Still reading through it, so I may update this review.
A great supplement for any 5e Game
especially if you like rogue-like settings
As said in the description, this setting isn't just for Rogues. A crime filled city is a great setting for any party to explore. All the details to the history, heirarchy and guilds really fleshes out the setting and feel of this city. I'm going to break it down by chapters I've read and my thoughts on them:
Chapter 1: Kintalla, The Silver City
Dan does a great job of creating a city with rich history. He also fleshes out the numerous guilds and organizations and how they operate in the city. There's plenty to use here, including random NPC encounters that could lead to a whole new quest line. As well as suggested buildings that your party can visit. It feels like a well written novel.
Chapter 2: Guild Ebonclad
This is where this supplement shines. You could even just use this chapter and throw the guild into any city already in your campaign. The hierarchy is extensive and provides options to keep a campaign running for years as your party climbs the rungs of Ebonclad. As well as Cost of Services for all guild actions, really allowing you to create your own "jobs" for your party to complete. The Prominent Members and other notable guild NPCs are as always fleshed out masterpieces of Dan Coleman. They are interesting and unique characters that your party will surely remember. The Life as a Member provide great opportunites for roleplaying, I can't wait to try and speak Eboncant (a variation on Thieve's Cant) with my players. He's really created a magical guild that runs a city, and fleshes out roles for each different class in Ebonclad.
Chapter 3: A Life of Crime
This section has great tables and options for how NPCs will react to crimes, creating random NPCs (what kind of wealth, who they're associated with, etc.), as well as the type of loot you can find on NPCs and how to acquire it (cutting purses, pickpocketing, etc.), where and how the guard might bump into your party and last but not least, NEW URBAN CHASE COMPLICATIONS. This is a great section to add to any urban city if you have party members who love to drum up crime in a busy city.
Chapter 4: Setting Options
New Class Options, Backgrounds and suggestions for how Classes will behave in the Guild. Great section for creating new characters who grew up in Kintalla or the city with Ebonclad. The new spells looks like a lot of fun for any member of the guild. But the new Equipment, Weapons and Potions is where this section shines for me. Great new gear to get around an urban environment without being too loud or noisey. Wrist Daggers? Yes please!
Chapter 5: Missions
Here, Dan outlines some sample missons for a party of level 1-5 as well as giving rules to create your own. They are so easily adjusted to higher levels though, so it wouldn't be a problem if you wanted to play at a higher level. Almost all of the missons are very open-ended, great for a DM that likes to improvise and a party that likes to make their own path. Using the other chapters you can really personalize these missions and allow your party to run rampant around the city. Or, just follow them to the letter and still have a blast. My favorite so far is Wedding Bells in which the party is tasked with stopping a noble wedding without harming the betrothed...
Appendices
Dan put all the tables, maps and NPCs in a handy set of Appendices in the back. I haven't read through them all though.
Bonus! Short Stories
Inbetween every few chapters are short stories (one page long) that really add to the flavor of this supplement. They really set the scene and theme for Kintalla and Ebonclad. Also, great suggestions for possible missions and NPCs. I loved every single one.
So, Should I get it?
Do you like urban city settings with slums and a love for crime? Does your party like to commit crimes and try to get away with them? Have you read Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows Duology and thought, I'd love to play a D&D game in a similar setting? Do you love Dan Coleman's work on Dungeons on Demand?Then Yes!
If you're looking for a fully fleshed out module, or something that doesn't require a DM to think on their feet and improvise on the spot? Maybe not. This is a great supplement for creating a new campaign that can last a long time. If this type of setting doesn't interest you, look elsewhere.
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