Epic Encounters: Ruins of Symbaroum review

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The latest campaign adventure, titled Epic Encounters: Ruins of Symbaroum, is a creation by Steamforged Games and is designed to be played using the 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) rulebook in the Symbaroum fantasy world. Symbaroum is a newer entrant into the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) market, offering a party-based RPG experience set within the generally grim environment of Ambria. This game emphasizes adventurers venturing into the ominous Forest of Davokar, where even the practice of magic can be a perilous endeavor, potentially leading to one’s destruction or something far worse. Originally launched with its own rule system (available in League Publishing’s Core Book), Symbaroum underwent a transformation into Ruins of Symbaroum a few years ago, incorporating the 5e DnD ruleset as part of the package.

The alteration seems to influence the fundamental aspect of the game I’m not well-versed enough to scrutinize in detail. Although I have experience with 5e and utilized it across different board and video games for years, I haven’t explored Symbaroum extensively before the change. What I can confirm is that the blend between the original and 5e has always been somewhat tumultuous, as the Davokar setting and the strict magic rules in this world offer a more limited and regimented gaming experience compared to what most D&D players are accustomed to.

As a fan, I’d say this game delivers a grim and intense atmosphere, pushing the boundaries with its unyielding mechanics. Stepping into Davokar as a mage is like playing a dangerous game of chance, akin to spinning two loaded revolvers. It might seem perilous if you opt for non-magic characters, but that’s precisely what makes it exciting. However, let me clarify that this isn’t a review of the Ruins of Symbaroum itself, but rather the thrilling Epic Encounters campaign pack developed by Steamforged Games.

For several years, SFG has been crafting exceptional supplements for games adhering to the 5e rules system. I had a glance at some of them last year, including the exceptional Local Legends Tavern Kit, and currently, I’m delving into a mini-campaign situated in the Symbaroum universe. The Gem in the Barrow and its expansion The Corrupted Coloss offer more than just materials for a tabletop game master to run this adventure; they also provide a campaign map and an array of stunning miniatures, enabling the game to be played as a physical board game as well.

In this package, you’ll find “The Gem in the Barrow” that includes a two-sided map, a campaign guide, and twenty miniature figures. This set contains five hero characters and thirteen enemies from three distinct factions. Each enemy group consists of a leader and four regular models. To complement your gaming experience, remember to bring along some dice, a pen, paper, and let your creativity be the sixth essential element.

Flipping through the game manual showcases Steamforged Games’ knack for precision, creativity in storytelling, and crafting immersive environments. This manual provides you with various starting points for your adventure, like being assigned to retrieve the artifact by the Church of Prios, or simply discovering it while exploring. Throughout the campaign, you’ll encounter elves, goblins, and barbarians, but Epic Encounters offers a flexible design that allows you to create your own starting points or seamlessly integrate the Gem in the Barrow adventure into an ongoing or new storyline. You can also combine it with the Tavern set, or any of the Local Legends boxes. This system is an excellent tool for aspiring Dungeon Masters or those looking to run a short campaign over a weekend.

The book presents multiple conclusions for your journey, allowing you to transition into the next phase as rival factions pursue you to reclaim the Gem. This storyline within 5E DnD is action-packed, fitting perfectly with its theme. However, combat isn’t mandatory; if it occurs, enemies come equipped with detailed character profiles, stats, skills, and gear – even loot. You’re not bound to strictly follow these details, but they serve as a useful foundation. A basic understanding of 5e is helpful, but prior DnD experience makes it quite accessible.

I consistently find myself in awe of SFG’s miniature figures, and these latest ones are no exception. Having recently delved into Godtear and developed a soft spot for certain Champions, I was thrilled to explore the Ruins of Symbaroum miniatures, and they did not disappoint me.

In summary, there are five distinct characters in this set: Ranger, Rogue, Mage, Barbarian, and Fighter. Although each character primarily embodies these classic roles, feel free to let your creativity run wild and develop them further. The Ranger-type figure with the bloodhound is particularly captivating for me. To fully experience a campaign set in Symbaroum’s unique world that incorporates rules for magical corruption, you will need the Ruins of Symbaroum Player’s Handbook. However, if you prefer, you can opt for the Symbaroum Core Rules and eliminate the 5e elements from your gameplay.

In the Corrupted Coloss expansion, following the events of the Gem of the Barrow, an encounter similar to battling a boss awaits. Your actions inadvertently disturb a nearby Coloss in the world of Ambria (Symbaroum’s setting), causing it to transform into a monstrous creature due to magical corruption. This colossal foe towers over the game area, creating an immersive atmosphere for the encounter. The expansion includes a mini-campaign with a complete storyline that offers hooks and key plot points you can incorporate or choose to ignore at your discretion.

Enthusiasts of Symbaroum, 5e Dungeons & Dragons, or even the Epic Encounters series will find nothing amiss in this selection. Although it’s not an inexpensive purchase, it’s a great option for expanding your regular DnD storylines if you and your party are up for something new. The experience might be slightly more structured than what most casual DnD players are accustomed to, and it calls for the Ruins of Symbaroum Handbook for optimal enjoyment. However, all in all, this is another excellent choice within the Epic Encounters range and will undoubtedly bring a fresh flavor to any Dungeons & Dragons tale.

Discover the thrilling adventures of Epic Encounters: Ruins of Symbaroum, along with the complete Epic Encounters collection, now accessible through Steamforged Games. Click here for further details.

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2025-01-17 14:46