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Mirrors of the Abyss

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IN VULGAREA YOU TRUST:

Official Coin of Vulgarea

"For untold eons, Eshebala ruled over Vulgarea, the 193rd Layer of the Abyss...content to revel in hedonism, corrupt the hearts of her dwindling followers and inflict petty cruelty. Yet, if there are days in the Abyss, there came one when she realized she despised her own province. She hated demonkind. She hated the Abyss. It had become unbearably tedious, spent...done. The burgeoning goddess decided she would dip her toe back into the lives of mortals, and quest to remember...to understand her own existence...But that was a lofty goal for a mind that had long ago begun to unravel. Instead...She is learning that all she has left is cruelty...and it was always cruelty that gave her power, so she now believes, to the woe of any who cross her path."

Partly inspired by a scant notation by Carl Sargeant in 1992's TSR book Monster Mythology:

"Eshebala is the foxwoman deity of vanity, charm, greed, and cunning. Her symbol is a female fox. Eshebala appears as a foxwoman, a shapely fur-covered female with a fox’s head, or as a beautiful young elf maiden. She is bedecked in rich clothing and jewels, and carries a silver mirror. Eshebala’s realm of Vulgarea can be found on the 193rd layer of the Abyss. She is wily and vain. She favors beautiful things and collects jewelry and art, the tackier and flashier the better. She prefers to overcome her opponents using subtlety rather than force, seducing and devouring out of boredom. She loves gossip, and always insists on being the center of attention. Eshebala is a patron of evil shapeshifters who use their wits and wiles before resorting to violence."

Eshebala is a true chaotic evil demon goddess, behaving 100% true to form, and an extremely challenging opponent to take down for your players.

An unforgettable 300 page jaunt for Levels: 15-17, with multiple possible modes of play, including Party Mode for up to 12 players.

Profusely and paintstakingly illustrated over the course of several years by an award-winning professional illustrator. No stock illustration in this beast!

  • A loving, dark & insanely detailed exploration of the 193rd Abyssal Plane
  • An exuberant nod to the most grueling, deadly dungeons ever created
  • Rich encounters that play out in a unique way each time
  • 100 + NEW CREATURES
  • 200 + NEW TREASURES (& possibly the most illustrated treasury ever provided)
  • 82 BOOKS for PCs to discover
  • 70 + NEW SPELLS & RITUALS, INCLUDING DETAILED OPTIONS FOR DEMON SUMMONING
  • 50 + NEW TRAPS, HAZARDS & EFFECTS (guaranteed to run amuck)
  • 4 RANDOM TREASURE TABLES, including a TABLE OF GEMSTONES that would be useful in any campaign
  • 2 NEW CLASS SHIFTS: the Demonologist & the Exorcist!


MASSIVE UPDATE!

Thank You!

Eshebala won't say it, but I will: "Thanks."

We are approaching "GOLD" and most importantly: A PRINT EDITION soon!

In appreciation of the encouraging comments and reviews, I have created a massive update!

Update!

Enjoy 12+ full-color illustrated maps to print out (or use in Fantasy Grounds) and play on:

Beach Temple

Twilight Garden

Black Tower

Rejoice in 100 grammar and clarity fixes and BOOKMARKS (they should've always been there)!

Cringe in fear of 7 new original illustrations of demons and items: 

Bloody Mary!

Let Bloody Mary manifest...just in time for Halloween!

Blyleth

The demon "Blyleth" ~ One of 50 original stat blocks from just ONE chamber!

Murmur

The demon "Murmur" ~ Another of 50 original stat blocks from just ONE chamber!

Pen Work ~ Abyssal Kraken

Hand-done inkwork alongside professional color illustration and medieval touches

Her Mark of the Abyss


FURTHER PREVIEWS:


Eshebala's Hall of Mirrors

Eshebala's Hall of Mirrors ~ 6 doors that would make Acererak blush

The Only Map of Vulgarea

The only known map of Plane 193: Vulgarea

Floating the River of Snakes

They will have to traverse Bitewater River upon floating lily pads or perish!

Eshebala's Courtyard

If Eshebala's neglectful rule isn't enough, Far Realm invaders lay waste to her courtyard

The Room of Falling Leaves

Chambers that are difficult to imagine are mapped or illustrated

The Rusted Guardian

Chambers so full of dark secrets, they play out differently each time!

Necronomicon Ex Vulgareas

A book so evil, it was banned by Eshebala herself! ~ Necronomicon Ex Vulgareas

Exploding Mirror Gremlin

A hero has hurled the Throwing Pentacle and shattered the Mirror Gremlin!

Onoskelis by the Sea

Secret Areas span several pages! Here, they are dared to traverse deadly coastal statues

Vast Treasures

50 pages of new treasures, including legendary items and many with their own secrets!

Vulgarean Propaganda!

Vulgarean propaganda! (A poster that tells the history of Eshebala, with secret magic)

Sea Monks

Here, Sea Monks threaten them with their oceanic lice and a dangerous stolen staff

Spirit Boards

Vulgarean Spirit Boards let you contact the dead in her realm

Exorcist Class Shift

Class Shift from Cleric to Exorcist (an option for Level 15 to the End)

Demonologist Class Shift

Class Shift from Wizard to Demonologist (an option for Level 15 to the End)

Dweomer Curse Magics (a new spell)

New and dangerous dweomer curse magics (new spells) from the Necronomicon

Handouts

Handouts for your players when their luck runs out

Disarming Eshebala

Don't you hate it when a ruling deity isn't statted? No worries here!

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Reviews (11)
Discussions (31)
Customer avatar
Ryan D September 17, 2022 7:50 am UTC
CREATOR
Everybody who sprung for a hardback, always remember, if you pay postage both ways, I will remarque your book (hand-draw in it, in a specific way, and sign it).
Customer avatar
Dev A September 17, 2022 4:44 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hello, very much interested in buying this module as I love tier 3/4 content, especially challenging and interesting ones! So question. Is this module meant to run with pcs who are level 16 with no magic items? I like to give my pcs magic items, so usually at level 16 theyd each get 1 legendary/2 very rares/3 rares/4 uncommon. is running this as a high magic campaign possible? or does that detract from the adventure?
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Ryan D September 17, 2022 7:19 am UTC
CREATOR
Hello,

I would say that they should have their "epic / legendary" weapon by this point. In fact, when I tested this, I would often challenge my players to min-max as much as they desired, per a set amount of gold. *NOTE: For groups where this truly is part of a long campaign, it can be very painful for a player to lose their main weapon to Eshebala's forced tithe! (Though, they can work hard to discover her true hoard, and find it.)

I wanna say I told them something like:

"5,000 gp plus two uncommon magic items, one rare item (suggested to be their main weapon), 1d4 healing potions and normal starting equipment, etc."

It hardly ever affected their outcome, since sooooo much of this adventure is centered around thinking on their toes, and luck and chaotic evil bad luck. A higher AC is obviously handy, and if my jesters rolled more bombs (yes, I wrote a jester class and tested it in this module many times!). :D
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Ryan D September 17, 2022 7:24 am UTC
CREATOR
If you have smarta** players, who will spend the gold on 100 healing potions or trained monkeys (to poke for traps), Eshebala would rain down as much pain as she could, without cheating (wait, what am I saying? She would DEFINITELY cheat, haahaa).

But, remember that the demons (and Eshebala) are betting on who they think will last the longest, so, if a player has some kind of godlike, shiny armor with flowing banners upon their pauldrons, a vorpal sword and a winged helm, then the demonic royalty is going to want to see them fall the hardest!
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Customer avatar
Ryan D September 17, 2022 7:28 am UTC
CREATOR
PS__Thank you for your interest! I appreciate you.
Customer avatar
Ben B September 16, 2021 8:13 pm UTC
So you start at level 15 and end at level 17? or this adventure could be played by players who are level 15, or 16, or 17?
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Ryan D September 16, 2021 11:55 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hi Ben,

A resounding "yes" to both possibilities. I have tested it with 15, 16, 17, and depending on how stringent you are on your players, and how the randomly-determined elements come up, it will provide a challenge to all 3 levels (obviously, with the intent to make Level 15's pee themselves a little).

My best advice with this book:

1) Run it brutally, in the spirit of the Great Abyss.

2) Please consider the printed version, as it was designed with print in mind (I know it's expensive and I wish I could mitigate that better).





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Ryan D September 16, 2021 11:58 pm UTC
CREATOR
Also, a player allowing themselves (typically, a cleric (for Exorcist) and a wizard (for Demonologist) to have their class permanently altered from Eshebala's domain, should fare better during this adventure (though, many players cannot let go of their fourth-Act-planning to consider that path).
Customer avatar
darren B March 10, 2021 6:33 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hi Ryan
Are you looking to put this into FG.only bought this yesterday and have yet to give it a good read through but it looked a perfect setting for char backstory quest.And do you have any issues with me using it in that way as round the table is not an option for me and my players at the mo.
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Customer avatar
Ryan D March 11, 2021 1:30 am UTC
CREATOR
Hello,

Thank you for exploring Vulgarea!

Castigor says: "Welcome! Queen Eshebala has bid me to prepare a nice cozy chamber for you on the 2nd floor of the Black Tower. Er, I wouldn't try conversing with the witch mothers there, as they are busy-busy...And, our Grand Mistress is...in a mood today, so let's just pick up on our tour tomorrow...and...if I were you I wouldn't leave the tower, or your room. The demons can smell mortal flesh when they roam the citadel, so if you do leave your room, you might be leaving your skin as well." XD

I'm not very familiar with Fantasy Grounds. Does it open my work up to thievery? My first instinct is: You've supported my work, and you can do what you want with it, except please don't distribute it for free, publish parts of it for free, or resell it or any part of it. (I doubt that you would do any of that--but, here's the rub: I know 3 creators now, intimately, and I know that they are cancelling Guild projects (THESE ARE GOOD...See more
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darren B March 11, 2021 10:59 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hi Ryan
Thank you.
Unfortunately no as far as preparing something that large and complex i would not be able to give it the justice it deserves,still learning the basic how too's.That and hold down a job and such.
The reason for the setting,long story short .A cleric fell in love with a succubus she fell for him and now has a soul which unfortunately makes her an important part of a ritual to bring in a lost old one and the chaos that would bring.I'm in the process of making a secondary mini campaign arc that personally involves the players characters history and this evil that they caught the attention of and are trying unwittingly trying to stop whilst also trying to survive the compendium version of dungeon of the mad mage.rare as it might be always thought you ask for permission first before altering somebody's hard work,not that i will be altering much possibly drop the overall challenge rating to be more fair to 10th level chars and will not be using all of it ,will save that for inclusion...See more
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Ryan D March 11, 2021 12:42 pm UTC
CREATOR
Cool,

I do like the complex narrative you have rolling. I hope your players appreciate it.

The interesting thing about succubi in 5E is that no one knows if they are devils or demons, precisely.
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Jonathon P January 26, 2021 5:40 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hi Ryan! Still prepping this, but I'm already pumped to run my poor players through it.

One thing I seem to be missing just now - the Treasure tables for the Gift of the Silver King/Golden King. Where are they in the book?
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Ryan D January 27, 2021 2:26 am UTC
CREATOR
Hi Jonathon,

You scared me for a minute! I thought maybe I had accidentally left them out, but they are in the "Treasure Tables" in the back matter, adjacent (left) to the "Staff of Mastigophoria" and my "Prison of Zagig."

I'm pretty proud of those. As I recall, in that case, Christopher had started the base idea for those particular treasures, and I fleshed them out to high heaven--half page tables!

I especially like how the Gold King's flute creates a mocking, and probably provocative illusion of Eshebala beckoning. It would be something that onlookers would be both titillated and horrified by, so that, if Eshebala was angered by it, she could never be certain it was mocking her.
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Ryan D January 27, 2021 2:27 am UTC
CREATOR
Any bard should be psyched to get their hands on those! They are mostly for bards. I am proud that I came up with actual demonic song stanzas, too.
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Ryan D January 27, 2021 2:31 am UTC
CREATOR
Since you are prepping, don't forget to make "all of this terrible horror" of my idea of the Abyss, into loads of fun, ala Evil Dead II and its subsequent show.

Horror can be fun...and funny.

I know my module is a WICKED BEAST, but it can be tamed by a creative group.
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Jonathon P January 27, 2021 2:43 am UTC
PURCHASER
Ok, I get you now, thanks. The chapter says to look for the 'Gift of the XXX King' in tables, so I thought there would be a table of random possible gifts (which the flute and Biwa would probably be on).
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Jonathon P January 27, 2021 2:49 am UTC
PURCHASER
Oh and no worries about me missing the fun. I have run 5 full campaigns now and innumerable one-shots - I definitely can bring the fun. That's actually what appealed to me about your book. Sure, it's deadly, but it's deadly in wacky, random, entertaining ways. That's a key error that many 'killer dungeons' miss and why I personally hated the original Tomb of Horrors.

'You twisted the staff the wrong way...so you die.' = NOT FUN

'You grow a second head. It demands you accompany it in a duet. You sang badly, so it eats you and takes your body. It is currently trying to defenestrate your allies into a horde of mutant bees.' = FUN
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Ryan D January 27, 2021 2:59 am UTC
CREATOR
Hahaha,

YOU GET IT.

I hope you will like what I've been cooking--almost as long as "Mirrors!"

I know we are mostly DMs, but I have been playing and enjoying the class I wrote for years now! It's time I share it!

I might have to do a Kickstarter, because I also have 2 other adventures @ 75% complete.
Customer avatar
Darel D December 29, 2020 2:49 am UTC
Can this be tied up with Descent to Avernus?
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Ryan D December 29, 2020 12:05 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hello,

Disclosure: I have not run "Descent into Avernus," as I am knee-deep in the stuff I've written, and even when I test my new classes, my friends are writing their own adventures as well.

But I know the base summary of it. Here's what I think: As you know, Avernus is the first circle of Hell, and Vulgarea is the 193rd Layer of the Great Abyss, so they aren't exactly neighbors...but also, there is no way Eshebala took any role in the Blood War, and she would cultivate beneficial relationships (especially with other important evil female rulers) across Hades, Hell, or wherever else, so she could know Zariel and definitely Tiamat (and Tiamat may be a demon or a devil--as no one knows in 5E).

There is mention in my book of how she sort of spent time plundering art and elicit knowledge across the cosmos for a while (thus inflicting invaders from the Far Realm into her courtyard). She hobnobbed with Lolth and others of evil fame. There are definitely devils mixed...See more
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Ryan D December 29, 2020 12:11 pm UTC
CREATOR
So,

Yes, if you ended "Descent into Avernus" at Level 13-14-15, and you created a transition of your own, or an errant gate...or if they had a brief one-off in a snowy village and then you could connect the intended intro.

I'm not sure if players in "Descent" get to search Zariel's abode, but there could be history dropped between them. If the players made a big difference in "Descent" that would be the kind of thing Eshebala might notice, and to her, the adventurers would be perfect to run her gauntlet, and devils who knew of their success in Avernus would travel far to bet on their lives in Vulgarea.



Customer avatar
Matthew G October 25, 2020 2:50 pm UTC
Any plans to convert into fantasy grounds?
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Ryan D October 26, 2020 7:13 am UTC
CREATOR
Hello Matthew,

Thanks for your interest. I'm still considering that avenue.

I've been told that my map pack is highly agreeable to digital presentations for the most part. For that reason, I recommend always including the digital PDF version, even for those who buy it in print.

As an art piece, it was designed for print.
Customer avatar
Jorge F September 04, 2020 9:51 am UTC
PURCHASER
This is probably the best "mega dungeon" i have ever read in my life. I normally dislike those because it mostly involves mindless combat, but this module is the perfect mix of roleplay, investigation and really interesting combat mechanics! Really amazing job you did for this adventure. I'm planning to run this sometime in 2021 when the pandemic is over, perhaps as a standalone campaign or the ending of one.

Are you perhaps going to release another module in the future? Because I'd happily buy any module that even remotely reaches this quality!

Anyways, you have my thanks for making a truly amazing adventure.
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Ryan D September 04, 2020 9:18 pm UTC
CREATOR
Jorge,

I've been feeling stressed lately, and you really uplifted me. I don't just "say that" here. Many of you have uplifted me and I love all of you for the kindness.

Thank you for saying my 23 chambers count as a "mega dungeon" because I love mega dungeons, too. I hoped to invoke that feeling, but sacrifice "more rooms" for "more detail." Sometimes, maybe too much detail! Haha. When my group finds out they can read and touch everything, THEY DO.

Do you know--I yearn to just put the stalled releases into crowd funding at this point. But I have no idea if it would work. I'd have to use the other lic, of course, if I did that.

I dunno. We'll see. Print is impossible to get here, now, and print matters to me. I still design my books with print in mind.

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Jorge F September 07, 2020 11:20 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hey Ryan,

Well, i think that, whatever you decide to do regarding future products, i'm sure that a lot of those who bought mirrors of the abyss (including me), would support them.

Hopefully, you manage to find a solution to the print dilemma too! I wish you the best of luck.
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Peter L August 30, 2020 9:13 pm UTC
PURCHASER
It's an interesting concept and I admire all the work you put into it (the artwork in particular), but as someone who played AD&D for years I have no interest in returning to that style of adventure (RIP Log the Timber Rogue). If you ever put out something that takes a more modern approach, I'd happily dive into it.
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Ryan D August 30, 2020 10:00 pm UTC
CREATOR
So far, only this one hearkens back, hard, to old school snuff dungeons and tense challenges (though I argue that there are few tense challenges in 5E (past the first few levels) and that is a gap to fill).

I have 3-6 other releases, stalled due to time, but desperately wanting to be released:

1) A 150 page class
2) A love letter to gothic modules
3) An attempt at a true sandbox

(less likely to ever make it out):
4) A 150 page class
5) A 150 page class
6) A very special sand box

(Side of the side projects)
7) A collection of monsters
8) A collection of maps
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Ryan D August 31, 2020 1:35 am UTC
CREATOR
Lastly (arguably), "Mirrors" is as much about writing a truly chaotic evil experience as it is about classic D&D.
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Peter L September 01, 2020 8:46 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I'd love to see the sandbox adventure, as that's an approach official and unofficial adventures struggle with.

As for tense challenges, I assume you mean 'as written', since making things challenging (in it or any other system) is very easy. That's one of my problems with older iterations of D&D: challenging is easy, interesting is hard (there's no skill in killing off a character or party, but making players invest in the story is an element missing entirely in most adventures).
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Michael H June 07, 2020 9:44 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I must say I’m impressed. The gorgeous artwork was what drew me in, but the characters and possibilities was what caused me to pick this up. To take a character that was only given a 244 word description nearly 30 years ago and create one of the most engaging and beautiful modules I have ever seen is nothing short of a miracle. I offer my respect to all those who came together to bring this masterpiece to life. That being said, there were a couple of things I noticed that I wanted to bring to your attention, I’ll try to keep it somewhat vague as to not spoil the fun. In the 18th chamber there’s mention of ruby eyes of a certain man that is stated to have an entry in the treasure tables but I haven’t seen any such entry. Lady Eshebala can face the truth under the constellation “The eyes of the three sisters” but I've seen no such constellation mentioned on the star maps provided. I also wanted to ask if there was anyway to challenge a certain mother that greets a dying demoness at the end. As I went...See more
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Ryan D June 07, 2020 10:50 pm UTC
CREATOR
Thanks so much, Michael,

OK, I checked into these, to see out of curiosity how badly I biffed up. So, as for the rubies of the Mangle Man, those are meant to lose their magic (at least the magic used to power the machine) when pulled out, and thus the PC would roll on the "Gemstones of Vulgarea" table, under "red gems (1d4)," to see what they were (I needed a LOT of hidden gemstones, so that the PCs might learn how to imprison demons inside them from Abraxxas in the lighthouse). But you got me on the annotation, since that is not clear. I kept thinking you were talking about "Grult" and his ruby eyes! In the case of Grult, I was trying to hint that there might be repercussions to hauling away the 60 lb eye stones of a demilich.

As for the constellation, it's "there," but it's WAY too esoteric on my part! (I must have meant to clarify this!)
If the PCs find the disintegrating library book:
11) You find a book so old, that it is truly...See more
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Ryan D June 07, 2020 11:09 pm UTC
CREATOR
Discordia, the Mother of the Abyss, would be one of those cosmic beings so beyond battling mortals...She would have absolute power over the entire Abyss, in the same way that each plane is run by its sculptor (who has power over it). My notion was that she oscillates so quickly through chaotic emotions and reasoning, that it results in a being to which attaining control over herself has been her one great accomplishment, and so being serene is an exercise of great power. After that, what's left for her to do but watch the Abyss like streaming TV channels, in the same way that the demons watch Eshebala's gauntlet?

That being said, how cool would it be, if the players demanded a chance (preferably in the company of the summoned demon Abraxxas) to imprison Discordia in the Prison of Zagig?

They could essentially force her to reveal a way to end The Great Abyss, forever!

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Ryan D June 07, 2020 11:17 pm UTC
CREATOR
PS__Thanks again for the kind words. I would greatly appreciate a 5 star review, or an external review to help get the word out. My "advertising" relies, sadly, on "If I build this, they will come" sentimentality, hahahah.
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Michael H June 08, 2020 12:16 am UTC
PURCHASER
Ah. Thank you so much for explaining that. It’s interesting to hear your views on everything. I apologize for the vagueness on everything, can’t be spoiling your amazing work for people! Five star rating has already been made, and I greatly look forward to whatever you have coming next!
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Michael H June 08, 2020 12:32 am UTC
PURCHASER
Truth be told I’ve been part of a group who has been going through it and I admit I seem to be far too soft hearted. I let Bloody Mary possess a doll so she could have a second chance at life, risked suffocation in the library desperately trying to find a way to separate Dawn from Viridian, and in many ways have been the only one reminding the party to try and bring some hope to a prison,(apparently having an amulet and a true name along with high persuasion rolls does wonders for convincing a horde of quasits and a Marilith to rebel against a tormented demon lady!)
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Ryan D June 08, 2020 5:35 am UTC
CREATOR
I do LOVE this!

You are not the first person to say that Eshebala is, or should've been, on a redemption arc through this whole adventure. I think it's because we learn enough about her to see that she is fragile and her fears humanize her. But I love that you devised a way to bring justice to poor Maritha! Sincere applause! And Maritha would be more than willing to take any possible vengeance on Eshebala, who took her captive and utterly destroyed her life. If the PCs brought her soul into a doll, then they could bring her back the whole way (though, the path is dark). Or, if any NPC were to be led in front of a Black Mirror, then Maritha could swap (chaotic evil entrance perhaps). She would be the utmost expert on the mirrors of Vulgarea.

True disclosure: I see Eshebala as very damaged and maniacal. She spent centuries perfecting a game that flays people (the Cheese Grater!) and she raised a "Wolf-in-Sheep's-Clothing" just to have a fate worse than death for anyone she deemed...See more
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Michael H June 08, 2020 4:15 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thank you! It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who sees her as being the victim as much as the monster here. I grew to interpret Eshebala as more of a prisoner in her own domain than one who truly rules it, twisted and warped until her history is so intertwined with lies and truth you can’t see where one begins and the other ends. Her predecessor’s influence is still felt there, (truth be told I’m almost wondering why a certain mother has so much interest in her, maybe she’s her favorite show on all the channels of the Abyss?) I also have a feeling that we haven’t seen the last of the ruler of layer 193, like Acererak before her, death tends to be only a set back for such forces. (Although I’ve noticed that she seems to have a bizarre obsession with the color purple. Her memories involve purple clouds, places imbued with her dweomers always seem to be tinted purple, several aspects of her boudoir have purple incorporated into them, even the curtains she uses to perform her grand play are...See more
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Michael H June 08, 2020 4:27 pm UTC
PURCHASER
As for everything with Miss Krynn, something in me felt it was the right thing to do. She was perhaps one of those that suffered the most at Eshebala's whims, and after I solved her trap and saw what she was and what she had been forced to become, I had to find a way to give her a second chance. I also happened to notice the mentioning of a jester class in some of the treasures, do I sense new classes coming in future works?!
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Ryan D June 08, 2020 11:30 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hahaa!

All of the appreciators here have been wonderfully kind and observant, but you are perhaps one of the most astute yet! Yes, I've been hinting about my jester class for 4 years in all of my books (of which only 1 has made it to release). It's been in the works honestly as long as "Mirrors," "Doom" and "Shadow" (abridged names).

Eshebala mentions a fear of clowns and her vast array of scepters happens to coincide as treasures for jesters. Her abandoned right hand (Castigor, the Nalfeshnee) is considered a jester.

I realize that D&D has flirted with the class for 25 years, but only half-heartedly, so...would anyone like 250 pages to catch us up on running TRUE jesters?! (Spoiler: They are NOT bards nor flunkies from bard schools...No, they deserve to be their own thing altogether)!

(I've been testing them almost weekly, and having a blast...I HOPE I'm not the only one interested)





...See more
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Ryan D June 08, 2020 11:35 pm UTC
CREATOR
As for her color obsession (also VERY astute): That she mixes floral pinks and purples into her decor is to do with her longing for the days when she was a fertility goddess (eostere / Ishtar) and the obsession with indigo comes from the look of shadows in mirrors (kind of a silvery deep blue, I noticed--so art theme overall).

Being both the illustrator and writer of these is cathartic--it teaches me even more about the characters in the long run.
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Michael H June 10, 2020 12:22 am UTC
PURCHASER
I would love to see a product regarding your thoughts on what a true jester class would look like! I was fascinated by the snippets in "Mirrors" and would to love to see how it would play. I only wish Carl Sargent was still around to read this. I think he would have been happy to know that a 244 word description he wrote inspired something like this.
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Michael H June 10, 2020 1:00 am UTC
PURCHASER
I'm also excited to add that our group made it to her boudoir, I ended up being the one who chose the bedpost, (luckily or unluckily depending on how you see it I suppose!) I made my rolls with the bonus before we ended, but I'm afraid something odd happened. The numbers I rolled somehow ended up being 6,7,8 but the bonus takes a couple of them beyond that particular table! (We ended up deciding to just give me three of eight, but it got me wondering if you had any personal ideas about her reaction should the dice grant you such a boon.)
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Ryan D June 10, 2020 3:45 am UTC
CREATOR
Well,

It's up to your group's comfort levels and roleplaying dedication, as to what happens in the boudoir. I don't know if I should give anything away? Are you a player solely atm, and awaiting your DM for the result?

All I should say is, if you impress her, there are good things and rolling higher almost always means better, so if you rolled an 8 for your conversation alone, then that should be the best result on that bonus table. That should lead to a chance at the bigger table (and the best table in the book, arguably!).








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Michael H June 10, 2020 1:57 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I am sort of awaiting the result, but I do know about the tables. But here’s where I’m confused, according to the boudoir section a couple of the things you can touch give you a +1 or +2 on the pillow talk table. Since it uses a d8, there is a possibility of getting a 9 or even a 10 for your roll, but there’s no listing of what to do if such a thing happens,(Maybe I’ve been applying bonuses wrong for years or something?)
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Ryan D June 10, 2020 10:50 pm UTC
CREATOR
Oh! I see.

OK, no, that just helps a player who has their chance get to the highest result. However, if I were the DM, I'd award an extra roll on the major treasure table (the end result) if you scored a good bonus.

IMO, there really isn't a way to damage the over-arc from a few extra treasures being granted.

Lol--tables linked to tables, linked to tables! I doubt I will ever write that many again! :D
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Michael H June 11, 2020 12:46 am UTC
PURCHASER
Ah. Thank you so much for clarifying! Yes I can see how writing that many tables would be exhausting. Eshebala sure seems to have the creation of chaos down to a science, (even making and finding items that could imprison the maker of the Great Abyss!)
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Ryan D June 11, 2020 1:29 am UTC
CREATOR
That was my goal.

You get it 100%.

Now, you have me wondering just how many people understood the extent I went for, with aiming to write a truly "chaotic evil" adventure?

Thanks again--knowing this--that you "get it" is = to being paid more. It feels like compensation, honestly.
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Ryan D June 11, 2020 1:30 am UTC
CREATOR
I wish I could remarque a physical book for you, to say "thanks."

I hate that the physical books had to be so costly. I wanted everyone to appreciate it as a hardback, tbh.
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Michael H June 11, 2020 2:20 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I'm honored that you would be willing to do such a thing for me, although I'm not exactly sure if I have the funds at the moment to even get a physical copy of the work. Not exactly sure how you find the physical copies of the books to be priced so high, I've seen official books of similar if not lesser quality sell for what you're charging. I'm happy that I made you feel like it was worth it to make the book.
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Ryan D June 11, 2020 11:13 pm UTC
CREATOR
In yee olden days of finishing a book, the sponsoring company would send you a dozen free "contributor's copies" as a gift, no matter how expensive the book.

In the world of POD, there is no confetti at the end, except for all of you here, who have commented in an encouraging manner, to Chris and I.
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Michael H June 12, 2020 11:20 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. You and Chris deserve all the praise and free copies in the world for the beautiful creation you have given to us all. To help cheer you up, let me tell you a very funny story about something that happened with the group I'm in during our last session. So we ended up making our way through the lighthouse, meeting it's caretaker and managing to barter our shards of Arik's ruby eye for a card and a stack of papers. What the coveter did not count on was that one of us had a certain lucky gold coin, and through reckless experimentation with it up until now, managed to have an understanding of its abilities. So before she handed over the shards, she secretly flipped the coin in her pocket two times. The first time she managed to resist the urge to act very rashly, the second made it so that the next treasure someone gained would be secretly spirited away to her. And that is how we ended the session, upon a hill gazing towards the black tower with our shards and newly acquired knowledge that...See more
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Ryan D June 13, 2020 1:48 am UTC
CREATOR
I would totally watch these sessions if they were recorded (and not just because I wrote this!).

(These sound really good and interesting)

I was thinking the other day that the Lucky She-Beast gold coin would be a coveted treasure for a Leprechaun or Clurichaun.
Customer avatar
Tommie O February 26, 2020 1:54 am UTC
We just started this adventure not to long ago and all we can say is that we are hooked. My group has played together for over 30 years and we remember when the Tomb of Horrors came out, we like this is better than that. We have really enjoyed the writing, the detail, and the thought put into this adventure. So much so that we have added this to our campaign. I am just a player this time around, so I know our DM is having loads of fun with exciting things in store for us in this adventure. We finished 2 chambers and we are about done with the third and all we can say is wow! We love it! Because we know that one wrong move could end a veteran group like ourselves. (Which may very well happen) but its fun!

Great stuff Ryan and Christopher!

We look forward to seeing any more content that you may come out with. If you do release something send us a note at Lordsoth1789@gmail.com! We also write stories of the adventure of what our characters are going through with personalities and thoughts...See more
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Ryan D February 26, 2020 2:33 am UTC
CREATOR
Thanks soooo much, Tommie,

Every time I start to wonder if putting all this time into my handful of projects here is truly worth it, I get a comment that encourages me, and Christopher, too. That's high praise, since I love "Tomb" too.

Even though this book is 100% done, I had fun re-running it this past weekend for one last late "Birthday Game" (that's what I used to call it when I'd get a big group to go in and I'd try to make it especially deadly. Also, we switched off and I had my friends run it against ME as a player, as a change).

I used this session to test a very special new class that I've been working on almost as long as "Mirrors." It was hilariously broken still, but thanks to the test, I'll get it under control.

I (as my secret new class) and my party were confronted with the Mangle Man from "Chamber 18: An Abandoned Armory." We had failed as a group to decipher the way that demons used the dispensing machine,...See more
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Ryan D February 26, 2020 2:36 am UTC
CREATOR
PS__I hope your DM has the print version!

If y'all were to get print copies to me, I'd be happy to remarque them with a drawing.

Happy gaming and I will let you know when my new books come out. Thanks again!
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Ryan D February 26, 2020 2:44 am UTC
CREATOR
PSS__If you have a chance, I'd really appreciate a 5 star rev, btw, since y'all are having fun with it, and that's what matters most.
Customer avatar
Jonathan S December 03, 2019 11:53 pm UTC
PURCHASER
About to use this for my group and I wanted to thank you for writing it! I was desperate for something set in the Abyss and terrified of writing my own adventure/dungeon because I really wanted something polished and unique beyond what I could create in a short amount of time. Thank the gods this came up on a search! Now it will forever be a part of our show, AlignmentMayVary (you can find out more about it with a google search for that plus "DOT COM"), though it will be a while before we get to these episodes. I've already printed my own hardcopy of this, but I'll keep my eyes open for a print edition!

As a side note, would you want to come on our podcast, The Bestiary, sometime as a guest star? I'd love to feature your work and have you discuss a Demon monster with us :)

~ Jonathan
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Ryan D December 04, 2019 12:09 am UTC
CREATOR
Fantastic, man,

I'm so glad you are excited to run it. I will say to you, what I've said to others here: The key to enjoying it is to move your players along, before they start sending monkeys and tiny summons into every space because they are afraid, haha. I purposely did not write too many traps that should jolt them as badly as "Tomb of Horrors" did (although there are some).

When the print edition comes out (gosh, hopefully soon), I am trying to get a celebration Game Night where my friends run my book against me (taking turns)! Sweet vengeance for them.

Yes, it could be fun talking on your show. Thanks for the invite and I will check for the uploaded recording soon!




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Jonathan S December 04, 2019 12:51 am UTC
PURCHASER
I was hooked once I flipped to the Pendulum trap :) Just the imagery alone throughout the book is fantastic and I truly don't think anything I've ever read in my long years of DND compares to this take on the abyss. Truly an accomplishment.

We run a few different podcasts under the Alignment May Vary banner. It will be a while before we get to the radio play recreation of the dungeon, sadly, because it's happening in year three of our campaign! Probably episode 50 and we are just on four now, hah!

But that said, I am planning on doing a side episode immediately after we do the dungeon to review it in detail, and that should be out shortly after we finish (so maybe a month or two depending on how long it takes). And we would love to have you on the Bestiary any time and can promote the product and any other work you'd like there! I love to help promote freelancers like yourself, who are giving it your all to create great products! I appreciate you greatly. Shoot me an email at alignmentmayvary@gmail.com....See more
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Ryan D December 04, 2019 12:56 am UTC
CREATOR
You have no idea what your words mean to me. I am light on official contracts right now, and giving my all to some new D&D projects (WAIT 'TIL YOU SEE!).

I'll send an email tonight so we can keep in touch that way.
Customer avatar
Clovis E November 27, 2019 10:03 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I will be doing my best to record this Sunday for you! My only question thus far is: The random treasure (2d20 roll), should I just give those out when someone has done something awesome akin to giving inspiration?
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Ryan D November 30, 2019 8:45 am UTC
CREATOR
Hi Noah,

If you record it, that would be absolutely awesome for me. I would love to watch it be played.

Yes, that was partly my intent with the 2d20 collective list, however...they wouldn't just find it lying around or anything like that. I would have something special occasionally show up if a PC searches somewhere relevant, etc. I was also thinking that you would replace (or add to) some of the 1d20 random treasure tables with a few more special items if the PCs are really trying hard and playing well. Don't be afraid to reward a particular player with a cool knife, if they love and use knives, for example, etc.. I think the #1 player skill when faced with a particularly deadly dungeon is to have the talent of utilizing the right skills and also moving things along in a timely manner (aka being brave and not poking evvvvverything with a stick).

Good luck, and above all else, have fun.










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Roy D November 26, 2019 4:06 pm UTC
PURCHASER
...See more
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Ryan D November 26, 2019 10:52 pm UTC
CREATOR
Thanks, Roy,

I'm really glad you like the update! Aw, that critique came a little bit late at this point, but no doubt you are right. I think it's valid, and I tried really hard to make sure that chambers had what DMs needed, right there, in front of them, but yeah--when it came to being able to reprint treasures in both places (like all 7 swords) I had to sacrifice real estate (because it's gotta be designed in tandem for print as well). Which, btw, should be available in days (I hope!).

YOU SHOULD SEE THE PRINT VERSION! It's a thing of beauty, if I do say so, myself.






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Ryan D November 26, 2019 10:54 pm UTC
CREATOR
And please let me know what was fun, funny or horrifying for your players.

I actually hope you record your session and pop it up, on Youtube.
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Clovis E November 27, 2019 5:16 am UTC
PURCHASER
I'm about to run this on Sunday (F***ing awesome btw!) I was thinking of recording it but I use copyrighted music as ambiance. I am not sure how long it could be up on youtube with their overzealous copyright strikes.
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Ryan D November 27, 2019 6:26 am UTC
CREATOR
Thanks, Noah,

I stand by my offer for special editions, btw (in the opening of the book) as prizes for a group who records and publishes their total sessions with it.

I've had a lot of fun with my players and this book. I wouldn't release something that hasn't caused a lot of fun.

Please let me know how Sunday goes! I love play session stories. Feel free to ask me questions on this page on Sunday, if you want / need to. I'll do my best to get back to you.




Customer avatar
Christopher R May 31, 2019 11:09 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hello! I was looking through this book (which it is very interesting and gorgeous, excellent job guys) and I noted a mention of a campaign called Shadow Over Mt. Tiberius. Where would I find this? I'm interested in it to possibly run it previous to MotA. Thank you for creating such a wonderful adventure. Job well done
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Ryan D October 25, 2019 3:46 am UTC
CREATOR
Hi Christopher,

Thanks for the kind words. Check out the new update--my "thank you" for you!

Now that I have my update in, and a print edition on the way, I will be able to try, try again to finish the other two counterparts to this adventure.

Let it be known that they are somewhat loosely connected. I aim for true sandbox, so you could play through a year of my adventures and not even discover the subtle build up to the PCs brushing up against Eshebala.

"The Road to Krey" (now retitled: "The Devil's Pinfold")
Then up the arctic mountain for many, many levels of Mt. Tiberius,
Then "Mirrors of the Abyss" after that, and truly I have a complete block of ideas for Levels 1 to the end.

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Ryan D October 25, 2019 3:48 am UTC
CREATOR
So...unfortunately the trilogy isn't finished...

But "Trial of the Underkeep" (available on Drive-Thru as 4E) is loosely connected too. I basically have the entire lifespan of an adventurer in modules, but I lack the time to complete the "Ryan Block" haha.
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Eleanor C March 26, 2020 12:50 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hi,

Since we're now in 2020 I thought I'd ask: Is Mt. Tiberius still in the works? I'm very interested to see the larger campaign that Mirrors fits into. Do you think we will be seeing it anytime soon?
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Customer avatar
Ryan D March 26, 2020 1:26 am UTC
CREATOR
Hi Eleanor,

Thanks for asking. Yes, it's still in the works.

I have 3 main titles in the works--all premium efforts. I had such a good time running "Mt. Tiberius" and I hope to be able to share that long campaign. Now that print is unlikely here for 99% of all projects, I wonder if y'all might follow my work on DriveThru RPG and/or Amazon?

It's 412 pages (not quite there, yet for release)...but also, how do you all feel about a well-done greyscale book, to make it affordable?
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Martin H March 26, 2020 6:18 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hey Ryan,

I'll definitely purchase your products on DTRPG as well, no worries there! :D
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Customer avatar
Ryan D March 27, 2020 12:22 am UTC
CREATOR
Thanks Martin,

Chris and I truly appreciate encouragement. There isn't much of that going around here, for creators, and yet my page makes me feel like I should keep going.
Customer avatar
Lucas M May 21, 2019 4:21 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hi, I've been looking through the preview. This is a beautifully-made module and I want to show my support for POD. I'm excited to have the option!
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Customer avatar
Ryan D May 23, 2019 10:00 pm UTC
CREATOR
Thanks so much, Lucas.

They are citing sales as the only indicator for allowing print, but there are other factors, too. I would never, never say I made "one of the best" artistic modules on the site, but I did put in years of effort on it. It's akin to a bottle of fine wine, to which the grapes were hand squeezed and the barrels were hand-made, haha.

Every purchaser here has been so great about reviews and comments. I think that should count for something, too. :)




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This title was added to our catalog on February 15, 2019.