Francesca Viganò
Before delving into the contents of the Giraffes and Barrels of Rum adventure module for D&D5e, I would like to thank The Velar Company for sending us a digital review copy.
Giraffes and Barrels of Rum is an adventure designed for a group of three to five fourth- or fifth-level characters. It can be set in the world of La Torre, which we have already covered, or inserted into your favourite campaign.
You can find it directly on the publishers’ store for EUR 3.99.
Review of the Aesthetics of Giraffes and Barrels of Rum
This supplement consists of about 20 A4 pages. The page layout is double-column with pleasant boxed inserts dedicated to creatures and tips for the master. The choice of a different colour and subtle framing for the hints to the master and for the creatures embellishes the layout without making it particularly heavy.
All the AI-generated illustrations are colourful and effectively convey the atmosphere of the port city of Ordeg, the scene of the adventure.
I can therefore say that the aesthetics are very good and are close to the standard of the official D&D5e manuals.
An Adventure with an Oriental Flavour
From the very first lines of the description of the port city of Ordeg, we can immerse ourselves in a warm and colourful atmosphere typical of an oriental town. Fulcrum of the narrative and main location of the plot is the Stable Market, a veritable city within a city.
As always, when it comes to introducing you to an adventure or a plot in general, I will try to give you as few spoilers as possible so as not to spoil your gaming experience.
In any case, whatever the reason the characters find themselves in Ordeg strolling right among the colourful drapes and worn wooden stalls housing a myriad of unusual objects, they will soon have to deal with something that causes uproar and commotion. This involves a small sea creature and its owner, a gnome named Aymellash, a servant of the Great Merchant Tolland.
From here on, situations will unfold and lead the adventurers to deal with valuable rum, ancient statuettes and a giraffe with “unusual behaviour“.
The plot is linear enough to be handled in a single session. The NPCs are well structured and the confrontations are balanced.
Game Tools
Giraffes and Barrels of Rum does not include pre-generated character sheets. In the supplement conclusion, however, we find the essential maps for the areas to be explored within the plot.
This is, in my opinion, a functional choice that allows the fundamental elements for the story to be brought directly to the table.
As I said, throughout the text numerous boxes offer many suggestions to the master to manage possible character choices. This is a very useful tool, especially for those who are just starting as storytellers.
Conclusions of the Review of Giraffes and Barrels of Rum
In conclusion, I can say that Giraffes and Barrels of Rum is an enjoyable adventure to play and with a good support the master. Perhaps a bit linear and guided, it doesn’t leave too much freedom to the characters, tending to bring them back to key situations to continue the plot.
I found the hook in the conclusion, which could lead the plot to the city of Ordeg, very interesting. Instead, it opens up the possibility of developing the events in subsequent investigations.
If oriental-flavoured adventures with mysterious and action-packed backstories appeal to you, then Giraffes and Barrels of Rum is for you!
