3d6 Down the line have been going through Ardun Vul for over a year. I am starting my AV campaign on Monday. We are going to use Hyperborea 3e for the system.
As Jon at 3D6DTL said in one of their delve detoxes, when they're done running it, he really will be the best person to review it as a whole, because pretty much every other reviewer from what I can tell is reviewing it based on skimming or reading it. And a lot of them slag AV as being impossible to run, but Jon has absolutely obliterated that criticism.
Hyperborea should be such a good system to run this with. Stats blocks and treasure are already good to go, the different cultures being shoehorned into the setting fits thematically, and the sci-fi elements make sense. Best of luck!
First off Red Mage love your videos! I'm always popping in to get an idea for what's new (to me) on the RPG market. I run a weekly game or Arden Vul. I am in love with the world Richard Barton has created here. His knowledge of ecology and real world history shows and pays dividends. I own all 5 volumes in print and reading through these books makes you feel like an arcane researcher consulting your tomes of ancient lore. Running AV is definitely not for the faint of heart but if you have the time an intelligent, patient, and creative group of players these books are a near endless source of joy. For those looking to indulge vicariously 3d6 Down the Line is a youtube channel that does an Arden Vul actual play. Jon and his crew of players showcase this mega dungeon in excellent form!
Yes, please do a second video on Arden Vul! I've been trying to decide if Im going to splurge for the physical books, and this has been one of the best and honest summaries that Ive come across!
If you're into megadungeons, I can't recommend this enough. And while it is expensive, it goes on sale a few times a year. I've got the PDF, not the printed books (4 I believe?), as it seems easier to navigate. (Although creating hyperlinks would be a sweet upgrade.)
I'm like you... I absolutely LOVED reading (some of) this. I'm curious how a DM might go about preparing for running this though. Since there's soooo much intertwined, and critical information from beginning to end, it feels like you'd need to at least skim through each chapter / level's synopsis. Which is still a ton of material. Watching the 3D6 DTL videos has helped somewhat, but I'd love to hear how you might approach something like this. Thanks so much for all these wonderful reviews!
I definitely agree you'd need to spend some time just getting familiar with the overviews, appendices, intro material, and general connections between each floor. It would take some time to prepare a campaign of this, for sure!
The dungeon so connected to the setting is really cool, but it could make it difficult dropping into a campaign. (you can always swap out names of things) I just started watching a play through of this dungeon on 3d6 down the line. I like to see you go over more of it.
Yeah, it would be really hard to take the whole dungeon and put it into another campaign - you'd either have to take individual levels and reskin/relore them, or just run the whole thing as is in the setting. Otherwise it seems like an insane amount of work to rework the whole thing into another setting.
Good review - the product is mind blowing. So much so, that the few errors or text blocks you wade through don't seem a big deal. I think what you're describing is what actually makes AV so cool and different. Yeah, it's big. Yep, there's a lot most groups will never experience. And much of the history will only be known by the DM. And I think that's cool! It's not meant to ever be fully understood or explored. See the 3D6 DTL actual play. The emergent story has been going on for about 1.5 years with the same players. And they've only scratched the surface and are having a great time. But it is definitely daunting. Like most DM advice, take in small chunks and only prep what you think you'll need. Then wing it from there. I'm prepping AV for my next campaign using Castles & Crusades and super excited. If the players don't engage with the minutiae, then I'll adjust and still have a great time.
Amazing megadungeon. About 2,037 encounter areas, including the surface ruins & cliff face. 10 levels, 15 sub-levels. Fully-fleshed out town. SO much interconnectivity. Secret doors, puzzles, tri-force-like quest objects abound. Something on level 2 might unlock something on sub-level 13. It has a lot of Roman/Egyptian flavor, and like the video says, sci-fi elements. But there is so much to explore & dig into. The appendix has dozens of books you can find that gives deeper background & history into the setting. It won't be for everyone. Some of the important details about an encounter can get buried beneath a paragraph of descriptive text (be ready with your highlighter!). But an organized DM will have so much to present their players. Don't expect to finish it. Just let your players loose & enjoy the journey.
This is a great review! It's mentioned below about 3d6Down the Line, but you don't mention them in the review! Their play through is so seminal that I really think you have to reference it in any review of this megadungeon (even if just to acknowledge that you are aware of it) in order to do this product justice. Sorry this sounds a little critical, I love your reviews and just wanted to highlight that if you haven't already, you absolutely must check them out and the review would feel fuller with some reference to them. I would love to see the follow up Part 2 with your thoughts having seen some of it (watching all 60+ episodes might be a little much to ask!).
Just found your review. Thanks for the art praise (at least those praises directed this way). I really appreciate reviewers like you who are so excited about the art. Cheers!
Once again, amazing overview of our diverse hobby. I ordered the 1st book just to have it along side Barrowmaze on the self. We have the luxury of seeing how this dungeon can be run, with the 3D6 Down The Line, Lets play here on You Tube. The issue for myself with the Mega Dungeons, involves how all of this would actually work as populations that need food, and supplies. Further I don't understand how humanoid creatures would remain sane underground. You mentioned, he covers some of these details, but....
Honestly, I can see a huge campaign in doing this mega-dungeon with really good side quests - it's able to be done - just handle it judiciously. Like others I recommend the 3d6 Down the Line series covering their playthrough of Arden Vul. Anyway great video - I recently had the money to get the print copies of the complete set - amazing and a methodical magnus opus of roleplaying goodness.
Yes please. Second video. I'm thinking about investing in this, but I have to be able to use it with a--less central focus, more occasional dungeon delve--kind of approach. So I need a bit more info before I dive in. Tat said, this video pushed me a step closer to a purchase. Please more info
Please do a part 2. I have read up to page 250 or so, the outside and levels 1-3. I'm starting a 5e campaign in the next week, west marches, with about 12 players and am super excited! I decided to get the 4th volume, which is the history, magic items, appendices, that way I don't have to leave the room description because almost every room has loot or lore that is in volume 4.
@@RedMageGM yeah i really took the time to customize SD for the setting and it's paid off enormously. it's open table so if you're ever interested in seeing AV as a player (a few of my players are AV GMs themselves) let me know.
The music there is from Chrono Trigger. It's the song that plays when you're wandering around your house and the starting village (other than the Faire) at the start of the game.
Love your videos, RedMage! Could you possibly upload alternative videos without the background music? I listen on at least 1.25 speed, and the music becomes quite challenging. Keep up the good work!
@@RedMageGM I think, instead of having two versions, your balancing could just use a bit of work as some of the whistling parts of the (Zelda?) music towards the end just varied too much and competed with your voice a bit.
I agree, the music is too loud and makes it hard to hear you. I don't understand why people think, " I'm going to do a video where I talk about things, let's put some music in." If I want to hear music I'll go and do that. However, I wanted to hear about Arden Vul, but it was a struggle to make out what you were saying. Not trying to be a jerk or offend you, just giving my opinion. Sorry if you don't take it that way.
3d6 Down the line have been going through Ardun Vul for over a year. I am starting my AV campaign on Monday. We are going to use Hyperborea 3e for the system.
Best actual play cast!
@@a5nelsonI couldn't agree more
As Jon at 3D6DTL said in one of their delve detoxes, when they're done running it, he really will be the best person to review it as a whole, because pretty much every other reviewer from what I can tell is reviewing it based on skimming or reading it. And a lot of them slag AV as being impossible to run, but Jon has absolutely obliterated that criticism.
Hyperborea should be such a good system to run this with. Stats blocks and treasure are already good to go, the different cultures being shoehorned into the setting fits thematically, and the sci-fi elements make sense. Best of luck!
First off Red Mage love your videos! I'm always popping in to get an idea for what's new (to me) on the RPG market.
I run a weekly game or Arden Vul. I am in love with the world Richard Barton has created here. His knowledge of ecology and real world history shows and pays dividends. I own all 5 volumes in print and reading through these books makes you feel like an arcane researcher consulting your tomes of ancient lore. Running AV is definitely not for the faint of heart but if you have the time an intelligent, patient, and creative group of players these books are a near endless source of joy.
For those looking to indulge vicariously 3d6 Down the Line is a youtube channel that does an Arden Vul actual play. Jon and his crew of players showcase this mega dungeon in excellent form!
I absolutely agree about the richness of the world! It's unlike almost any other setting I've encountered.
Yes, please do a second video on Arden Vul! I've been trying to decide if Im going to splurge for the physical books, and this has been one of the best and honest summaries that Ive come across!
Awesome! Glad that I can help! :)
If you're into megadungeons, I can't recommend this enough. And while it is expensive, it goes on sale a few times a year. I've got the PDF, not the printed books (4 I believe?), as it seems easier to navigate. (Although creating hyperlinks would be a sweet upgrade.)
Yeah, the hyperlinks thing would be amazing!!
I agree, a second and maybe a third video would be great!
I'm like you... I absolutely LOVED reading (some of) this. I'm curious how a DM might go about preparing for running this though. Since there's soooo much intertwined, and critical information from beginning to end, it feels like you'd need to at least skim through each chapter / level's synopsis. Which is still a ton of material. Watching the 3D6 DTL videos has helped somewhat, but I'd love to hear how you might approach something like this. Thanks so much for all these wonderful reviews!
I definitely agree you'd need to spend some time just getting familiar with the overviews, appendices, intro material, and general connections between each floor. It would take some time to prepare a campaign of this, for sure!
Wow that music takes me back. One of the best sound tracks ever made.
The dungeon so connected to the setting is really cool, but it could make it difficult dropping into a campaign. (you can always swap out names of things) I just started watching a play through of this dungeon on 3d6 down the line.
I like to see you go over more of it.
Yeah, it would be really hard to take the whole dungeon and put it into another campaign - you'd either have to take individual levels and reskin/relore them, or just run the whole thing as is in the setting. Otherwise it seems like an insane amount of work to rework the whole thing into another setting.
Good review - the product is mind blowing. So much so, that the few errors or text blocks you wade through don't seem a big deal. I think what you're describing is what actually makes AV so cool and different. Yeah, it's big. Yep, there's a lot most groups will never experience. And much of the history will only be known by the DM. And I think that's cool! It's not meant to ever be fully understood or explored. See the 3D6 DTL actual play. The emergent story has been going on for about 1.5 years with the same players. And they've only scratched the surface and are having a great time. But it is definitely daunting. Like most DM advice, take in small chunks and only prep what you think you'll need. Then wing it from there. I'm prepping AV for my next campaign using Castles & Crusades and super excited. If the players don't engage with the minutiae, then I'll adjust and still have a great time.
Amazing megadungeon. About 2,037 encounter areas, including the surface ruins & cliff face. 10 levels, 15 sub-levels. Fully-fleshed out town. SO much interconnectivity. Secret doors, puzzles, tri-force-like quest objects abound. Something on level 2 might unlock something on sub-level 13. It has a lot of Roman/Egyptian flavor, and like the video says, sci-fi elements. But there is so much to explore & dig into. The appendix has dozens of books you can find that gives deeper background & history into the setting. It won't be for everyone. Some of the important details about an encounter can get buried beneath a paragraph of descriptive text (be ready with your highlighter!). But an organized DM will have so much to present their players. Don't expect to finish it. Just let your players loose & enjoy the journey.
Thanks for such a thoughtful and detailed review.
You're welcome! :)
I agree, a part two would be awesome! I’ve been considering getting AV for a while, and this is really pushing towards finally getting around to it.
It was one of those things where I was on the fence and then I saw a sale and jumped on it without thinking. Glad I did!
@@RedMageGM Where and when does it go on sale?
I'm not sure about when, but I've seen it go on sale on DTRPG from time to time. I've also seen it pop up on Humble Bundle.
This is a great review! It's mentioned below about 3d6Down the Line, but you don't mention them in the review! Their play through is so seminal that I really think you have to reference it in any review of this megadungeon (even if just to acknowledge that you are aware of it) in order to do this product justice. Sorry this sounds a little critical, I love your reviews and just wanted to highlight that if you haven't already, you absolutely must check them out and the review would feel fuller with some reference to them. I would love to see the follow up Part 2 with your thoughts having seen some of it (watching all 60+ episodes might be a little much to ask!).
I'll be honest - before I released this video, I hadn't seen or heard of that channel or the playthrough! So I'll definitely have to check it out!
You're in for a treat. Best actual play out there!
Just found your review. Thanks for the art praise (at least those praises directed this way). I really appreciate reviewers like you who are so excited about the art. Cheers!
My pleasure! Everyone involved should be very proud - this is an impressive (and beautifully presented) work!
Once again, amazing overview of our diverse hobby.
I ordered the 1st book just to have it along side Barrowmaze on the self.
We have the luxury of seeing how this dungeon can be run, with the 3D6 Down The Line, Lets play here on You Tube.
The issue for myself with the Mega Dungeons, involves how all of this would actually work as populations that need food, and supplies. Further I don't understand how humanoid creatures would remain sane underground. You mentioned, he covers some of these details, but....
Yeah, the sanity thing is huge...maybe that's why most of the things in the dungeon are at least potentially hostile...they're all insane. :D
Honestly, I can see a huge campaign in doing this mega-dungeon with really good side quests - it's able to be done - just handle it judiciously. Like others I recommend the 3d6 Down the Line series covering their playthrough of Arden Vul. Anyway great video - I recently had the money to get the print copies of the complete set - amazing and a methodical magnus opus of roleplaying goodness.
Yes please a second video!
Yessir! :)
Now I want to play in a campaign based on this either as a DM or player.
Ditto!
great video, love to see a part 2!
Thank you!
AMAZING! Yes, this is how I design things, now I really want this...
Yes please. Second video. I'm thinking about investing in this, but I have to be able to use it with a--less central focus, more occasional dungeon delve--kind of approach. So I need a bit more info before I dive in. Tat said, this video pushed me a step closer to a purchase. Please more info
Awesome! I'll definitely be doing a Part 2 at this point!
Please do a part 2. I have read up to page 250 or so, the outside and levels 1-3. I'm starting a 5e campaign in the next week, west marches, with about 12 players and am super excited! I decided to get the 4th volume, which is the history, magic items, appendices, that way I don't have to leave the room description because almost every room has loot or lore that is in volume 4.
That sounds awesome! Good luck with the west marches!!
Oh man you pulled the trigger and got it!! Looks very interesting.
I've actually had it for awhile, but I'll be honest...the idea of even reading through it was daunting to me! But I'm sooo glad that I did!
Been running this with shadowdark and its phenomenal
Shadowdark seems like a great fit!
@@RedMageGM yeah i really took the time to customize SD for the setting and it's paid off enormously. it's open table so if you're ever interested in seeing AV as a player (a few of my players are AV GMs themselves) let me know.
Thank you for the offer! I really appreciate that! :)
For a $100 PDF there SHOULD be hyperlinks!
It's definitely something that would help immensely!
Let's get 3 DMs, 5 players each, 3.5 mechanics, 5e flavor and have a megaparty vs. megadungeon crawl
Or 4&4 and we can tackle it in quadrants
This was available in PDF form on Bundle of Holding in February so you can find this at a discounted price... Interested in a part 2, RedMage.
I actually got it on a huuuge sale as well, so yeah I do know it periodically does go down in price. Awesome!
Love your video as always. By the way, whats the background music you are using at the start. Its familiar but i cant place it.
The music there is from Chrono Trigger. It's the song that plays when you're wandering around your house and the starting village (other than the Faire) at the start of the game.
@RedMageGM argggh! No wonder its so familiar. I cant believe i had to ask 😂. Thanks.
THE!! MEGADUNGEON!!!
Love your videos, RedMage! Could you possibly upload alternative videos without the background music? I listen on at least 1.25 speed, and the music becomes quite challenging. Keep up the good work!
Thanks man! I do like including the music, but I could leave it out if people would prefer!
@@RedMageGM I think, instead of having two versions, your balancing could just use a bit of work as some of the whistling parts of the (Zelda?) music towards the end just varied too much and competed with your voice a bit.
Yeah, for sure. Sometimes my love for the song gets in the way of balance. :)
I agree, the music is too loud and makes it hard to hear you. I don't understand why people think, " I'm going to do a video where I talk about things, let's put some music in." If I want to hear music I'll go and do that. However, I wanted to hear about Arden Vul, but it was a struggle to make out what you were saying.
Not trying to be a jerk or offend you, just giving my opinion. Sorry if you don't take it that way.
Definitely understand! :)
First!
Fast!! :)
I must have refreshed my yt home page right as you posted lol, love your reviews and I happen to own this one so it was an instant click.
Glad to hear it!!