lot of factors, not only the game design which is the primary motivation. But also the cost of materials, the opportunities for higher quality components if you just adjust the design a little, and any number of other little things.

Since Dungeoneer Deluxe has been in development for so long, I've reached the point where I really want to publish it and get it out to you! I don't like the word compromise, I prefer to think of it as practicality, but I have been focusing on taking this design that has been worked on for so long and making sure it can be published. What this means is that instead of being "vaporware" it will someday, soon, be a real product.

Gvandir

2011-05-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

The greatest hero in the mythos of Tarniss - the grim fantasy world of Dungeoneer - is Gvandir. He is a mighty paladin who defeated the forces of Lashtar, demon lord of the abyss, in an epic battle. He sealed their defeat with the eternal whirlstorm over the island of Bandimar that prevents the demon hordes of the abyss from returning to Tarniss. This is a drawing I did of Gvandir battling the demon hordes, it is intended to be an interior illustration for Dungeoneer Deluxe.

Torchiere

2011-05-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I did a drawing of a concept for Torchiere. A card that had the effect of dealing damage over a series of turns agains undead. While the card mechanics itself has changed over the course of many playtests, the illustration I did for it has remained essentially the same. This is a drawing I did and recently inked for an interior illustration in Dungeoneer Deluxe.

This drawing was inspired by a card from Wrath of the Serpent Goddess: Torchiere Corpse.

My Two Favorite Dungeoneer Aids

2011-05-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

From the beginning Dungeoneer has endured accusations of less than perfect rules, though we have tried to rewrite and polish the rules a half-dozen times it was never enough to satisfy the critics (though sales remained strong). However, two fan-made gameplay aids have stood out as the best resources to help you play Dungeoneer.

Dungeoneer Numbered Rules

Dungeoneer Turn Summary

I have linked to these files for a long time, but I realize they are so valuable that they are worth bumping into the prime position on this blog. I have linked them on the top two links to the right in order to give them maximum exposure, especially for anyone new to Dungeoneer.

If you buy a Dungeoneer set, toss the included rule sheet and use these resources instead. You will save yourself a lot of time and headache, and you will really enjoy the game.

Interior Art

2011-05-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

To me, the interior art of the Dungeoneer Deluxe booklets is every bit as important as the art on the cards. The interiors must be black & white due to printing restrictions, but I believe b&w art can be every bit as compelling as color art. Even more so in some circumstances. The limitations of b&w art and the stark feeling it creates can often lead to more compelling illustration in some circumstances. I have done quite a bit of pen & ink work for the interior illustrations of Dungeoneer Deluxe. One of my biggest influences goes way back to the early days of D&D: Dave Trampier. His inking style, and storytelling skills are an inspiration to me.

I have done a number of illustrations for Dungeoneer Deluxe using a brush trying to get that wonderful thick-to-thin quality Trampier achieved in his beautiful illustrations.

This scene depicts a warrior chick leaping in midair and a wizard chick disposing of some pesky skeletons in a deadly dungeon.

Shadowhaven Dragon

2011-04-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

I wonder what the stats are on this little beastie?

A Review of the Original Dungeoneer

2011-03-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

In 2003 a little game called Dungeoneer was published. I poured my heart and soul into the game, and it was incredibly difficult to make. I had this idea: a genuine dungeon crawl in a deck of cards. The game was well received, probably what the movie industry would call a "cult hit". It made enough money that I was compelled to create additional sets, but never enough that I could quit my full time job. I was just rereading this review by Shannon Applecline, who has been a supportive Dungeoneer reviewer from the beginning. It brought back old memories and is inspiring me to make the Dungeoneer RPG (which will probably be released as "Dungeoneer Deluxe") the best I can make it.

http://www.boardgameinfo.com/review/9/9195-Dungeoneer%3A-Tomb-of-the-Lich-Lord

Impending

2011-03-25T23:57:00.001-07:00

Getting printer's quotes. It's getting serious now.

Palanthion

2011-03-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

Palanthion is the capitol of Dolmaranthuz - the most powerful empire in Tarniss. It boasts the tallest castle-palace in the world, home to emperor Kaelus the great. If you are a citizen of Dolmaranthuz, an "imperial", you are afforded special privileges that no foreigners get - access to the socialized system of the empire.

You may notice some subtle changes to the map card layout. I think it adds to the legibility of the map cards, and makes the game better. (the final Peril/Glory value of the card hasn't been settled yet, so I've left that off. Playtesting, playtesting...this game needs to be awesome).

Leaf Nosed Dragon

2011-02-23T00:53:00.000-08:00

Another card preview for the Dungeoneer RPG. This is a Leaf Nosed Dragon. They can be found in the heights of the Shadowhaven mountains, though they occasionally reside in deep forests, particularly when brooding.

Here is a detail of the illustration:

Yep, I flipped it for the card. Many of my illustrations are done digitally, but for the Dungeoneer RPG I'm trying to do as many in real paint (acrylics) as I have time for. This one is 10"x14" acrylic on Arches hot press watercolor block.

Character Sheet Sampler

2011-02-05T22:16:00.000-08:00

A Dungeoneer RPG character sheet. Human Warrior at 1st level with 1 melee, 0 magic, 2 speed, 6 life, 7 peril, 8 glory. His culture is "Ancient" and his calling is "Renown".

Wizard World Anaheim

2011-01-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

I'll be at Wizard World Anaheim if you want to stop by and get cards signed, or get some art, or just say hi.

Abyssal Eruption

2010-11-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

News of the Dungeoneer RPG trickles out slower than molasses in winter. I do try, at the very least, to post something once per month here.

Most of the cards I have previewed have been for Hero players. In this installment I wanted to preview a card for Dungeonlords. This is a particularly nasty one that your players really will not be happy to see come into play. A tad expensive at 5 Peril, it more than makes up for its cost if you have multiple Demons in play, especially against a band of snotty Heroes who think because they are now "epic" level that few challenges can withstand their awesomness.

Note that cards are subject to change from now until publication. But this one has proven to be pretty solid in gameplay, though a tad limited since it only works for demons currently.

Character Sheet Sampler

2010-10-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

With each revision the Character Sheets having gotten simpler, tighter, and more refined. We've boiled the game down to its essence without losing any verisimilitude. This has been one of the most difficult parts to design. Creating a Character is now 3 Steps:

Deal a Character Sheet to each player. (analogous to "class")
Deal 1 Culture card to each player. (somewhat analogous to "race")
Deal 1 Calling card to each player. (vaguely analogous to "alignment")

Done!

Here is a sample of some of the Character Sheets that will be included in the set:

I'm particularly happy with the way all your stats are tracked on a single bar at the top of the sheet where it is easy for everyone to see. Peril, Glory, Melee, Magic, Speed, Life - all on 1 tracker.

Happy Birthday Atlas Games!

2010-08-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

Atlas games took a chance on me, an unknown game designer, and a quirky little game called Dungeoneer. I'm so grateful for their support. And now it is Atlas Games' 20th anniversary. John Nephew, owner of Atlas Games, is celebrating by offering you, the people who make it possible to stay in business, a special birthday gift. Follow this link for details, only available to the first 250 people.

Solo Dungeoneer?

2010-07-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

There have been a number of solo rules variants created over the years for Dungeoneer. A version that I favor is posted in the Optional Rules that have been available on the Atlas Games website nearly since they began publishing the game.

Dungeoneer player Robert Oleson has posted a solo Dungeoneer game he recently played using his own custom solo rules, based on this version by Donovan, which are inspired in part on the optional rules, and rely on the Number Reference Rules (which have proven to be the best and most coherent set of Dungeoneer rules so far).

Check out his excellent play-by-play session here.

Thinking of archiving and moving the Dungeoneer forum

2010-05-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

Back in the heyday the Dungeoneer forums had as many as 40 or so visitors a day, and dozens of posts. Now the forums have become a museum where new players glean information, but few posts are made any more.

I've backed up all the data on that forum and am considering taking the old forum down, maybe using a free alternative forum. Once the Dungeoneer RPG is published I expect there will be a need for a dedicated forum.

We've made the big time

2010-05-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Dungeoneer now has a Wikipedia page.

It's a bit sparse at the moment, hopefully it will grow with time. Still, nothing beats the entries on Boardgamegeek.com

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Melee Attribute

2010-03-24T00:09:00.000-07:00

One of the important translations from the card game to an RPG is to establish the basic abilities of the character. In traditional roleplaying games these are strength, intelligence, wisdom, etc. each with specific game values. Dungeoneer RPG uses a very similar, simplified version of these by converting Melee, Magic, and Speed into basic attributes for the character.

Melee
Melee represents physical strength, combat ability, and overall physical prowess of your Hero. It is a combination of brute muscle strength, combat ability and resistance to physical harm. Melee is used in Tests which represent entanglement, poisoning, grappling, or other feats of strength, constitution and fortitude. Melee is used in any kind of physical combat. Coming out ahead in a trade of sword blows, hitting a target with a thrown rock, or getting the timing right to deliver a swift kick to the tender parts of your enemy’s body all rely upon Melee. Many of the challenges you will face will be based on Melee. Paladins and Warriors rely on Melee.

Dungeoneer Anime Style?

2010-03-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

Dungeoneer fan Christopher Stone-Bush (Hyvemind) made 6 new heroes for Dungeoneer based on a popular Anime title.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/504460/more-new-hero-cards-

Bard

2010-03-06T23:55:00.000-08:00

The Dungeoneer RPG has six core classes, we've already looked at the Warrior. This week we take a look at the multi-talented, lyrical, Bard. In Dungeoneer the Bard fulfills the roll of team support member. Not as powerful in combat or magic as other classes, the Bard works best in a team where she can encourage the other members to greatness.

Bard
You are a wandering minstrel and keeper of lore. Your music can inspire allies and destroy the morale of enemies. Your singing voice is attuned so that it can influence the fields of magic that permeate the world. This gives you some spell casting ability.

Bards are multi-talented performers, adventurers, and dabblers in magic. They study the oral histories of cultures, through song and tales. They have a broad range of skills ranging the spectrum from common thievery to the hidden knowledge of arcane lore. You may not be as powerful in battle as others, but your many abilities make you handy in many situations.  

Lyric: a chosen ally gets +1 to all attacks this turn.
Battle Hymn: all allies get either +1 Melee or +1 Magic this turn.
Symphony: at the end of each combat round, all allies recover 1 Life. A symphony lasts the duration of the encounter.
Academy: you establish a music school that attracts followers to your style of music, these followers are extremely loyal to you.

Empire of the Domains mini-game

2010-02-27T21:49:00.000-08:00

One of the things I miss from the early days of playing role-playing games is the sense that your hero was becoming important in the world. I don't mean just saving the world or traveling to other dimensions and slaying demi-gods. We played for the goal of your character eventually becoming "name level" and earning a castle and land to rule.

Another thing I enjoy is when your character can make a permanent change in the world. Once an evil tyrant was deposed that nation would be changed by the leader who replaced the tyrant, or sometimes that replacement leader would be you! This is often referred to as an "end game", and it seems that fantasy RPG's have very much lost their end game. Nowadays it's all about gaining levels and getting more powerful stuff. Cool things to be sure! But where is the satisfaction of completing a campaign? Maybe in this day and age it is too hard for a majority to keep their gaming group together long enough to play through a whole campaign. Or maybe rpg's are so fun nobody wants the campaign to end. Whatever the reasons I think there is room for this style of play to return.

With the Dungeoneer RPG being able to have a regular meeting time is less of an obstacle. Much like how a boardgame is played in 1 session, Dungeoneer RPG can be played in a single session, or generally as few as 2-3. But still maintaining the satisfaction of a campaign. This makes the end game an imperative.

The end game for Dungeoneer RPG is a little mini-wargame called "Empire of the Domains". Your heroes accomplish world domination one nation at a time by defeating evil tyrants, slaying horrible beasts, even by leading armies to victory. Eventually your hero will be a king, a clan leader, or rule a wizard's guild. This progress is tracked on the world map where the side your heroes choose will slowly take over the world one region at a time as you succeed in your adventures. These sides can be classic good, neutrality, or evil, or whatever factions your gaming group chooses to come up with.

Upon achieving 10th level your hero will join the immortal ranks of great heroes before him or her, and the world will be forever changed.

Dungeoneer RPG layout

2010-02-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

First I want to thank all of those who send emails encouraging me to complete the Dungeoneer RPG. You don't know how much your emails mean to me. If you have any Dungeoneer questions don't hesitate to ask: tldenmark at gmail dot com

Dungeoneer fan Michael Klein asks "Hello, I am writing to inquire about whether or not the Dungeoneer RPG project was still alive."

Thank you Michael for your question. It is an important one. The Dungeoneer RPG has been in development at least since 1995, and a beta version was available for a few years through Lulu.com. It is no wonder that 5 years later Dungeoneer fans may wonder if a published RPG will ever be released.

Each Dungeoneer expansion I have ever made has been a bit like giving birth, okay, that's hyperbole. But, creating 55 or so unique pieces of art in addition to a well designed card set that is fun is no easy task. But, I've complained enough about the challenges of game design on this here blog. You want results, not excuses!

With each Dungeoneer set I like to convince myself that I am increasing the quality of the design and art. And the RPG is the ultimate expression of that philosophy. Is that true though? It is easy as an artist and designer to sit here in the shelter of my studio and tell myself I'm making this better than any Dungeoneer set, but I know when this is published the various forums and blogs will tell me the truth whether I have succeeded in making a compelling game experience or not (Den of the Wererats, great job Thomas! Epic: Call of the Lich Lord, not so much. At least you redeemed yourself with Wrath of the Serpent Goddess.).

I love designing and illustrating this game. I love it so much that I keep spending more time creating art, designing, and laying out pages. But eventually it has to get out the door and to the printing press or all the work is for naught. So I want to say emphatically that yes I intend to publish this game. I don't have any illusions about revolutionizing the industry or making a hit game, this is simply a labor of love and all I hope for is that others have fun playing it.

So, to give this post something substantial, worth your precious time to peruse, here is a layout test I recently did. This is the chapter heading for Character Races in the Player's Guide. Enjoy.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T21:06:00.001-08:00

Here's to a Merry Christmas to all you Dungeoneers out there, and hoping for a great New Years, and hoping this blog will see more frequent posts!

About All Those Rules

2009-10-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've been posting more frequently about the Dungeoneer roleplaying game lately, but there is another product that has been quietly brewing in the background. It is a product that bridges the gap between the Dungeoneer roleplaying game and the Dungeoneer card game. It is called Dungeoneer Scenarios. It is a document that I have long been working on, adding little bits over the months and years as ideas come to me, or as I read interesting things on the interwebs. It is a collection of optional rules, and most importantly pre-constructed scenarios for the card game - which coincidentally are highly useful for the roleplaying game.

One of the major topics are the rules. Nearly half of Dungeoneer Scenarios is devoted to the "crunchy bits" that make up the game. Illuminating how things work and offering alternatives and expansions. My post here today is an excerpt from Dungeoneer Scenarios explaining the different editions of the rules.

About the Different Rules editions
Dungeoneer has gone through 5 versions of rules. The original version was published by Citizen Games in the first ever Dungeoneer set. The final version, called Legendary Dungeoneer Rules version 2.3, was published by Atlas Games in the Legendary Dungeoneer: Wrath of the Serpent Goddess set and represents years of playtesting and feedback by Dungeoneer players from all around the world.
Why so many versions of the rules? The primary reason for multiple editions of the rules is that the game expanded with each set. This meant new cards with new card effects, and these had to be accounted for and explained as the rules developed. Also, there was tremendous feedback from the Dungeoneer community that helped to clarify and correct sections of the rules. These clarifications where added with each version.

Rules v. 1
The original rules were concise and bare-bones. The strength of this rules set was its simplicity and brevity. It cut straight to the point and was designed to fit on a small sheet of paper with minimal graphics. Unfortunately it suffered from being too terse on key points that needed elaboration. It was most criticized for appearing to have 2 contradictory win conditions. The win goal of completing 3 Quests was the correct win goal, but another paragraph seemed to suggest you won by achieving 4th level, which if you complete 3 Quests you probably would be 4th level, however there was a card in the set called a Wraith that could drain levels from your Hero, making it possible that you could complete 3 Quests without achieving 4th level.

Rules v. 2
This rule set benefited from the feedback of many players and elaborated on several fine points in the rules. The release of 2nd edition Dungeoneer by Atlas Games represented increased production values with full color backs and better card stock. Several desirable elements that were missing from the original game were included in this revision of the game, including expanded Monster stats and the ability for Heroes to initiate attacks of their choice. The rules also featured a whole new mode of play called Campaign where one player acted solely as the Dungeonlord while all the other players participated solely as Heroes co-operating to complete their Quests. (These campaign rules are included in a revised and improved format in this book) Unfortunately these improvements also made the 2nd edition cards essentially incompatible with the 1st edition.

Rules v 2.1
In response to increased criticism regarding confused wording on some rules this version 2.1 was a refinement of the v. 2 rules. These rules remained the standard through most of the Dungeoneer releases until the Epic set. Unfortunately by clarifying the length of the rules grew. Campaign play was removed in favor of a section of “best of” optional rules that were in common use by Dungeoneer players.

Rules v. 2.2
The release of an Epic set meant new rules had to be incorporated to account for higher levels and explanation for combining Heroic level sets with the new Epic set. These rules were a complete rewrite and revision of the v. 2.1 rules and expanded on describing common card effects and optional rules. This rule set was greeted with the most positive response from the Dungeoneer community as being the best rules set to date.

Rules v. 2.3
The release of the Legendary set required additional rules to explain combining sets of various levels. Care was taken not to mess up what players liked about the v. 2.2 rules. Only a small section was re-written to accommodate expanded and revised explanations required for using the Legendary and Epic sets with other sets.

Numbered 2.3 Rules
A Dungeoneer player, Dane Barrett, posted a set of rules on Boardgamegeek.com that rearranged the rules into a numbered sequence for ease of reference. This quickly became my favorite set of rules to reference when running a Dungeoneer game. Also, Dane made a Rules Summary that I've since expanded and use for quick reference. (These are linked to on the right for your convenience.)

Another Ogre

2009-10-08T15:38:00.001-07:00

Here is another illustration that will be accompanying the ogre description in the Dungeoneer RPG Player's Guide.

Ogre

2009-10-06T23:23:00.001-07:00

Hello, welcome to another Dungeoneer Roleplaying Game update. This week we take a look at the Ogre, one of the 6 races you can choose from in the core rules.

An ogre (feminine: ogress) is a large, cruel and hideous humanoid monster. They are brute creatures who seek only to serve their own pleasures: usually finding shiny stuff, killing things, and eating food. The common mythical perception is that ogres feed on human beings, which is not true, unless they are feral or extremely hungry, or in a particularly bad mood. Ogres have a large head, protruding tusks, abundant hair and beard most often of a reddish or dark brown color, small dark eyes, a voracious appetite, and a large strong body. Their skin is ruddy, leathery, and tough.

Considered the smallest, or runts, of the giant family, ogres are rarely accepted in civilized lands. Indeed, they are also not always welcome by giants in the mountainous regions they inhabit. Most ogres are from rural, savage, or even esoteric cultures. Those from distant or exotic lands may seem to be more intelligent, or refined.

Being ferocious in combat, but generally not smart enough to make good wizards, ogres tend to excel at being warriors or barbarians.

Melee +1
Magic -1
Treasure Limit +1
Boon Limit -1

Special Abilities

Heroic
Intimidate (pay 1 glory): chosen enemy has -1 Melee for the duration of this combat. Limit once per combat.

Epic
Charge (pay 2 glory): one attack can be aimed at up to 3 enemies. You roll attack once, each opponent rolls defense normally. Limit once per combat.

Legendary
Bullrush (pay 3 glory): +2 Melee against all opponents this combat. Limit once per combat.

_____________
I hope you enjoyed this week's update. I've been doing a lot of art and writing, as usual being productive in my studio means being unproductive on this here blog. Hopefully next week's post will be more prompt. Thanks for visiting!

(note I updated this post because it was missing the special abilities previously)

Review of Den of the Wererats

2009-09-24T08:55:00.001-07:00

Robin Ashe has put together a well researched and thoughtful review of Den of the Wererats.

You can read the full review here on RPG.net

Too bad this set is out of print, because I'm sure after reading this review you'll want to run out and buy a copy or two.

Calling

2009-09-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Dungeoneer RPG does not have an alignment or moral system, but it does have a way of encouraging certain roleplaying opportunities that is tied in with the Quest system. This is your Calling.

Calling

Your choice of Calling defines your motivation, it explains why you are a Hero.

When you create a Dungeoneer Hero, in addition to specifying how they fight and explore the world of Tarniss, you also choose why your Hero is on such an adventure. Your Calling determines your initial knowledge of what Quests are available as you start a level. Heroes earn a special bonus when they work to complete Quests associated with their Calling.

Belief: Live according to your calling, you specialize in Sacrifice Quests.
Curiosity: Explore the Map, you specialize in Chance Quests.
Honor: Eradicate evil, you specialize in Slay Quests.
Justice: Save those in Peril, you specialize in Escort Quests.
Renown: Gain Glory, you specialize in Threat Quests.
Revenge: Find and destroy a foe, you specialize in Search Quests.

Belief
Your actions are dedicated to serving your beliefs no matter what the cost. Your faith is strong and you know that life and limb are less important than your cause. You work to teach others what it is you believe, spreading knowledge and wisdom wherever you go. You would give up your life if you knew it could help fulfill your cause.

Role-playing: Choosing Belief as your Calling provides firm guidelines for how your character will behave. Be careful to clearly define your set of beliefs early on in the game, but do not hesitate to allow the moral dilemmas you will encounter along the way to further flesh out the Character of your Belief. Whatever the source of your belief, take care to make it clear to the other Heroes. Make sure the other Heroes know what it is you believe early on, and encourage them to work with you on implementing your goals. It’s fine to have a bit of dramatic tension between Heroes during the game. You may present yourself as a person of firm conviction, or as a mindless zealot who is unable to listen.
Famous Heroes: Moses, Zoroaster, Gandalf

BONUS: When you complete a Sacrifice Quest, recover a Boon Card from the Discard.

Curiosity
You are driven by insatiable curiosity. You love to learn interesting facts, solve strange puzzles and resolve mysteries. You are infatuated by new spells, odd maneuvers, cryptic blessings, weird skills, undecipherable sigils and ancient mysteries.

Role-playing: Playing a curious Character is always fun. You help keep the band moving forward because you must know what is underneath that last unexplored Map Tile, or what is needed to fulfill the next Quest. With a Curious Character, you do not need to be afraid to make mistakes, as you can always consider them a good learning experience.

Getting Along: Curious Heroes can get along with just about any other Calling. Make sure you spend some time in the Role-Play Phase asking the other Heroes why. This will let you express your curiosity, help them clearly enunciate their position on issues and lets each band member reveal their agenda.
Famous Heroes: Merlin, Bilbo

BONUS: When you complete a Chance Quest, recover a Treasure card from the Discard.

Honor
You are filled with contempt for evil. You seek to destroy all vile Monsters and scheming villains. They shall be given no quarter. There must be no hesitation.

Role-playing: You are a shining example to the rest of the world. Act like it. Your excuse for destroying the Monsters and villains of the world is your contempt for their lack of honor and goodwill. The maintenance of your own honor is of great importance. Treat the innocent with courtesy and respect. Comport yourself in an irreproachable manner at all times. You do not always need to lead, but when given the opportunity you excel at leading the charge. You know that whatever dank dungeon you end up in, you will have foes enough to confront. Stand bravely beside your allies and face the terrors of the world without fear. Once the battle is done, celebrate victory without pity or remorse
Famous Heroes: Beowulf, Achilles

BONUS: When you complete a Slay Quest, Gain 2 additional Glory.

Justice
You cannot stand unfairness and act to remedy all inequities. You are a champion of the weak, an upholder of the law, dedicating your life to the rescue of the defenseless and the protection of the meek. Defend those in danger, aid those in need and bring down the hammer of justice upon those who seek to harm the innocent.

Role-playing: Justice is a straightforward Calling that gives your Hero a simple set of rules to act upon. It’s a great Calling to choose if you want to act as the moral compass of your group and be their leader. When you role-play a Hero motivated by Justice, do not forget to apply the standards of fairness and consistency to the band itself. The focus of your attention should be on those who need your help. Dealing with the other Heroes is a secondary priority for you. However you can make friends by making it clear that when they are in need, you will not hesitate to do anything you need in order to keep the band safe.
Famous Characters: Robin Hood, Spartacus

BONUS: When you complete an Escort Quest draw 2 cards, then discard a card from your hand.

Renown
You seek Glory and understand that engaging in the most Perilous of Quests is the best way to do so. You would not turn down any Quest presented you. One day your name will be sung by bards in taverns across the land. Onwards to Glory!

Role-playing: Seeking renown is great fun. Do anything to get more Glory, and don’t worry too much about how. You cooperate with the band because you know it is the best way to gain Glory, and that bad behavior will be punished with Peril. Playing a Hero with a calling to renown creates great motivation for the band to march onward to great adventure. Do what gains you Glory, while taking care not to attract too much Peril. But then again, more Peril means more Monsters, and more Monsters means more opportunities to gain Glory! Keep it light, jump in to help other Heroes when they need it, because if they fall, who will be around to tell the tale of your extremely awesome and generous behavior and the great sacrifices you make.
Famous Heroes: Conan

BONUS: When you complete a Threat Quest, gain one additional Glory and discard one Peril.

Revenge
You seek to find and punish one who has harmed you, your family or your people. Your single minded devotion to this task propels you to search the world for your foe. No matter how long it takes, you will track them down and extract whatever punishment you see fit.

Role-playing: A grand Quest for revenge allows you to help weave the various adventures you and the band have together into one large coherent narrative. When you choose revenge as your calling, you agree to help the Dungeonlord weave a tale overlapping multiple dungeon levels and wilderness areas. Do not expect each twist and turn of plot to relate obviously to your grand Quest for revenge. When you choose revenge as your calling, you should specify a nemesis. This nemesis is the villain who wronged you in the past. You have no lofty goals or rarified aspirations. Your motivation is tangible, palpable and reachable. However, to reach your nemesis, you know you must have help. Once you have revealed your chosen foe to your allies, you will need to help them with their goals if you expect to be able to receive their help.
Famous Heroes: Inego Montoya, Batman

BONUS: When you complete a Search Quest discard two Peril.

Culture

2009-09-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Dungeoneer RPG treats the race/class matrix a little differently than traditional fantasy RPG's. First is the addition of Cultures. Nearly as important as your innate abilities acquired through your character's race, are the things she learned in the culture she was raised in. You choose the culture for your character at the beginning of the game. Or the Dungeonlord can deal culture cards out randomly.

Cultures
Ancient: the ancient civilizations, thought to be long lost, remain in various hidden and isolated regions of the world. They hold forgotten knowledge, but are also somewhat naive to the modern world. +1 MG

Esoteric: from the mysterious lands beyond the seas, esoteric people have unique skills and customs that seam strange and fascinating. +1 BL

Imperial: people from the conquering nations of Dolmar, Ilbor, and Baulephor may seem to have a sense of supremacy to others. They are citizens of powerful nations and accorded the rights that come with citizenship. They are often trained professionally for the military. Beyond the borders of their lands though, they are often hated and despised. +1 ML

Rural: these are simple folk, peasants and farmers that come from regions far from cities. They may seem uneducated, but they have a wisdom that comes from a sense of community and making a living through hard labor. +1 TL

Savage: far from the civilized lands are people that live in tribes and forage for a living. They are hardy and have valuable survival skills in the wilderness. +2 ML vs. chosen foe

Is this the final list of cultures? I don't know, playtesting continues, things are revised and improved. This has been pretty stable for a while now and works well in play.

Quest Points

2009-08-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

There are 3 things I consider to be core to the Dungeoneer experience: Peril, Glory, and Quests. As long as we can maintain these in the RPG in their purest form, then we will have succeeded.

Assigning quests in the RPG isn't a matter of dealing out quest cards randomly. Players must earn quests through roleplaying. They must talk to the tavern owner and discover that his daughter is missing in order to trigger the Maiden in Distress quest. Then players will have to follow clues to find out where she was taken to and how to get there. Then they must deal with all the obstacles in the way, and finally with the difficult head-strong maiden herself (or however the Dungeonlord chooses to roleplay her).

Maintaining the quest reward system, but expanding it into adventuring party game play was a challenge. If each hero had individual quests and was the only one to benefit upon its completion it is unfair to the whole party, because everyone helps in some manner or other complete each quest. Yet because the typical reward of a quest is "gain 1 level", and if the whole party got that with each quest, the game quickly becomes broken.

We wanted to avoid a solution that would complicate the game, or require some complex formula such as "each hero gets 1/4 of a level" or something like that. A formula of sorts was unavoidable, but we needed one that was simple, intuitive, and worked with the spirit of the game. So the QP (quest points) system was born.

Quest Points:

Each completed quest is worth 1 QP (epic quests are worth 2 QP, and legendary quests are worth 3 QP each).
The entire party gets the QP for each completed quest, regardless of who does the finishing move that actually completes the quest.
To gain a level requires a number of quest points equal to that level. For example to go from 1st to 2nd level requires 2 QP. To go from 5th level to 6th level requires 6 QP.

This ends up feeling very much like an abbreviated XP (Experience Point) system from classic fantasy RPG's. But instead of the XP primarily coming from killing stuff and taking its loot, the reward comes from accomplishing many other meaningful things in the game world.

This reward system assumes that each player worked together to get to the place where the quest could be completed. Everyone participates and is rewarded.

Warrior

2009-08-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

You are a combat specialist. With weapon in hand you are a terrible force of nature cutting through opponents like a farmer harvesting wheat.

You show great vigor, courage, and competence in battle. You are the first line of defense in your party. You can deal out immense damage and absorb wounds that would kill an ordinary man. You protect the weaker members of the party, giving wizards time to cast their spells, afford paladins enough time to call on their gods, and provide cover for the scouts to do their handiwork.

While your melee aptitude is second to none, you are inexperienced in the forces of magic and have the least magic ability of all classes. But you more than make up for this lack of mystical knowledge with your powerful sword arm and raging bloodlust. As you gain experience the other party members will learn powerful spells and gain various strange special abilities, but you will only get better at fighting. You will deal more damage, aim more accurately, and hit more foes than anyone else.Melee aptitude: pay any # of Glory, add this # to your next Melee attack.
Rapid strike: on a Melee hit you inflict 2 wounds, and hit in the case of a tie.
War cry: you and your allies gain +2 Melee for the duration of this encounter. This ability may be used once per encounter and uses 1 Melee attack.
Stronghold: you establish a stronghold to begin ruling your kingdom from, gathering peasants and warriors to your banner.

Hope this provides some idea of what a character class write up will look like in the Dungeoneer RPG. Wonder if anyone can guess what the mysterious acronyms QP is?

I know it must seem like I've abandoned this project, but I assure you it is still in development. There have been some major impediments I'll write about some day.

Tomb of the Lich Lord reprint

2009-08-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

Atlas Games has reported that they've reprinted Tomb of the Lich Lord and it will be in stores soon. This item has been unavailable for some time now and I'm glad to see it back in stock because it is as close to a "base set" as Dungeoneer has. Though all Dungeoneer sets can be played alone or combined with other sets.

So don't pay any more for it then retail price. (Unless of course you want to support this site and get a signed copy along with original art)

I don't think any changes have been made to the cards, but it is likely to have the latest rules in it (v2.3).

Legendary Dungeoneer typo fix

2009-06-08T22:52:00.001-07:00

It was recently brought to my attention that there are typos in Legendary Dungeoneer: Wrath of the Serpent Goddess that I said I'd fix. Sorry, this is so tardy, but better late than never!

RPG Card Face Improvement

2009-05-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

On the left is the classic Demonic Adder from the Tomb of the Lich Lord set, on the right is the RPG version. Making revisions is always hard, in particular something as important as an established interface design. But the classic card face design has been needing an overhaul for some time.

When I first designed the card face my main concern was showing art much larger than your typical fantasy card game had. In this end I bled the art behind the text. While I thought I was being clever, it made creating the art extremely challenging. Every composition had to have an enormous "dead space" that didn't compete with the text. In addition that space had to be dark, since the text was always white. This has hung on my neck like an albatross through the various sets.

Since the RPG is such a radical departure, I wanted to make the cards distinctive as well. This is an RPG that uses cards - not just another Dungeoneer XCG set. So I took the opportunity to redesign the face. I've posted earlier versions of this design, but this has been polished even more. The mechanical information is all grouped together now and there is more detail. This time I show it side by side with it's XCG counterpart so that you can see the RPG is 100% compatible.

I'm not saying this is the final design - I may play with the art to text ratio a bit more, there probably is room for larger art, the text hear is still a bit large. But I like the legibility.

One improvement you may notice is the text stating "inflicts 1 wound" is gone. It has been replaced with a little "hit" symbol next to the stat. This cleans up the card as well as providing better information. The other thing you may notice is that I've been enhancing the melee/magic/speed symbols. These are still being worked on, but I feel these are more contemporary in their quality.

Here is another classic card, Spell Focus:

In this one you may notice the border is green instead of blue. This is because we found that generally the Boon/Bane/Encounter/Treasure identification was clear enough by the symbol placed next to the playtime - duration - category text, and that the Peril/Glory identification was critical on first glance.

What is a roleplaying game?

2009-05-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Just about every RPG ever written has tried to answer this question. Usually devolving into discussions of childhood cops & robbers games. I don't know that anyone has written the perfect answer. I'm working on that section of the Dungeoneer RPG, and I've borrowed from various sources to come up with this:

A Roleplaying Game is a game in which the participants assume the roles of fictional characters and are rewarded for making choices that are consistent with the character's motivations or further the plot of the story. Participants collaboratively create stories by determining the actions of their characters, and these actions succeed or fail according to the rules and guidelines. Within the rules, players can improvise freely; their choices shape the direction and outcome of the game.

I don't know if I've succeeded, in fact posting it here has made me aware of how esoteric this sounds. Your thoughts?

Reprints

2009-04-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dungeoneer fan Tyler Dion asks when Tomb of the Lich Lord will be reprinted? Good question Tyler!

Currently there are 3 sets out of print:
Tomb of the Lich Lord
Haunted Woods of Malthorin
Den of the Wererats

We prepped the art for the press (there was minor errata on a couple cards) and were ready to go, when we discovered a sudden, and HUGE, spike in the printing costs. We didn't want to raise the retail price, but we couldn't print them at a loss either.

To put the problem in context, the larger your print run, the lower your costs can be. Large games like Magic: the Gathering can absorb the printing cost increase, but our print runs are closer to 5-10 thousand. And a reprint just doesn't sell as much as a new game, generally.

The options left are to wait until there are enough pre-orders and to hope the cost spike is only a bubble that will come back down. Or, raise the retail price. We're still deliberating.

In the meantime I've made copies I own available for sale on eBay. To make it worth the time and effort, I've had to add incentives: an original sketch and signed print.

Also, the Dungeoneer RPG will have some of the cards from those sets, when it is completed and hopefully printed later this year.

Dungeoneer Rules Numbered

2009-04-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

I've been told time and again how great and fun Dungeoneer is and how not-so-great the rules are...the rules have been rewritten a few times, and improved upon, and expanded as the game has grown, but it has always been tough to write the perfect rules set.

Boardgamegeek.com user Dane Barrett has posted his version of the Dungeoneer rules, where he divided up all the rules, reorganized them a bit, and numbered them. The result is an incredibly handy version of the rules where every rule can be quickly found and more easily understood!

Is Boardgamegeek.com the best site on the interwebs? Quite possibly.

Play Dungeoneer Online!

2009-04-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

Studio Denmark and Vassal Factory are proud to announce the English version of the Dungeoneer module for the VASSAL engine.

The VASSAL Engine is a set of general-purpose Java libraries for creating online versions of traditional board and card games. It provides support for game piece rendering and interaction, and supports play by email or over a live connection.

Currently in development, the entire Tomb of the Lich Lord set is being converted to work with Vassal Factory's virtual tabletop gaming technology.

Special Sale

2009-03-20T18:28:00.001-07:00

Haunted Woods of Malthorin and Den of the Wererats have long been out of print, but I found some extra copies! I know these are in demand, so I'm offering a special: each set includes a signed copy, an original sketch, and a fine art print of Dungeoneer art - a value of $55 for only $40.

There are only 5 copies of each set available. I'm also offering some of the other sets with the same deal. Click here to see.

Dungeoneer RPG mock-up

2009-02-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

I was doing some graphic design work on the Dungeoneer RPG product and wanted to visualize how all the stuff would look together. So I came up with this mock-up. The latest content list looks something like this:

1 32-page Hero's Guide booklet
1 32-page Dungeonlord's Guide booklet
1 32-page World Guide booklet
1 4-page Quick Start Guide fold-out
2 6-sided dice
16 tokens (various Glory, Peril, etc.)
4 Hero Sheets
1 11"x17" poster map of Tarniss
220 cards

Whether this will be the final list I don't know yet, but it is where the product is currently at. It was so much work I had to enlist the help of my friend Ed Baraf to help with the editing. He is one of the best, detail oriented producers I've ever worked with and this project couldn't have been done without his help. (note that in this mock-up image I'm using parts from the Polish Tomb of the Lich Lord set, of course the actual cards and parts will differ)

Dungeoneer computer game online in French

2009-01-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

I'll be watching with interest as Vassal Forge develops the online Dungeoneer in French. Maybe if it comes out good we'll try to convince them to do an English translation.

First peek! Dungeoneer RPG card face

2008-12-14T19:41:00.000-08:00

Here it is! I've been holding off showing what the card faces will look like in the Dungeoneer RPG. The main reason being they were not finished yet. Well, this is still a work in progress, there is much more finessing to be done - but it gives a clear indication of the improvements in the design, legibility, and most importantly playability of the new card faces. I will refrain from describing the new features because I want to hear what you think first.

Enjoy! Happy Dungeoneering.

Character sheets 3

2008-11-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

I have neglected posting here far too long. Things have been moving slowly and I even had to set aside working on the Dungeoneer RPG for a time to regather my thoughts.

The goal has been to create an RPG that can be played out of the box, with minimum set-up time, and accommodate an evening quick play or an extended campaign. Which by campaign I mean a game where the players take their heroes from lowly adventurers to legendary heroes over the span of about 3 game sessions each lasting 4-8 hours.

One of the biggest challenges has been the character sheets. Our editor wanted large full-color sheets, lavishly illustrated, easy to read and dynamic. I have posted earlier attempts that had various levels of success. This is the latest, and best I think. It has really been streamlined! Now all stats are tracked on one bar for instead read - no searching around to find the stat you are looking for.

I really liked the earlier sheets that were in "landscape" orientation, because it maximized the play area for where the cards go. But I didn't like how the information on the sheet looked. In this "portrait" version I looks dramatic as well as being well organized. Form and function as they say. I'll be curious to here your reaction. Until then, happy Dungeoneering!

Ramilith: the Master of Fiends

2008-07-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a little write up on a classic Boss monster.

Ramalith
They say evil is in the blood, and that would certainly seem true with Ramalith. The great grandson of the legendary wizard, Zum, Ramalith was born to be a great wielder of magic. However he struggled with his apprenticeship, and could barely grasp the basic concepts of even the simplest spells. Until one day, in an alchemy lab he saw a pogling (a baby pogwai) being dissected for its components. He was fascinated at how each component could be used for various effects. The bubbling beakers of magical liquids captivated him and he knew he’d found his calling.

Ramalith became obsessed with learning every aspect of alchemy, and it wasn’t long before the piles of dead animals began to fill his study. The other students complained of the horrid stench, and the mage-teachers warned him, but he pressed on. Until one day a student was missing.

There was never any proof that Ramalith had anything to do with the missing student, but all fingers pointed at him. The situation became intolerable and finally he was expelled. Ramalith left the school, bitter and dejected. He vowed to show them how great he truly was.

Ramilith opened an apothecary shop on the fringes of Palanthion, and earned a reputation for having the most effective potions. As his reputation grew, rumors started appearing that he used the blood of people in his formulas. Then a rash of children started disappearing, and strange, foul beasts were spotted in the surrounding countryside. Again Ramilith found himself the center of accusations. He was banished, and run out of town.

Traveling to the very edge of the Dunwin wastes, Ramalith found an abandoned fortress. He built an impenetrable vault in the dungeon under the ruins, and once again resumed his experiments. Even more hideous creatures have begun to appear in the scarcely populated towns nearby. Devouring crops and livestock, they have been increasing in strength and numbers. The call has gone out for bold adventurers to seek out Ramalith, and stop his evil work.

Ramalith: The Master of Fiends
H E L
Life: 2 4 7
Melee (S) 5 6 7
Magic (S) 4 6 8
Speed (C) 4 4 5

SA Heroic:
Immune to Wards.

SA Epic:
Fiends cost 1 less Peril while Ramalith is attacking or in a Pack.

SA Legendary
Fiends have +1 to all attacks while Ramalith is attacking or in a Pack.

Hero sheets continue to evolve

2008-07-19T23:52:00.001-07:00

First I must apologize for the time between posts. Even though things have been quiet here work does continue on the Dungeoneer RPG. The Hero sheet has been refined, and while the changes may seem minor, they are important and reflect the level of polish we are putting into this deluxe box set.

Also, to the left, you can see the cover image for the Dungeoneer RPG has been updated. This is the latest version of the cover, but it does not mean it is the final version. Though that is almost certainly the illustration that will be on it. You can look forward to meeting the Dragon Queen's pet in the Dungeoneer RPG...

On a final note, I have been getting a LOT of emails about Dungeoneer Scenarios. I want to assure everyone that it is still in development. And while it has taken a back seat to the Dungeoneer RPG, I do continue writing every week on it. I was hoping to have it done in time for Gen Con, which I will be at, but that is looking like an impossibility.

Until next time, Happy Dungeoneering!

Character sheets 2

2008-05-08T21:58:00.001-07:00

Here is a revised version of the character sheets. After much feedback we've adjusted some of the positioning. Below you can see it in action with tokens that indicate your latest peril, glory, melee, magic, speed, and life scores. Yet to be revealed are the calling and culture cards, which is how you customize your base Hero!

Dungeoneer RPG Hero sheets

2008-05-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We have been working hard on the Dungeoneer RPG! As a just reward for your patience I present a work in progress Hero sheet for your review. This is where you can track your character's progress from lowly novice to Legendary Hero!

We are trying hard to eliminate the need for a pencil and scrap paper. The number slots are for tokens that are provided to track your current Melee, Magic, Speed, Life, Peril, and Glory scores. The rest of your character is tracked with cards, such as Treasures, Skills, and Spells.

The card slots you see are for character creation. You select a Calling (kinda-sorta like "alignment" in classic fantasy RPG's), a Culture (kinda-sorta like "race") and baked into the sheet will be the Heroic level card represented by the Hero sheet. This hero card is printed on the right edge so that just like in the Dungeoneer card game you can slide the Epic and Legendary level cards underneath to reveal your progression by level. For this example I just plopped in the classic Paladin from the original Dungeoneer: Tomb of the Lich Lord set - so you can see just how compatible the RPG is to the card game. But of course we will have unique Heroes and their "race" will not be printed there, since that is determined by the Culture card you choose.

Culture determines where you hero was raised and to what race. Such as a woodland gnome or a savage human or an imperial elf. These provide basic stats for your hero which modifies your total stats. Such as +1 Magic for an imperial elf.

Calling determines the reason your hero is, well, a Hero. Is he out for Justice? Revenge? Honor? These are just a few of the callings. These give your hero bonuses when performing certain actions in the game, and especially for the types of Quests he chooses to complete.

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek. I'll try to post more frequently - the time is getting short when this goes to press!

Dungeoneer RPG Player's Guide cover sketch

2008-02-04T09:23:00.001-08:00

Lately I've been doing a lot of my work in pen & ink. The new Dungeoneer RPG covers are being sketched out this way before getting transferred to a canvas and getting painted in acrylics.

It seems a long time in development, but the Dungeoneer RPG books are finally taking shape as they are being edited and I'm making illustrations for them.

Dungeoneer RPG update

2007-12-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

The Dungeoneer RPG is 3 books in 1 box: Hero's Guide, Dungeonlord's Guide, and World Guide.

The Hero's Guide is completed and in layout.
The Dungeonlord's Guide is nearing completion and I expect to get the final revised document for layout at any time now.
The World Guide is even further along than the Dungeonlord's Guide.

The set looks to include 220 cards, over half the cards are done. It will also include tokens and dice.

I am currently working on finishing the covers for the 3 books. To the right you can see the sketch for the Dungeonlord's Guide. The high priestess of Nakari, who rules Ilbor Paiden with an iron fist, has a problem knight executed for his transgressions against the holy state (or as some would see it, the un-holy state).

As I've stated many times, this project has been a labor of love, not just some corporate product. Richard (the co-designer) and I have taken are time to make something we consider to be special. We hope that you will enjoy the Dungeoneer RPG as much as we have enjoyed creating it.

By all measures it looks like the Dungeoneer RPG is on track to be published in early 2008.

Dungeoneer Miniatures release date?

2007-11-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

Dungeoneer minis have been awaiting the release of the Dungeoneer RPG. The Dungeoneer RPG has been held up by design and playtest.

Basically the goal for the Dungeoneer RPG was to not create just another "fantasy heartbreaker" but to genuinely bring something new and successful to the field. One crucial component has been to utilize Dungeoneer cards in the RPG. This has advantages and drawbacks. I am quite happy with the design, and the local playtests have been highly successful. But we have had a lot of bugs to stomp out in the system, and it has been a challenge to reduce complexity. It is really meant to be a newbie friendly game system. It is RPG lite.

We are a week away from getting the final documents ready for edit, then they will go to layout. This means our hope is for a Q1 release for the RPG (March 2008). Since this product has been a labor of love we have been more concerned with quality than with release dates. Sorry, I know those interested only have so much capacity for anticipation before other things fill the gap. There are so many good games and competition for gamer's time.

Readers of this Dungeoneer blog are smart

2007-11-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Found this interesting analysis tool which allows you to determine the reading level of your blog.

Dungeoneer RPG layout test

2007-10-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

I've been going over the first pass documents of the 3 books in the Dungeoneer RPG and preparing some preliminary layout designs. My goals in the layout are 1. Legibility and 2. Cool Looking. I want to avoid wall to wall block of texts with no space to breathe, but I don't want so much graphics that the book is illegible and unusable during game play. The approach I'm experimenting with here is a double-page spread that introduces a major chapter, which you can see in this example from the world guide. This spread introduces the major nation of Ilbor Paidan. The rest of the chapter will be more functional and less graphic intensive. I'll put up an example of that when I get one I kind of like. For now enjoy this sneak peek.

Dungeoneer RPG documents have been delivered

2007-10-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Richard Plockington, the primary author of the Dungeoneer role-playing game has delivered the next-to final documents. He recently ran a playtest at the local Gamescape in San Rafael California, which went quite well. Fun was had by all! (you can see some of Richard's design work on such excellent Dungeon Crawl Classics as The Sunken Ziggarat )

I'm in the process of doing a final review, making sure game terminology is used consistently and some minor organizational changes. The document will then go to Goodman Games for a final edit, which is due in mid-November. After that I'll take the final edited document and lay them out with art and graphics for the boxed set.

Currently the contents are looking something like this:

3 booklets
220 cards
100 peril/glory tokens
dice
character sheets

The booklets are: player's guide, dungeonlord's guide, and world guide.

Note this is not final and it is possible the exact contents may change a bit, but this is pretty close to what it will be. We are working hard to have it to you early next year!

Dungeoneer Scenarios Design Diary 2: pre-designed maps

2007-09-04T13:37:00.001-07:00

Dungeoneer Scenarios will contain several illustrated scenarios for you to get the most out of your Dungeoneer sets. Since I want to provide a wide variety of pre-constructed Dungeon layouts it would not be an option to print out poster-sized maps for retail purchase.

An idea I have been toying with for sometime is having pre-constructed Dungeons printed on canvas. This would be a flexible, durable, and portable "game board" in addition to looking and feeling cool. The problem is printing on canvas is quite expensive! There are some POD (print on demand) options, but each Dungeon would cost $40 or so for a decent size. However, for those who are really interested some of the best scenarios will be available on my Zazzle storefront so players will have the option of purchasing printed scenarios on canvas or heavy-weight poster paper.

We are still looking for scenario submissions if you have a good idea for a pre-constructed Dungeon, or Wilderness, or both!

Dungeoneer Scenarios: Solo Play

2007-07-23T22:00:00.001-07:00

One of the most common requests I've heard from players, online and in person, is for a good set of solo rules to play Dungeoneer by.

Dungeoneer was designed as a multiplayer game from the beginning. For a game to be successful I believe it has to have a strong social aspect, players must be able to interact frequently, a game should foster communication. One of the reasons I think so many dungeon-crawl boardgames (and card games) have failed in the past is because each player takes his or her turn independent of what the other players are doing. This creates isolation and reduces the crucial community aspect of game playing! Dungeoneer solves this by forcing player interaction each turn through the Peril/Glory mechanic and the Dungeonlord/Hero phases of each player's turn. This interaction is the heart of the game - well, almost.

Quests are the only time a player is really "playing in isolation" compared to the rest of the game. And Quests are the other piece of the heart of the game.

So how do we go about creating a compelling solo player experience out of a game intended for multiple players? The answer must lie in the Quest system. And this means the solo player's goal must be almost exclusively to complete Quests. I've seen several solo variants floating around on the Internet, and I do pay attention to how others have tried to solve the problem. It almost always boils down to automating the Dungeonlord aspect of the game, and allowing the players to focus on playing their Hero. Still, there are many cards such as those with Shift and Warp effects that only make sense in a multiplayer game. After considering all the solo rules what we've ended up doing is choosing 4 solo rules variants and polishing them. In addition we've put together a collection of modular solo rules that can be used with any of the solo variants. This is the basic description of each variant:

Variant 1, Run Forest Run:
In this variant the goal is to complete 3 Quests and return to the Entrance to win the game. All "problem cards" are removed from the deck.

Variant 2, Revise Problem Cards:
In this variant, similar to the first the goal is to complete 3 Quests and return to the Entrance to win. But it has a breakdown of all the "problem cards" and explains how to use them in a solo context. Yeah, more consulting the book, but you can use all the cards.

Variant 3, Simple:
The turn order is cut down significantly. Problem cards are removed. None of the modular variants are used, instead it describes it's own abbreviated variants.

Variant 4, Scenarios:
This isn't so much a set of solo rules, as it is various scenarios using the cards in a pre-determined manner to create interesting problems to solve with your Hero (some even as the Dungeonlord to slay all the heroes defiling your evil lair before they can kill off your Boss monster and make off with your captive Princess...).

Now, I'm sure I've disappointed many of you since I haven't put up a full solo rules set for you to try out. Sorry, but you'll have to pick up Dungeoneer Scenarios for that when it comes out. Besides, we are still testing them out.

Happy Dungeoneering!

Dungeoneer: Polish Editions

2007-07-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest pleasures has been seeing Dungeoneer published in various languages. So far we have French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Polish. I recently toured Rome and was surprised to find a game store right across the street from our hotel! It was exciting to see that they stocked the Italian version of Dungeoneer - they even had the Italian Vault of the Fiends which I had not received a copy of yet from the publisher, so of course I bought one. :)

However, I must say that the Polish editions are far and away the highest production values of all editions, even beating our own American edition! The box is sturdy, full of all the components needed to play (including hero stands!) and it is a very nice size. The printing itself is very true to the actual art as I illustrated it (most non-Polish editions have come out too dark, losing much of the detail). I don't know how to get a hold of copies here in America, but they would be well worth getting just for the components to use for playing the American sets with. If anyone knows how to get copies please let me know. :)

Tomb of the Lich Lord

Vault of the Fiends

Dragons of the Forsaken Desert

Haunted Woods of Malthorin (combined with Den of the Wererats)

And Realm of the Ice Witch is currently in production.
Polish Publisher: Galakta

(Images gathered from Boardgamegeek.com posted by Łukasz Czajka (thanks Łukasz!!!)

Dungeoneer Adventures: the roleplaying game

2007-06-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

An update on Dungeoneer products in development:

We have been working on the Dungeoneer roleplaying game for a couple of years now. Hopes were that we'd have it in time for the Gencon game convention this year. That won't happen. Simply put I am far more concerned with quality than with a deadline at this point.

Currently Dungeoneer is being developed into a line of miniatures by Aberrant Games (I've seen the early casts, they look very cool), a roleplaying game by Goodman Games, as well as the Dungeoneer Scenarios book by my own Studio Denmark to support the card game. So my hands are quite full at the moment.

If you haven't been following the designer blogs by Richard Plockington, who is writing and co-designing the RPG, I recommend you take a gander. They are quite interesting and I'm enjoying seeing Dungeoneer through another designer's eyes.

Here is a very rough, very unreliable schedule for these various Dungeoneer products:

Dungeoneer Scenarios: Gencon 2007
Dungeoneer Miniatures: Gencon 2007
Dungeoneer Adventures RPG: next year sometime...

Talk atchya later!

Dungeoneer Scenarios Design Diary 1

2007-06-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Now that you are enjoying Legendary Dungeoneer: Wrath of the Serpent Goddess I would like to introduce an exciting new product we are working on for you avid Dungeoneer players. Dungeoneer Scenarios is a book designed to give you the most value out of your Dungeoneer decks. It is a product long needed to tie all the loose ends together and be the definitive resource for the Dungeoneer expandable card game.

Dungeoneer Scenarios is the ultimate collection of variant rules and so much more. It describes in detail ways of using your Dungeoneer sets to create interesting new scenarios. Cooperative play, solo play, pre-constructed decks, pre-made maps, errata, complete and detailed card lists, and back stories for many of the fascinating heroes and villains of the Dungeoneer world!

One of the things that has long been needed in Dungeoneer is a condensed rules summary that clearly explained how to play the game. Sure this problem has been mostly solved in the latest rules, but there has long been a need for rules that explain the game in the simplest terms for new players.

As your first taste of the kinds of goodies you will find in Dungeoneer Scenarios I present the concise rules summary. This document was inspired by a document posted on Boardgamegeek.com that almost had the rules boiled down to 1 page (sans combat), but it had a few errors. You can check out our version right here:

http://www.studiodenmark.com/images/dungeoneer/Turn Summary.pdf

Current players don't worry, exhaustive detailed rules explanations for experienced players will be included as well!

Future Dungeoneer Scenarios design diaries will explore variant rules, and most exciting of all scenarios that can be played cooperatively, competitively, or even solo!

Legendary Dungeoneer: Final Sneak Peek

2007-05-20T22:35:00.001-07:00

In this final installment of Legendary Dungeoneer sneak peeks we will reveal the most powerful card, and the core concept of the game.

As with all sets since Realm of the Ice Witch, the legendary set includes a card with special rules. These rules alter the base environment of the game to give the set its own special flavor. These special rules are, of course, optional, but I think you will enjoy trying them out.

Nakari, the Queen of Darkness and Goddess of Serpents likes fiends. Well, really she loves fiends. Those who worship her too much may just find themselves...changing. The Wrath of the Serpent Goddess allows fiends to become cheaper and cheaper to play (their Peril cost is reduced) as the game advances. In addition her most faithful followers, her priestesses become more deadly.

When the Lair of Nakari is placed it triggers a special event. The Legendary Quest: Defeat Nakari becomes active as a global Quest (anyone can attempt it). And Nakari appears in her lair.

And revealed at last, the Queen of Darkness herself, the Serpent goddess!

As I write this, copies of Legendary Dungeoneer should be in the Atlas Games warehouse ready to be shipped out to game stores and to those who have ordered the game all over the U.S. If you can make it to Kublacon this weekend I will be there with a copy waiting just for you. :)

Enjoy.

Legendary Dungeoneer: Sneak Peek

2007-05-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Legendary Dungeoneer sneak peek! This week we bring you the second most powerful card in the deck. If you are familiar with Dungeoneer you will immediately recognize frightening stats like an 8 Melee and a 7 Magic and a 5 in Speed which is also a standard-attack! Nakari's Daughter has the power shared by all "boss" monsters of being immune to wards like Repel, her attacks inflict multiple wounds (except Speed attack which does the default 1-point of damage). But she also has the dreaded "explode" like the Bug-a-bear in the original Tomb of the Lich Lord inflicting damage even if she is killed. And she's not nearly as strong as her mother...

Legendary Dungeoneer: Sneak Peek

2007-05-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

The original Dungeoneer: Tomb of the Lich Lord featured a map card called Well of Healing. It was one of the few places a hero could go that wasn't filled with danger. It had a low Peril value and it provided the opportunity to heal wounds. Every Dungeoneer set since then has had a variation of this idea. Legendary Dungeoneer takes this idea to a whole new vicious level. Here is Chamber of Channeling:

Here you can recover wounds, but you "channel" that wound to an opponent! Of course there is a cost, 4 Peril and it does take two movements to perform. That's it for this sneak peek, next week we'll begin to take a look at the really powerful stuff you'll find in Legendary Dungeoneer: Wrath of the Serpent Goddess.

Legendary Dungeoneer: Sneak Peak

2007-04-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Last week we talked about how to combine heroes with the new Legendary set. Just to be clear, last week's example was to show how to combine old heroes with the new hero cards, the example card we used was from Tomb of the Lich Lord she is not in the new Legendary set. Nearly all the cards and art in the new set are original and unique to that set!

This week we present a fun little card with a really annoying mechanic. This one isn't mind blowing or revolutionary, but I really expect it to be a favorite for many players. Distraction:

So for a relatively low cost of 4 Glory you can give one of your Peril to another player once per turn. Stay tuned for next week when we reveal a new map card from the Legendary set.

Legendary Dungeoneer: Sneak Peak

2007-04-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Last week we showed you Elendus Sular the Arcane Archer so this week we will see how the hero cards combine from heroic (1st) to legendary (10th) levels.

Here is the Sorceress from the original Tomb of the Lich Lord. Any hero can be combined with any other hero in the heroic/epic/legendary chain. For example the Sorceress is heroic level and can combine with any epic level hero. Here she is combined with the epic level Spellslinger from Call of the Lich Lord to become an Elf Sorceress Spellslinger:

She could just as well be combined with another epic level hero instead such as the Mageblade to become an Elf Sorceress Mageblade:

When combined like this the 4th level stats are added with the + stats, so at 5 level the Elf Sorceress Mageblade would have 7 (6+1) Magic.

Finally we can add any legendary level hero card to upgrade the Elf Sorceress Spellslinger, in this example we add the Arcane Archer to end up with an Elf Sorceress Spellslinger Arcane Archer (whew!):

If you do not have an epic level Dungeoneer set and only have a heroic and a legendary set, not to worry! There is a simple way to combine the sets. When your hero achieves 4th level she is automatically and instantly upgraded to 7th level! But you will have to line up the card at the beginning of the legendary stats and take the 7th level stats, even if that means a lower score in something (ignore the hero race if it is different on the legendary card):

That's all for this week's sneak peek. Sorry the posting was a little late, its been hectic here around Studio Denmark making cool art for you to enjoy!

Dungeoneer Adventures sale final week!

2007-04-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

This is the final week for the Dungeoneer Adventures sale. This is the essential resource guide for the Dungeoneer expandable card game and it is also a complete role-playing game and Dungeoneer world guide. Sunday at midnight we are removing it from our store.

Price is marked down 10%. (regularly $20.01, now just $18.01)!

Click here now to get your copy! http://www.lulu.com/content/89797

Dungeoneer Rules v. 2.3

2007-04-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

Atlas Games has posted the newest rules set: version 2.3. As astute Dungeoneer player Silverdragon (slvrdragon41) has noted "I just read quickly through them. The only addition is how to handle the legendary and epic expansions in the back. Other than that there appear to be no rule changes."

We've gotten a lot of flak over the years about how the Dungeoneer rules are written, and honestly folks I've given it my best shot several times. 2.3 versions worth to be exact! As a new set comes out of course it has new rules, so the rules have grown over the years. But we've been careful to make the additions not overly complicated for new players and just enough to enhance the game play for long term fans.

The new 2.3 rules are identical to the 2.2 rules, we have only added and revised the section on combining sets and how to use epic and legendary sets as needed for the new set. This is the only new rules:

Combining Heroic, Epic, and Legendary Sets: Begin the game with the heroic deck; epic and legendary decks are set aside. As the last player achieves epic level, replace the Adventure and Quest decks with the epic set. Do the same with the legendary decks upon the last player achieving legendary level.

When combining epic sets (Levels 4–6) or legendary sets (Levels 7–9) with heroic sets (Levels 1–3), you do not gain the epic special abilities until you reach 4th Level, and the legendary abilities start at 7th Level. Stack the heroic Hero card on top of the epic Hero card and line them up at the red line. Similarly, a legendary Hero card would go underneath the epic card. Add the totals to determine your current score in each stat. Use the epic carry totals when you reach 4th Level, and the legendary totals at 7th Level; if this results in a reduction, immediately discard extra Treasures or Boons of your choice.

When an epic set is played alone, all players start at 4th Level. Legendary games begin at 7th Level. A hero gains Levels only by completing Quests of the appropriate grade.

Unlike standard games, in combined heroic/epic/legendary games Quests act as victory points. When you achieve epic level, the epic quests are not dealt out until everyone has achieved epic levels. But you may continue to complete global heroic quests; you do not gain levels for completing them, though, only victory points. The moment the last player achieves epic level then epic quests are dealt: 2 personal quests to each player and 1 global quest. Do the same for legendary level.

The moment a player achieves the highest level possible (7th Level in an epic game, 10th Level in legendary) the game is over. Count up the completed Quests’ victory points. The player with the most points wins. In the case of a tie the player with the highest level wins.

Each heroic quest = 1 victory point
Each epic quest = 2 victory points
Each legendary quest = 3 victory points

Combining heroic and legendary sets without an epic set requires that when the last player achieves 4th Level all heroes are automatically promoted to 7th Level. Continue normally as described above.

You can discuss the new rules here.

Enjoy!

Legendary Dungeoneer: Sneak Peak

2007-04-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

Some of you who have the Haunted Woods of Malthorin set may recall the archer hero Elendus Sular. Well, she has returned more powerful then ever ready to wage war on the Serpent Goddess. She is the first hero to naturally be able to inflict multiple wounds on a hit, and she can control Fiends to boot. What an elf!

Legendary Dungeoneer: Sneak Peak

2007-04-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Of course Legendary Dungeoneer requires legendary treasures, and here is the infamous Axe of Retribution! With a steep price of 7 Glory you get a lot for your money: immediately gain a life (and just a little peril for balance) a whopping +3 melee and recover a life each time you score a hit! Wow. You'll notice it is categorized as a legendary weapon, this is a new rule in Legendary Dungeoneer, only legendary heroes (levels 7+) may use cards with the legendary category.

This card also represents a slight shift in the way art is used. This is also the character art for the Dwarf Barbarian hero card.

Legendary Dungeoneer Off to Press!

2007-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Atlas Games has recently announced that Legendary Dungeoneer: Wrath of the Serpent Goddess has gone to press. To celebrate we will feature 1 card per week for the next 8 weeks, since it generally takes about 8 weeks from the time a set goes to press and it is finished printing.

Introducing Shenka Mercenary
Mercenaries have always been popular cards since the original Tomb of the Lich Lord with its Bannus Mercenary. Th Shenka Mercenary card has a bit of a steep price, but she offers +2 Melee and +3 Melee against Fiends. And like all mercenaries she will sacrifice herself to save you from harm.

Call of the Lich Lord (Epic Dungeoneer) Review

2007-03-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

d20 Magazine Rack chimes in on Call of the Lich Lord

We have an excellent, if complicated, fantasy game, complete with strong artwork and a unique system of play. Go for it.

Final Grade: A-

Read the review here.

Dungeoneer comic #9

2007-03-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

Old Dungeoneer RPG "Beta Edition" being discontinued

2007-03-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

The "beta" edition of the Dungeoneer RPG has been available for a couple of years now. It is a guide that fleshes out the world of Dungeoneer, includes extensive card lists, and some cool optional rules for the card game. It is also an RPG. A very, um, unusual RPG. This is a book that has been far more popular than I expected, selling at least a dozen copies or so every month.

Goodman Games in conjunction with Studio Denmark has been developing a retail version of the RPG for about a year now, and it is coming along far better than I imagined.

This means it is coming time to discontinue this version of the RPG. It is still a fine product, but we can't have two competing products that are so similar.

Some of the content of this "beta" RPG will find its way into a new book we are working on called "Dungeoneer Scenarios" and some of it will go into the new RPG by Goodman Games. But this unique product will cease to be available. This is an announcement that if you have ever thought of getting it now is the time.

To celebrate this moment I've reduced the price by 10%. (regularly $20.01, now just $18.01) After this sale it will be removed from our store!

Click here now to get your copy! http://www.lulu.com/content/89797

Dungeoneer comic #8

2007-03-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Dungeoneer comic #7

2007-03-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

Dungeoneer comic #6

2007-03-05T00:49:00.000-08:00

Dungeoneer comic #5

2007-02-25T23:11:00.000-08:00

Dungeoneer comic #4

2007-02-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

Dungeoneer comic #3

2007-02-11T19:45:00.001-08:00

Legendary Dungeoneer: Wrath of the Serpent Goddess

2007-02-08T23:46:00.000-08:00

Atlas Games has announced the next Dungeoneer set. It will be Legendary levels (7-10) and is titled "Wrath of the Serpent Goddess". See more here.

Dungeoneer comic #2

2007-02-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

Name this Quest

2007-01-31T07:57:00.000-08:00

If this was a Quest card what should it be named and how should it work? Sometimes when designing a set I just create some interesting image and then design the card later. This is one of those cases.

Dungeoneer comic #1

2007-01-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

Back when we were working on the first expansion for Dungeoneer, Vault of the Fiends, my friend James Kei did a short comic set in the Dungeoneer World. It follows the adventures of Nord as he confronts Ramalith in the Vault of the Fiends.

Over the next 9 weeks I will post a page each Monday from the comic for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

Ask the Dungeonlord

2007-01-26T07:07:00.000-08:00

New Dungeoneer player Kravell asks:

I am eagerly awaiting the Dungeoneer RPG and that has led me to the card game on which it is based (good marketing idea there).

Two questions. What set is recommended to start and what optional rules are most recommended? I saw somewhere that prebuilding the map is recommended for instance.

I play D&D 3.5 a lot and have played many board games like Runebound and card games like Star Wars. I like strategy, cool characters, and the chance for a lot of interaction between players in a board game.

Thanks!

The Dungeonlord responds:

Hello Kravell,

Glad you are interested in Dungeoneer. Tomb of the Lich Lord is generally considered the best to start with. The best options are summarized in the latest rules available here. Pre-building the map is a good one, though for your first couple of games I would recommend playing standard rules.

Of particular interest to the Dungeonlord is that excitement for the Dungeoneer RPG is building.

Sorceress sketch

2007-01-24T02:31:00.000-08:00

This is for an improved version of Spell Focus, a classic spell from Tomb of the Lich Lord. One of the things those in playtests have heard me complain about is how much freaking art it takes to make one of these Dungeoneer sets. There are 110 cards in a set, and each illustration takes me about 1 day to do, sometimes more. Not every card is a unique illustration, there can be about 90 illustrated cards when you remove things like trackers, summaries and duplicates. That's 90 days of art! I don't make that much in return on a set, so Dungeoneer truly is a labor of love. Astute players have noted that there have been more duplicates in recent sets, a cost cutting measure, but it also makes for a better game because it adds to the consistency of cards. But I've figured out another way to re-use art, and that is to make the hero card art be the "signature Boon" of that hero, so that same art can be used on the Boon (or possibly Treasure) card. In this case this is the illustration for the sorceress and also for the more powerful Spell Focus Boon.

Studio Denmark at Kublacon

2007-01-22T22:48:00.000-08:00

Our table at Kublacon has been confirmed. We will be running demos, showing previews, and have unique products you can't get elsewhere. Come join the fun at our favorite San Francisco Bay Area convention!

I might even show a sneak peek of the Dungeoneer RPG. :)

Dungeoneer RPG design blog

2007-01-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

Richard Plockington, the primary writer on the Dungeoneer RPG being published by Goodman Games has started a design blog where you can see some of the ideas and process going into the creation of this exciting new product. Richard is known for his excellent Dungeon Crawl Classics he has written. In particular I thought The Sunken Ziggurat was very fun.

Tentacle Beast

2007-01-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true I've been working on a new Dungeoneer set. It has not been announced yet, and I'm not ready to reveal the theme or much else about it. However, I will post this sneak peek of art. Enjoy. :)

Welcome to the Dungeoneer Blog

2007-01-19T16:37:00.000-08:00

This site will cover Dungeoneer news and be a resource for all things Dungeoneer.