The World of Warcraft and Dungeons & Dragons crossover sourcebook mixes original character options with material that largely points players back to the existing Player’s Handbook. Its quality varies across classes and origins, though it also introduces systems that could be useful in campaigns beyond Azeroth.
Some class options make substantial changes to familiar D&D frameworks. The Death Knight, for example, is built on the Paladin’s structure but replaces features such as Lay on Hands with Death Coil and adds new spells, including an undead mount that can pass through objects. Other classes receive less distinctive treatment: the Rogue’s Outlaw option is based on the existing Swashbuckler subclass, while other Rogue builds direct players to pre-existing subclasses.
The book’s approach to Shamans is also a poor fit for some versions of the class. They use the Barbarian as their base, a framework that suits Enhancement Shamans better than Elemental or Restoration characters, who are spellcasters in the video game. Some character options also raise balance concerns. Divine Shield, a fourth-level spell, grants immunity to a triggering attack and all damage until the start of the caster’s next turn, while also preventing forced movement and reductions to speed.
Character origins vary in how much new material they provide. Dracthyr receive visage forms, while Void Elves gain a void form tied to rolling matching numbers on an Advantage or Disadvantage roll. By contrast, the book directs players to the Player’s Handbook for Orc and Dwarf options.
One of the supplement’s most useful additions is its gathering and crafting system. Tool proficiency unlocks a profession, which can advance as a character’s proficiency bonus rises. Players gather raw materials to meet the costs of recipes, and higher-level crafting can call for resources from particular regions or recipes associated with specific factions. The rules remain relatively lightweight, but their regional ingredients and recipes could also provide hooks for adventures.
The sourcebook also includes a renown system, allowing characters to improve their standing with factions and earn benefits such as proficiencies, blessings or extra materials. Other contents include dungeon adventures, custom creature stat blocks, magic items and a bestiary.
The supplement may appeal to groups planning a World of Warcraft-themed campaign, as well as Dungeon Masters looking for adaptable crafting rules. Its options do not consistently recreate the MMO’s classes and races, however, and much of the book remains grounded in standard Dungeons & Dragons mechanics.
Sources: PC Gamer.