New details from the upcoming 'Dungeons & Dragons: World of Warcraft' revealed
Two massive fantasy universes are colliding in an upcoming crossover project: World of Warcraft and Dungeons & Dragons. Ahead of this dedicated tabletop RPG sourcebook, Wizards of the Coast shared some new details of this crossover during a press briefing, including snippets from the product.
The setting is, of course, Azeroth, and the book covers information from WoW’s expansions up to The War Within. While not offering a pre-written campaign, this crossover’s sourcebook serves more like a toolkit (with some measure of advice and guidance), with elements from the MMO, such as characters and locations, that DMs can peruse. It encourages parties to play in the way they want, while also offering an approximation of WoW’s level-gated approach to the locations.
This project was designed by WoW players, and their passion for the MMO has been translated to this crossover. It is not a simple reskinning of a D&D but adapts WoW’s lore and mechanics onto a TTRPG format that dungeon masters can tinker around with. Campaigners will not only encounter familiar WoW characters, such as Lich King and Jaina Proudmoore, in boss fights but also dragons (it’s a D&D campaign, after all). In such ways, those familiar with WoW will be able to craft a campaign in that universe that follows different gameplay mechanics, while those accustomed to D&D will be able to explore a new universe.
WoW’s dungeons have been adapted to TTRPG format, in some cases, such as Deadmines, looking almost identical to the video game’s. The designers have also included new features, such as alternate routes, to these familiar dungeons to facilitate tabletop gameplay, rather than the MMO-style linear combat. Indeed, unlike WoW, you won't only be fighting your way through the campaign. In true D&D fashion, you will be able to opt for other routes to progress, such as talking your way through tricky situations.
Wizards of the Coast has adapted D&D's own crafting rules to replicate WoW's gathering and crafting professions. There are over 20 factions from WoW with which parties can form tiered bonds, based on D&D’s Renown system, which can influence subsequent interactions.
There are many more aspects to this crossover, contained in a 200+ page sourcebook, that Wizards will reveal as we approach its November 12 release. Dungeons & Dragons: World of Warcraft is now available to pre-order.
