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Tomb Robbers of the Crystal Frontier

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WELCOME TO THE CRYSTAL FRONTIER!


Adventure in a desolate magic-stained wasteland where fabulous crystal spires and fortresses plummet from the skies to tempt the desperate and the bold with magical gems and golden treasures. Find your fortune or find your death as you plunder the fallen sky tomb of an Empyrean despot.

SCHEME with the unnatural denizens of the Crystal Tomb!

UNRAVEL the secrets of the Dead King and his realm of misrule!

LOOT strange magics and Opulent Treasures from beyond the sky's vault!

A complete adventure for Level 1 characters and an introduction to both the dungeon crawl style play and the Crystal Frontier setting. Written with the new referee and players unfamiliar with older style games in mind, Tomb Robbers of the Crystal Frontier is built to start a campaign, use as a one-shot, or to drop in as an adventure locale in almost any fantasy world. The adventure has been designed for and tested with OSE, but is easy to use with any of the wayward offspring of the early editions of the first fantasy roleplaying game. Tomb Robbers of the Crystal Frontier emphasizes problem solving, faction intrigue, and exploration in the tradition of classic dungeon crawl adventures, but with a phantasmagoric fantasy Western aesthetic.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ERRANT AND OLD SCHOOL ESSENTIALS!

As of October 2023, PDF files have been added converting Tomb Robbers of the Crystal Frontier to the Errant system by Ava Islam and Kill Jester Publishing. The file can be had a no additional cost allowing you to play Tomb Robbers with both Old School Essentials (and any similar retro-clone system) as well as Errant.

AWARDS AND REVIEWS:


Winner of "Best Adventure"
-
2022 Ramanan Sivaranjan Awards for Excellence in Gaming

Winner of “Best Adventure of 2022
Questing Beast

"A Masterful Starting Adventure"
-
Questing Beast

Among "The Best" - 10 Foot Pole Reviews

The Perfect Line Between Vanilla and Weird” - The Cosmic Orrery

My Players Had a Lot of Fun with it. It was Really Fun to Puzzle Out.
- Fear of a Black Dragon


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Reviews (4)
Discussions (16)
Customer avatar
Lucus T March 23, 2023 12:11 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Love the aesthetic of this! Planning to run it this weekend as my first one shot in OSE. I had a dumb question I could not find an answer to. In regards to a stat block it says (MU 7+WIS) I'm just unsure what that means. I believe it means level 7 magic user, but the +WIS is confusing me a bit. Thanks again for the great product! Looking forward to running the whole book and hopefully picking up the pdfs after if my players enjoy.
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Customer avatar
Gus L March 25, 2023 12:34 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Glad the adventure is making you want to run it. The "MU 7 + WIS" is an older style of Saving Throw notation indicating that the NPC Saves as a 7th level Magic User with a bonus due to Wisdom. It's something I should have updated to the OSE standard. Thanks for catching it.
Customer avatar
Luke C February 17, 2023 9:51 pm UTC
PURCHASER
For OSE as a system to run with this. What does it mean to do a xd6 vs Con check and the like? Is it simply a replacement of the 1d20 roll lowest?
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Customer avatar
Gus L February 18, 2023 8:56 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Yes. Xd6 vs. a stat is a roll under check.
Customer avatar
Thomas E December 09, 2022 12:47 am UTC
PURCHASER
Just got my copy, and I am extremely disappointed to see a quote from my illustrious great uncle, for whom I am named, misattributed. Our name is Thomas Eliot, not Thomas Elliot. One"L". There's an easy mnemonic to remember it: the first initial and last name (T. Eliot) spelled backwards, is "toilet"
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Customer avatar
Gus L December 10, 2022 1:27 am UTC
PUBLISHER
That's a lot of artifice to point out a copy error. Hope you enjoyed the adventure.
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Customer avatar
Thomas E December 16, 2022 7:50 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Yeah I was trying to make it funny. I have not run it yet but I am excited to!
Customer avatar
Michael L August 22, 2022 5:37 pm UTC
Neither considered or nominated - 2021 ENNIES!
SOLD!
Customer avatar
Ben D August 09, 2022 4:48 pm UTC
PURCHASER
This sounds amazing! But I'll admit, I am gonna buy it for the cover which reminds me of my childhood
https://i.ibb.co/sCC3Fkx/unnamed-3.jpg
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Customer avatar
Gus L August 09, 2022 5:49 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Not sure where that link goes but there is always a nostalgic aspect to the production of older style RPGs. The keying, the monster stats and maps also hit me a bit in those places that remember long summer days in the wood paneled basements of the 1980’s rolling dice.

Per the work of Sveltlana Boym and other academics studying nostalgia we can make a useful distinction between two types: restorative and reflective. I prefer to think of Tomb Robbers as reflective nostalgia.

It’s in no way an attempt to replicate or return to an idealized, and likely imaginary, play style or form of game design. However, it does reflect some of the fixations of older editions — it’s a procedural exploration of fantastical space. A dungeon crawl. It includes granular 10’ square based map, random encounter tables and expects encumbrance to matter. In other words, it’s designed for the sort of older rules that support this play style.

I believe the dungeon it offers manages (like...See more
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Customer avatar
Gus L August 09, 2022 7:22 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Oh I should add that I figured out the link! Indeed that’s a similar image and a great one, but I based the cover on what I suspect are the same sources as the game cartridge artist: the posters for the Japanese release of For A Few Dollars More and even more a poster for La Calle de los Conflictos.
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Customer avatar
Ben D August 10, 2022 12:05 am UTC
PURCHASER
I love the influences! It's totally a product for me. I've only skimmed it so far and it's great at first glance.
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Customer avatar
Ben D August 10, 2022 12:07 am UTC
PURCHASER
I love the influences! It's totally a product for me. I've only skimmed it so far and it's great at first glance.
Customer avatar
De la Viscario R August 05, 2022 3:10 am UTC
Hi, do you have an email for business contact?
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Customer avatar
Gus L August 05, 2022 4:33 am UTC
PUBLISHER
You can contact me via oldmanlaru@gmail.com
Customer avatar
Melvin S August 02, 2022 5:17 am UTC
PURCHASER
Will the additional content be available to those who previously purchased the pdf ?
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Customer avatar
Gus L August 02, 2022 5:51 am UTC
PUBLISHER
At some point I hope. I suffered a serious computer issue that may involve a hard drive failure, so it may take time to recover the files.
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Customer avatar
Anthony R August 09, 2022 10:15 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I am praying for your hard drive!
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Customer avatar
Gus L August 09, 2022 10:24 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Me to man. I can’t work on Space Gods of the Crystal Frontier (level 3 - 5 follow up to Tomb Robbers) until I get it back at least, and I really don’t want to recolor the regional map - though I suppose that needs to happen anyway as the scan was not good enough for my taste. Providing a B&W printable or VTT version (perhaps with travel time markings?) of the regional map is my first project when I get it (or a copy of my files at least) back from the shop.
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Customer avatar
Gus L September 13, 2022 3:10 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Update here: should be getting these files back within the next week and then another week to convert the POD version to a PDF version is my estimate.
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Customer avatar
Gus L September 29, 2022 7:41 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Updated with new Spread, Page, and Low Quality/Small Size PDFs. Also added an updated regional map that has higher image quality for your VTT needs.
Customer avatar
Anthony R June 02, 2022 1:45 pm UTC
PURCHASER
This thing is so well designed. I am planning on running my next set of games in the Crystal Frontier. Any chance of more published adventures/dungeons in the setting?
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Customer avatar
Gus L June 02, 2022 8:11 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Glad you're enjoying it. I'm currently finishing a small crystal tomb that will bulk out the print version (redoing the layout and colors for POD is taking a lot of time), and should be out as it's own PDF as well in the next month or so. Also working on a few full size (50 - 100+ keys) projects for later in the year. Not sure which one will get finished first - but there's a haunted mansion, a giant wrecked war machine, and a journey into the "Place of Reflections".
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Customer avatar
Anthony R June 02, 2022 10:40 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Can't wait to see more! Have you thought about kickstarting or crowdfunding? Or is there anywhere to support the creation of more of these adventures in the meantime?
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Customer avatar
Gus L June 03, 2022 2:04 am UTC
PUBLISHER
No, I don't do either, largely because I'm a hobbyist who does all my own writing, art, and layout while working a full time job in a high stress profession. I need to avoid the added stress of a KS production schedule and running a campaign. Adventures generally come from my home campaign, and are done when they are done. This mean I can make them to the quality I want and without concern for salability. The most effective thing people who want more Crystal Frontier content can do is play, review, and talk to me about what's already out there - other people running my adventures is very encouraging.

There are of course 3 other smaller existing Crystal Frontier adventures here on DTRPG: Star Spire, The Bruja, the Beast and the Barrow, and Broken Bastion.

If you want to talk about them I can generally be found at https://alldeadgenerations.blogspot.com/ where I read and try to reply to all the comments.
Customer avatar
February 08, 2022 7:49 am UTC
PURCHASER
Enjoyed my readthrough and am looking forward to integrating it into a new campaign. Which leads me to a question: can we expect to see more material on the Warlock King any time soon? If so, I'll hold back on fleshing out the details. Thanks!
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Customer avatar
Gus L February 08, 2022 3:19 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Glad you enjoy it! A bit more about the Warlock King is found in "The Bruja, The Beast, and the Barrow". The Warlock King, like the Syndicators of the Sucessor Empire and other global powers, is intentionally very lightly sketched. They are all outside forces, distant menaces whose geopolitical ambitions threaten the Frontier but who don't control it. The only real details that are consistent about him is that he uses demons magically bound into hosts rather then summoned into the world and controlled via contract.

More fragments of history and rumors regarding the King, the rise of his Bull Kingdom, and the fall of the Imperial dependancy Kosse Sildar are likely in future adventures, but I have no intention of detailing the Warlock King or his court as a location. I'd say flesh him out any way you like: swords & sorcery despot, lich, revolutionary modernizer, or demon possessed threat.

Generally, while Crystal Frontier stuff has baked in setting that I know the history...See more
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Customer avatar
February 08, 2022 8:33 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for the info - good to know. I'll work with what I've got :)

My current plans are still in development, but revolve around the remains of Chaos-Mage ruled realm that recently imploded on itself. I'll filter most things through a lens of cults and spirits to reflavour magi-tech and aliens. The Bull-King will likely be one of the former lieutenants of the Chaos-Mage trying to come out on top versus other Chaos contenders and attempts by Lawful forces to move in.
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Customer avatar
Gus L February 10, 2022 7:06 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Sounds good - though personally I tend not to use alignment. I figure good and evil or law and chaos are largely shown through actions and I like my players to decide which dubious factions they like or dislike without the clues that alignment provide.
Customer avatar
Marshall H October 07, 2021 10:33 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Looking forward to reading this novella. Beautiful artwork and a well-imagined setting. Hope you continue in your adventure of writing wonderful worlds!
Customer avatar
Cody M August 14, 2021 5:03 am UTC
PURCHASER
Awesome supplement, but I have one gripe. Your directions don't line up with the map.
i.e. In the description for area 3, you have 2 doors that go east and northeast, according to the text (pg. 14). "The east door (to Areas 4, 5, & 6)" but the door to areas 4, 5, & 6 is actually to the north-west based on how the map is oriented in the module (and in the separate .png files).

Outside of this, which is easy enough to correct on the fly while prepping/running, the thing is great. Really evocative.
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Customer avatar
Gus L August 14, 2021 4:00 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Thanks for spotting that Cody, Sure looks like the description got switched around, I'll make sure to fix it when I do a version 1.3 (with Character sheet and maybe some pregens).
Reply
Customer avatar
Cody M August 16, 2021 4:38 am UTC
PURCHASER
Sweet! I look forward to seeing it all fixed up!
Customer avatar
J Camilo M July 06, 2021 3:22 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I was in the middle of writing up my own crystal scattered science fantasy desert setting but this is better than what my writing can produce.
I'll be ecstatic to buy a physical copy too if you ever go that route!
Reply
Customer avatar
Gus L July 06, 2021 9:01 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Glad you like it, but don't stop your setting on my account. Whatever you are making is always going to be better for your table then anything a distant designer can provide.
Customer avatar
Lukasz L July 05, 2021 5:36 pm UTC
PURCHASER
It's refreshing to see a full preview, not to mention that what it shows looks like an amazing adventure.

Is POD coming soon? I know I want to buy it, the question is - should I wait a week or two to grab a print copy?
Reply
Customer avatar
Gus L July 05, 2021 8:54 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Glad it's inspiring you! POD through DTRPG is unlikely, but prunt may come eventually. Depends on if sales justify a print run.
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Customer avatar
Lukasz L July 06, 2021 12:56 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thank you for the quick response. Grabbed the digital version, and I'm looking forward to seeing it in print.
Customer avatar
Diogo N June 30, 2021 2:27 am UTC
PURCHASER
Any chance we can get this in a pages PDF instead of spreads?
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Customer avatar
Gus L June 30, 2021 4:04 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Apparently there was some confusion about which version I intended to submit for review - my fault really. I should have the proper one up this evening, but it may take a few days to approve.
Reply
Customer avatar
Gus L June 30, 2021 5:03 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Updated and should be available as v 1.2.
Customer avatar
Clay L June 29, 2021 9:40 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Any chance that you have a version of the pdf that's more friendly to printing in booklet mode? I bought the version on here already! Love it!
Reply
Customer avatar
Gus L June 29, 2021 9:47 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
I'll see what I can do about a black & white version in the next few weeks. PDF size is likely going to be high as there's a fair bit of art, but it may be easy enough. I wish I had the infrastructure for a more accessible version as well, but it's just me around here.
Reply
Customer avatar
Clay L June 29, 2021 9:52 pm UTC
PURCHASER
No worries! Just thought I'd check.

What would be really helpful would just be a 1 content page per printer page version. My printer software can do the rest (it auto-arranges and does the b&w conversion).
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Customer avatar
Clay L June 29, 2021 9:52 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for the quick reply, btw!
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Customer avatar
Gus L June 29, 2021 10:09 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
That should be fixed within a day or two. It seems my last minute fixes didn't make it to the approval. I will see what I can do.
Reply
Customer avatar
Clay L June 29, 2021 11:21 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks, man! No rush!!!
Customer avatar
Erika M June 29, 2021 8:00 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I playtested this and it was a lot of fun! Cool dungeon, well-designed, interesting!
Reply
Customer avatar
Gus L June 29, 2021 9:46 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Glad you enjoyed it Erika and Thank You! Without you and the other playtesters it would have been less complete by far!
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Product Information
Mithral seller
Author(s)
Artist(s)
Pages
72
Publisher Stock #
CFINTRO
File Size:
204.52 MB
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File Last Updated:
October 08, 2023
This title was added to our catalog on June 29, 2021.
Publisher
Ratking Productions
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