D&D 5E Let's Read: Year of Rogue Dragons (module)

[Urriak Uruk]

So a funny thing happened today... I got a YouTube ad for a new D&D module on DMsguild, called "Year of Rogue Dragons."

Now, as someone who has more modules than I can conceivably play, but still likes to look at 3rd party material, I clicked the ad to take a look. And low-and-behold, not only did it direct me to their page, but also gave me a whopping 90% off discount, making the product cost only $2!

So yeah, I bought it. And I haven't had time to read/review it yet, but if anyone is interested in me diving into it, comment and I'll find some time to do so. Note: I don't know how to recreate the discount, and it was so high it may be some very limited thing...

Year Of Rogue Dragons - Dungeon Masters Guild | Dungeon Masters Guild
It's time to act like a real dragon! Unleash your breath weapon, fight with claw and fang in this 5th edition D&D Forgotten Realms adventure for evil dragon characters!

Year Of Rogue Dragons is set in 1373 DR during the Dracorage. It's designed for four players who take the roles of newly hatched evil chromatic dragons. The story will introduce a specific section of the Forgotten Realms along with its prominent individuals, organizations and a segment of its history. The adventure will draw the players into a conflict between three local factions, and a mystery, which they must solve and use to their advantage in order to eliminate every menace that threatens their life from the onset.
The 99-page module features 9 full-color dungeon maps, a complete map of Thar and the Northern Moonsea region, over a dozen full-page color illustrations and 21 unique NPC and monster stat blocks including old favorites like:

• the Zhentarim Skymage
• the Dragonflesh Golem
• and the Wearer Of Purple and their Initiate Cult Wizards.

Chapter 1. introduces the players to the setting and the life of wyrmling dragons while experiencing the ongoing Dracorage. This chapter aims to introduce the life of dragons, the surrounding lands, and creatures inhabiting Thar through some seemingly random encounters.
Chapter 2. has three subsections in which the motives and goals of each faction will be revealed as they each present three different quests to the players, which they might take, refuse, or use against them. Getting involved with these factions also lets the players collect every piece of information needed to lead them to a solution that rids them of their enemies, all in one single daring and grandiose final event.
Chapter 3. is the climax of the adventure where the players recover the key element that can save them from multiple threats. They will have several options to use it, depending on which factions they made their enemies and whom they want to eliminate.

Year Of Rogue Dragons was recommended by Richard Lee Byers, author of the original Year Of Rogue Dragons novel trilogy. Thank you Mr. Byers!
Check out our Fantasy Grounds module for this title here: Year Of Rogue Dragons (Fantasy Grounds) - Dungeon Masters Guild | Dungeon Masters Guild
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[Urriak Uruk]

I'll add first impressions of just scrolling through it; for a 3rd-party product, the layout and art is very good. It's not the best I've seen from a 3rd party (I think Kobold Press still reigns supreme in their products) but for a team where it looks like this is their very first product posted on the DMsguild, it's pretty much as good as it is going to get, and I'm really picky about that kind of stuff.

There are several full-page art pieces that or of very good quality, and several pieces of NPCs and a couple of monsters. Again very good quality, but not too many pieces beyond what they already preview.

The maps are also of pretty good quality, again measuring off of 3rd party standards. They are in full color, and although some of them appear a little un-inspired, the later ones are a big more robust. The regional map is also pretty sparse and boring, but still of good quality in color and style.

 

[Weiley31]

What the heck did they do to that poor Beholder?

 

[Weiley31]

So I'm totally gonna have it where my players will do a one shot with this. Then when we do the climatic end game battle in Tyranny of Dragons, their "dragon PC's" will be the major dragon enemies they have to fight to reach the final area.

I'll probably have Cryovain (from the Essentials Kit) or it's dad be an NPC in the one shot too.

 

[Urriak Uruk]

So I'm totally gonna have it where my players will do a one shot with this. Then when we do the climatic end game battle in Tyranny of Dragons, their "dragon PC's" will be the major dragon enemies they have to fight to reach the final area.

I'll probably have Cryovain (from the Essentials Kit) or it's dad be an NPC in the one shot too.

Yeah, if I ever end up using this I'll be tying it to Tyranny of Dragons in some way. It's just too good from a dragon POV.

 

[Nosaje]

Looks good, may be worth a pick up and as others have said maybe tie it in with Tyranny of Dragons.

 

[Elderbrain.com]

Hi there! Thanks for the compliments and the interest in my module. I did the best I could, jope you guys will enjoy it. I would be happy to hear how it went for anyone who ran it. I dont think its a good idea to mix it with Tyranny of Dragons but it everyones own decision. The story is for dragon characters, set during the Dracorage (in 1373 DR, the Year Of Rogue Dragons) in a very specific location described by Richard L Byers and Ed Greenwood. Sooo hope u guys like it! Also, here’s the long lost 90% discount code Dungeon Masters Guild - Order Contents Enjoy!

 

[Nosaje]

Thanks Elderbrain for the discount code. I'll give it a read through over the next. week.