Ever wondered what it's like to work for a villainous overlord? For the Dungeon offers a comical and chaotic peek into the daily routine of being an underling. Created by Jordan Palmer, this game turns traditional TTRPG storytelling on its head by casting players as bumbling and semi-competent minions. Instead of heroic quests, your terrifying boss will assign you ridiculous tasks and likely fail in entertaining ways.
The game is based on a light and streamlined system, making it easy to pick up and play. Characters are defined more by their quirks than detailed stats; you'll choose from various types of minions, such as a cowardly goblin, an overconfident skeleton, or an accident-prone slime, each with unique and humorous traits that make failure just as amusing as success. Most actions are resolved by rolling a six-sided die to see if your minion's "brilliant" plan actually works or if they have caused another catastrophe.
One advantage of For the Dungeon is its simplicity in setting up. The rulebook is concise and straightforward, requiring minimal preparation for the GM (called the Overseer). With a quick read-through of the rules, you can jump into the game, making it perfect for impromptu sessions or filler games when your primary campaign is on hold. It also works well for two players (an Overseer and one minion). Still, it is just as enjoyable with larger groups, where the chaos truly shines.
As there is no set campaign structure, For the Dungeon has high replayability. Each session offers a new absurd task for your minions to handle (or bungle), and different groups will bring their own dynamics and sense of humor. Whether you're sabotaging a hero, guarding a worthless treasure, or feeding mysterious monsters in the Dungeon, there's plenty of room for creativity and laughter. While it may seem like a one-shot game, it also works for episodic sessions where each adventure is a new workplace misadventure.
On the design front, For the Dungeon keeps things simple. The book's illustrations and layout have a playful and cartoonish charm that perfectly complements the game's tone. The writing is easy to follow and encourages humor and improvisation, capturing the lightheartedness and fun of playing the "bad guy" without any added pressure.
So, who would enjoy For the Dungeon? This game is a blast for groups who don't mind some silliness and want a quick, low-stakes game with minimal setup. It's perfect for one-shots, but you can also string together multiple sessions for an ongoing "career" of dungeon minion misadventures. And, because it's rules-light, it's ideal for introducing new players to TTRPGs or anyone looking for a break from more serious campaigns.
Our verdict? For the Dungeon is a solid TTRPG for anyone who wants to experience a game where failure can be just as enjoyable as success. It's lighthearted, hilarious, and captures the joy of playing the "bad guy" without the usual pressures. If you're ready to embrace your inner minion and dive into the Dungeon, this game is the perfect opportunity!
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