Overall, this is nice for assembling a quick urban outing in the city. While all 14 of the collected mini-eventures are set in the capital city of Languard, they would all work in pretty much any urban setting with minimal work. That said, there is a lot of setting information including POIs and NPCs that really help provide verisimilitude. This is a nice extension to the existing content on the Duchy of Ashlar such as the Languard Locations series or the longer eventured set in the area.

Great for adding a little more flavor to the "wandering monsters' in your game. The first three tables give you a reason for their wanderings and there is a table to help foreshadow the 'random encounter'. I actually love these for even when there is no monster just to raise player tension.

There is also a table for 'less-dangerous' wanderers. I really like the concept, but this table felt a bit lack-luster compared to the rest.

As always, definately worth it.

As other reviewers have noted, there's a lot of really solid advice on creating an engaging dungeon environment.

Chapter Five (The Dungeon's Ecology) offers a list of reasons to include some unoccupied rooms. I'll add one more: modularity. If you realize during play that you've overlooked something or that you really ought to add something (a crucial clue, a monster's lair, bathrooms for the denizens, etc.), you could easily repurpose a nearby unoccupied room. Several chapters could benefit from factoring in ways to make the dungeon modular and adaptable during play. Wandering monsters, for example. Use them to introduce crucial clues that the PCs have missed, or to give the PCs an easy, rewarding encounter if they're demoralized or a tough encounter if things have been too easy.

Precisely one chapter gives me heartburn: Chapter Nine, Creating the Illusion of Detail. You could just rename it "How to Waste Everyone's Time When You Haven't Prepared." In the first two sentences, it states a valid problem: when the PCs reach a part of the dungeon you haven't prepared. After that, the advice is problematic. The NPCs can deceive the PCs, but the GM should never deceive the players. Deliberately stalling them and wasting their time only because you haven't prepared is not the way I'd treat my players. Besides, the advice in Chapter Nine can easily backfire. If you put up extra encounters and barriers, you could make the PCs more interested in seeing what's beyond. If you give them an unbeatable monster, they might think you wouldn't do that to them, and then you have a TPK on your hands. How hard do you keep stalling them before they realize they've wasted their time? How much will they enjoy finding out that you gave them an unbeatable problem? You could kill the mood or erode trust. Chapter Nine isn't the illusion of detail. It's the deception that the PCs think they have a chance of going in a direction you don't want them to take.

There are two ways to keep the PCs out of areas you haven't prepared: Be straight with the players, or don't put temptation in their path.

Being straight with the players: "Let's take the action elsewhere. I'm not done with this part." Good players can accept that and move on. They'll appreciate that you didn't waste their time. Problem solved within seconds and you've reinforced trust. It's no worse than saying, "Let's break for pizza."

Refraining from temptation: Instead of putting up barriers and encounters that you hope will divert the PCs, put nothing there. Instead of a door they can't open protected by monsters they can't beat, make it a blank wall. Instead of a collapsed tunnel they might try to get through, there's no tunnel. They'll walk on by. Again, problem solved within seconds.

The Vampire's Castle was a lot of fun to play. I loved the setting and characters. I also liked the simplicity of it. Very easy to introduce to just about anyone.

I played a lot of D&D back in the 1970s, but hadn't played many RPGs since. I wanted to get back into it, but wasn't interrested in investing a lot of time building up a bunch of characters. I have been looking for simple first level character games. This one scratched that itch. I loved the setting, characters, and encounters. Everything was a lot of fun.

I didn't know what to expect from this mini-adventure, but it was a lot of fun. I loved the simplicity of it. It fits a number of groups. The exploration was fun and the characters were interesting. I like how it brings out the social aspect of RPG gaming.Nice filler game.

After years of owning several books for multiple TTRPGs, this is turning to be my go to on a constant basis. These had the most value over buck overall from all TTRPG books I've ever bought. I would love to see more print editions bundles that are neutral :D

This is a review for the book Monstrous Lair #45 Hydra’s Den. It's a 8 page book. Four pages are cover pages, patreon and so on. There is also the obligatory OGL that every supplement of this nature has to have.

The real meat of the document is to be found on the middle pages. It’s here you will find everything you need to create a truly unique lair each and every time you create one for your group. There are 7 tables in total! Each one takes you from outside the lair right up to and including the treasure in the lair.

I have included the author's reason for that table's inclusion and 1 example from each of the tables. That way you can see for yourself why I think these supplements will quickly become essential for you as the DM. Usually there is also a very nice line art drawing of the monster that the lair belongs to.

As with any tables you can just read the list and take the one you like the most or you can roll each table. As a tip when I use an entry, I make a notation for which party I used it with so I don’t use it again with them.

The Tables. The tables themselves provide you with a strong creative spark to add to your descriptions of each scene. There have been times where the table entry has provided me with the full narrative needed for that section of the lair.
You will quickly see from each example, the entries have been crafted by a gifted wordsmith, that or laboured over lovingly with dictionaries and a thesaurus. Either way you won’t find trite descriptions or generic throwaways here.

Table 1. Outside the Lair - Determine notable features outside the lair, using this list.

1. Spiralling patterns of crushed bark show the hydra’s slithering passage through the trees.

Table 2. What's Going On? - Use this list, to determine what’s happening when the characters arrive.

1. The monstrous hydra wallows in a small pond; its heads sway above the water’s surface like dancing serpents.

Table 3. Major Lair Features - Use this list, to determine the lair’s major feature(s).

1. The hydra’s wild motion throws up clouds of choking dust from deep drifts scattered throughout its lair.

Table 4. Minor Lair Features - Use this list, to determine the lair's minor feature(s).

1. A massive elk skeleton, complete with huge antlers, lies draped over a boulder.

Table 5. Hydra's Appearance - Use this list, to generate the monster’s appearance and other characteristics.

1. The thick hide and scales of the hydra change colour like a chameleon as the beast moves around its lair.

Table 6. Treasure - Use these lists [tables 6 & 7], to add interesting incidental items to the lair’s hoard.

1. This small gold ring depicting different coloured enamelled serpents twisting together provides its wearer with potent protection from venom.

Table 7. Trinkets & Trash -

1. The lower half of a longspear’s shaft, decorated with carved serpents, has a crack down the centre.

   These are description that for me would take a lot of work because I don’t do this regularly enough. It’s going to take you several sessions / groups to fully plumb the depths of this resource and honestly, anything that allows me to prep less and enjoy more is a boon and that makes this [and many of the Raging Swan supplements] supplement a 'literal' gold mine.

At £0.62 [at time of writing] this is an absolute solid 5 stars from me.

This is a review for the book Monstrous Lair #46: Basilisk’s Den. It's a 8 page book. Four pages are cover pages, patreon and so on. There is also the obligatory OGL that every supplement of this nature has to have.

The real meat of the document is to be found on the middle pages. It’s here you will find everything you need to create a truly unique lair each and every time you create one for your group. There are 7 tables in total! Each one takes you from outside the lair right up to and including the treasure in the lair.

I have included the author's reason for that table's inclusion and 1 example from each of the tables. That way you can see for yourself why I think these supplements will quickly become essential for you as the DM. Usually there is also a very nice line art drawing of the monster that the lair belongs to.

As with any tables you can just read the list and take the one you like the most or you can roll each table. As a tip when I use an entry, I make a notation for which party I used it with so I don’t use it again with them.

The Tables. The tables themselves provide you with a strong creative spark to add to your descriptions of each scene. There have been times where the table entry has provided me with the full narrative needed for that section of the lair.
You will quickly see from each example, the entries have been crafted by a gifted wordsmith, that or laboured over lovingly with dictionaries and a thesaurus. Either way you won’t find trite descriptions or generic throwaways here.

Table 1. Outside the Lair - Determine notable features outside the lair, using this list.

1. Tall trees have wrapped themselves around a massive statue of a towering barbarian. The thick moss and vines growing over it cannot conceal the look of surprise and confusion on the man’s face

Table 2. What's Going On? - Use this list, to determine what’s happening when the characters arrive.

1. With a rattle like a small landslide the basilisk defecates gravel-like faeces that stinks like rotten eggs.

Table 3. Major Lair Features - Use this list, to determine the lair’s major feature(s).

1. A tangle of petrified people petrified while fleeing fills a narrow corridor, making progress difficult

Table 4. Minor Lair Features - Use this list, to determine the lair's minor feature(s).

1. Petrified in front of a small statue of a halfling holding a mirror is a young basilisk caught by its own gaze

Table 5. Basilisk's Appearance - Use this list, to generate the monster’s appearance and other characteristics.

1. Black and white stripes—like a tiger’s—cover this basilisk’s entire body. One of the creature’s eyes is blue while the other burns red.

Table 6. Treasure - Use these lists [tables 6 & 7], to add interesting incidental items to the lair’s hoard.

1. These four arrows tipped with basilisk teeth encase their targets in stone for a short amount of time.

Table 7. Trinkets & Trash -

1. A heavy stone shield, with its wielder’s arm still attached to the inside, lies against the wall.

   Great descriptions both detailed and rich. It’s going to take you a number of campaigns / one shots to fully plumb the depths of this resource. Honestly, anything that allows me to prep less and enjoy more is a boon and that makes this [and many of the Raging Swan supplements] supplement a 'literal' gold mine.

At £0.62 [at time of writing] this is an absolute solid 5 stars from me.

It's a 8 page book. pages 1 - 2 and pages 7 - 8 are cover pages and so on. Page 6 is the obligatory OGL that every supplement of this nature has to have.

The real meat of the document is to be found on the middle pages. Its here you will find everything you need to create a truly unique lair each and everytime you create one for your group. There are 7 tables in total! Each one takes you from outside the lair right up to and including the treasure in the lair.

I have included the author's reason for that table's inclusion and 1 example from each of the tables. That way you can see for yourself why I think these supplements will quickly become essential for you as the DM. Usually there is also a very nice line art drawing of the monster that the lair belongs to.

As with any tables you can just read the list and take the one you like the most or you can roll each table. As a tip when I use an entry, I make a notation for which party I used it with so I dont use it again with them.

The tables. The tables themselves provide you with a strong creative spark to add to your descriptions of each scene. There have been times where the table entry has provided me with the full narrative needed for that section of the lair.
As you will quickly see from each example, the entries have been crafted by a gifted wordsmith, that or laboured over lovingly with dictionaries and a thesaurus. Either way you wont find trie descriptions or generic throwaways here.

Table 1. Outside the Lair - Determine notable features outside the lair, using this list.

1. Stunted, broken bushes make going difficult.

Table 2. What's Going On? - Use this list, to determine what’s happening when the characters arrive.

1. The Harpy is gnawing a partially decomposed leg when the PCs arrive. She uses it as a (missile) weapon at the earliest opportunity.

Table 3. Major Lair Features - Use this list, to determine the lair’s major feature(s).

1. A thick layer of slime and congealed bodily fluids covers the floor. The smell is revolting.

Table 4. Minor Lair Features - Use this list, to determine the lair's minor feature(s).

1. The heavy stench of death and decay hangs in the air.

Table 5. Harpy's Appearance - Use this list, to generate the monster’s appearance and other characteristics.

1. Has beautiful red and blue plumage. She stands out from typical examples of its brethren.

Table 6. Treasure - Use these lists [tables 6 & 7], to add interesting incidental items to the lair’s hoard.

1. Stained with soot and smeared on grim, this brass incense burner wobbles when stood upright

Table 7. Trinkets & Trash -

1. This thick bundle of firewood tied together with several lengths of red twine. The wood is exceptionally dry and burns quickly.

   As you can see, the descriptions detailed and rich. Its going to take you a number of campaigns / one shots to fully plumb the depths of richness that this aid provides. Honestly, anything that allows me to prep less and enjoy more is a boon and that makes this [and many of the Raging Swan supplements] supplement a 'literal' gold mine.

   At £1.10 [at time of writing] this is an absolute solid 5 stars from me.

It's a 8 page book. pages 1 - 2 and pages 7 - 8 are cover pages and so on. Page 6 is the obligatory OGL that every supplement of this nature has to have.

The real meat of the document is to be found on pages 3 - 5. Its here you will find everything you need to create a truly unique lair each and everytime you create one for your group. There are 7 tables in total! Each one takes you from outside the lair right up to and including the treasure in the lair.

I have included the author's reason for that table's inclusion and 1 example from each of the tables. That way you can see for yourself why I think these supplements will quickly become essential for you as the DM. There is also included a very nice line art drawing of the Minotaur too.

As with any tables you can just read the list and take the one you like the most or you can roll each table. As a tip when I use an entry, I make a notation for which party I used it with so I dont use it again with them.

The tables. The tables themselves provide you with a strong creative spark to add to your descriptions of each scene. There have been times where the table entry has provided me with the full narrative.
As you will quickly see from each example, the entries have been crafted by a gifted wordsmith, that or laboured over lovingly with dictionaries and a thesaurus. Either way you wont find trie descriptions or generic throwaways here.

Table 1. Outside the Lair - Determine notable features outside the lair, using this list.

1. Spots of dried blood lead towards the lair.

Table 2. What's Going On? - Use this list, to determine what’s happening when the characters arrive.

1. Loud snoring greets the characters—the minotaur is sleeping (or perhaps it sham sleeps).

Table 3. Major Lair Features - Use this list, to determine the lair’s major feature(s).

1. A small field of red spotted mushrooms and fungus fills a yawning side-cavern. The minotaur fertilises its “garden” with the broken remains of its victims.

Table 4. Minor Lair Features - Use this list, to determine the lair's minor feature(s).

1. Deep gouges in the rock show where the minotaur has hewn at the wall.

Table 5. Minotaur's Appearance - Use this list, to generate the monster’s appearance and other characteristics.

1. A thick mane of red hair grows half-way down the minotaur’s back.

Table 6. Treasure - Use these lists [tables 6 & 7], to add interesting incidental items to the lair’s hoard.

1. These knee-high black leather boots are in good repair.

Table 7. Trinkets & Trash -

1. Dried blood covers the back of this torn, shredded leather backpack.

   As you can see, the descriptions really are first class. Its going to take you a number of campaigns / one shots to fully plumb the depths of richness that this aid provides. Honestly, anything that allows me to prep less and enjoy more is a boon and that makes this [and many of the Raging Swan supplements] supplement a 'literal' gold mine.

   At £1.10 [at time of writing] this is an absolute solid 5 stars from me.

Everything these guys make is top notch. This one is the mother load of usable material. After getting the pdf, I had to buy the hardcover edition just so I'd have it on my gaming shelf.

Another great addition to the Raging Swan Dungeon Dressing line. Conncise and full of really helpful information for a DM looking to craft random encounters with verisimilitude on the fly. Good value for money and well worth reading. The sample encounters provide superb examples of how to bring these encounters to life. well done Raging Swan!

This was one of the first Raging Swan products I bought and I've used it in a couple different games now. Lots of cool ideas, some of which I used pretty much as written; others sparked my creativity and suggested a new direction. I joined RS's patreon a while later...of all the supplements I've got through the Patreon, this is still in my top 10.