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Ologies #13
Dungeonology
See the Forgotten Realms as you've never seen them before!
The world's most beloved role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, joins the legendary 'Ology series as Volo the Wizard takes you on an unforgettable journey to the Forgotten Realms. From the dreaming spires of Waterdeep to the frozen majesty of Drizzt Do'Urden's Icewind Dale, and from the despicable Underdark to the mysterious Underchasm, you'll learn the history, secrets, and wonders of this incredible world.
The world's most beloved role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, joins the legendary 'Ology series as Volo the Wizard takes you on an unforgettable journey to the Forgotten Realms. From the dreaming spires of Waterdeep to the frozen majesty of Drizzt Do'Urden's Icewind Dale, and from the despicable Underdark to the mysterious Underchasm, you'll learn the history, secrets, and wonders of this incredible world.
30 pages, Hardcover
First published October 21, 2016
5 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Matt Forbeck
212 books315 followersI'm an award-winning, New York Times-bestselling author and game designer and happily married father of five, including a set of quadruplets. For more on my work, see Forbeck.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 7, 2017
Fun book, and quite informative for those who are interested in what Dungeons and Dragons is all about.
January 4, 2017
This book is AMAZING. If you have fantasy roleplaying gamers in your life, this is the perfect gift for them. If they want to game, but have just been reading Tolkien and Dungeons & Dragons books, get them this book plus the D&D basic board game. Dungeonology takes readers, led by Volo the Wizard, on a journey through the Forgotten Realms universe. See basic Dungeonology equipment, fold out a giant map of the Sword Coast; check out a novice’s spell book (Magic Missile is there, fellow D&D fans), and check out all sorts of magic items. There is so much to explore in this book; pull-out books, pages that unfold to share their secrets, and a dragon waiting for you at the end of the book, if you play your cards right (and tilt the book). This is THE gift for your gamers, trust me on this.I hope you find enough here to make everyone’s holidays bright. Everything is available right now!
April 18, 2017
Originally reviewed for YA Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
Intricately illustrated and concise in explanations, this primer is a gorgeous and interactive addition to any D&D fan's collection.
The book is narrated by the bard-like figure known as Volothamp Geddarm (or just Volo), who serves as your cavalier guide to becoming a "true Dungeonologist." The tone is pleasantly engaging, laced with old-world fantasy charm and genial fair warnings. He begins logically with the formation of a well-rounded "adventuring party," explaining hero archetypes (fighters, rogues, clerics, wizards) and their variants (barbarians, bards, druids, paladins, rangers, sorcerers, warlocks, etc.) He then breaks down the nine races of characters, building on the range of possible abilities and dispositions. From there he expounds upon equipment, magic and magical items, treasure, maps... and the monsters and villains one is likely to face in this cooperative fantasy construct.
"A group of adventurers is known as a "party," and not just because they like to celebrate their success together in the end. Your party should be as close to you as your family--assuming your family can cast spells, kill monsters, and bring you back from the edge of death." ~Volo
If you enjoyed pop-up books as a child, your matured self is in for a treat! Starting at the table of contents, every other page has some sort of animate feature--from hidden inner folds to sub-booklets to utilitarian origami. Volo's Most Wondrous Map of the Sword Coast is a supreme highlight among many engaging aspects of this work--a full color fold-out with intense detailing, which manages to expand to at least three times the area of a single page. (With each page being 10 x 12 inches, the total surface area is impressive.) From an artistic standpoint, the book is lovely--containing a range of compatible styles--all featuring dynamic scenes and poses rather than simple static figure sketches.
The font choices are sometimes a touch small and/or more challenging to read than some readers may find comfortable. The actual rules of game play are not included, though this seems to be by design. Those whose interests are sufficiently piqued by the worldbuilding elements of this book should find it a much smoother transition into the actual game mechanics if they've first utilized this introduction.
Parental Note: As with anything involving role play gaming, this reviewer recommends children introduced be at least 12 years old (or at the developmental and psychological point of being able to clearly distinguish between reality and fantasy.) This book itself, while containing plenty of colorful graphics, is non-graphic as far as violent or suggestive imagery goes. (Kudos on the refreshing lack of scantily/impractically clad females!) A few of the monsters depicted could be considered morbid or unsettling to young readers, but I refer back to my 12-year-old rule of thumb regarding appropriate audience.
Not an exhaustive guide by any means, but beyond adequate as an introduction to tabletop role play games--suitable for both the curious-but-unversed and for longtime enthusiasts.
Intricately illustrated and concise in explanations, this primer is a gorgeous and interactive addition to any D&D fan's collection.
The book is narrated by the bard-like figure known as Volothamp Geddarm (or just Volo), who serves as your cavalier guide to becoming a "true Dungeonologist." The tone is pleasantly engaging, laced with old-world fantasy charm and genial fair warnings. He begins logically with the formation of a well-rounded "adventuring party," explaining hero archetypes (fighters, rogues, clerics, wizards) and their variants (barbarians, bards, druids, paladins, rangers, sorcerers, warlocks, etc.) He then breaks down the nine races of characters, building on the range of possible abilities and dispositions. From there he expounds upon equipment, magic and magical items, treasure, maps... and the monsters and villains one is likely to face in this cooperative fantasy construct.
"A group of adventurers is known as a "party," and not just because they like to celebrate their success together in the end. Your party should be as close to you as your family--assuming your family can cast spells, kill monsters, and bring you back from the edge of death." ~Volo
If you enjoyed pop-up books as a child, your matured self is in for a treat! Starting at the table of contents, every other page has some sort of animate feature--from hidden inner folds to sub-booklets to utilitarian origami. Volo's Most Wondrous Map of the Sword Coast is a supreme highlight among many engaging aspects of this work--a full color fold-out with intense detailing, which manages to expand to at least three times the area of a single page. (With each page being 10 x 12 inches, the total surface area is impressive.) From an artistic standpoint, the book is lovely--containing a range of compatible styles--all featuring dynamic scenes and poses rather than simple static figure sketches.
The font choices are sometimes a touch small and/or more challenging to read than some readers may find comfortable. The actual rules of game play are not included, though this seems to be by design. Those whose interests are sufficiently piqued by the worldbuilding elements of this book should find it a much smoother transition into the actual game mechanics if they've first utilized this introduction.
Parental Note: As with anything involving role play gaming, this reviewer recommends children introduced be at least 12 years old (or at the developmental and psychological point of being able to clearly distinguish between reality and fantasy.) This book itself, while containing plenty of colorful graphics, is non-graphic as far as violent or suggestive imagery goes. (Kudos on the refreshing lack of scantily/impractically clad females!) A few of the monsters depicted could be considered morbid or unsettling to young readers, but I refer back to my 12-year-old rule of thumb regarding appropriate audience.
Not an exhaustive guide by any means, but beyond adequate as an introduction to tabletop role play games--suitable for both the curious-but-unversed and for longtime enthusiasts.
December 11, 2016
Yay! Another Ology book! I was skeptical at the Dungeons & Dragons tie-in, but I think it worked out fine and fits with the series well. My only issue with it (and why I didn't give it four stars) was that it didn't have enough of the little extras I associate with the Ology books. It has some lift-the-flaps and a (very impressive) foldout map, but that was pretty much it. I don't know anything about Dungeons & Dragons, but you don't have to in order to read the book. You get the sense that there's a bigger world than the book describes which, you know, makes sense. It may actually feel a little overstuffed because the book name drops and doesn't spend a lot of time connecting them. However, even if you only have a passing knowledge of RPG structure, it's cool to see it in "handbook" form.
September 21, 2017
A quick reference for one of the major components of DnD-Dungeons. This resource comes from Volothamp Geeddarm the authority on all things adventuring in the forgotten realms and the sword coast. I personally enjoyed all of the detail and explanation. It helped me learn just how massive the Toril and the continent of Faerun is. I felt that I could dedicate years and still only learn a fraction of all it has to offer with the underdark, all the major cities, the islands, the wild lands, and the unique monsters and creatures. Overall, a good and quick read.
June 10, 2019
A fun introduction to places, characters, monsters, and themes of the newest edition of Dungeons and Dragons. I enjoyed the advice to novice adventures, and feel like this is perfect for geeky kids 9 and up, especially if they are interested in D&D. Compared to other -ology books, though, there is not much in the "secret extras" department. A welcome letter, a few folding flaps, a lenticular image. The best element is an oversize fold-out map of the Sword Coast. Great accessory for current Forgotten Realms fans, but how much interest will it hold for someone who didn't know the setting? It didn't give details about any places on the map. I would have liked to see more interactive elements like books in the -ology format. A bag of plasticky gems or coins, a "magic" item, a code to break, or a little "choose your path through the dungeon" activity would be examples of ways to expand this product.
A second, smaller book is tabbed inside the back cover and it reads like an advertisement for other current adventure products.
I had fun reading this, and recommend it with the above reservations.
A second, smaller book is tabbed inside the back cover and it reads like an advertisement for other current adventure products.
I had fun reading this, and recommend it with the above reservations.
May 15, 2017
If you've got a young gamer just dipping their toes into the idea of D&D this would be an excellent gift. The numerous fold outs, embedded booklets (spell book and manual of dragons), and Sword Coast gazetteer would be really interesting to them!
I recognized a lot of the art as recycled from various products (game books & novel covers) but most of it is well chosen and fits nicely. And by gosh, the centrefold map. Just open the book if you ever see it on a shelf!
There aren't any game-specific tidbits hidden away but it does a solid job introducing the *ideas* embedded in the RPG (and related properties): exploration, discovery, and heroic deeds. The 'author' Volo, who describes and relates with anecdotes also makes a point of mentioning how often he just runs away. Great advice for adventurers in over their head :)
I recognized a lot of the art as recycled from various products (game books & novel covers) but most of it is well chosen and fits nicely. And by gosh, the centrefold map. Just open the book if you ever see it on a shelf!
There aren't any game-specific tidbits hidden away but it does a solid job introducing the *ideas* embedded in the RPG (and related properties): exploration, discovery, and heroic deeds. The 'author' Volo, who describes and relates with anecdotes also makes a point of mentioning how often he just runs away. Great advice for adventurers in over their head :)
November 24, 2017
I read this because of the subject matter, not because it was an Ologies book. Volo (in this case Matt Forbeck) has done a great job providing an overview of D&D for new/younger players. The level of detail and the amount of information is just right. It's very much a Forgotten Realms-centric view of D&D, but that's fine as to date, the officially published 5E scenarios/campaigns all use this setting. There is also a separate supplement providing some more detailed FR content. Finally, the design and illustrations are great. There is a good mix of pop-up book devices scattered throughout. Highly recommended to anyone wanting to know more about D&D.
March 5, 2019
This was the least imaginative of the ology books and it was quite disappointing.
I have nothing against Dungeons and Dragons literature. But I didn't feel like this series was the place for an outline of how to play the game. It wasn't much of an original story, especially since it used actual D&D artwork. It also wasn't thorough in its outline: why bring up four basic classes, and then only have pages that talk about two of them?
I found it an odd coincidence to read about this a mere 11 days after starting my first game, so it helped me recognize what I was actually reading. But it didn't make me like it any better.
I have nothing against Dungeons and Dragons literature. But I didn't feel like this series was the place for an outline of how to play the game. It wasn't much of an original story, especially since it used actual D&D artwork. It also wasn't thorough in its outline: why bring up four basic classes, and then only have pages that talk about two of them?
I found it an odd coincidence to read about this a mere 11 days after starting my first game, so it helped me recognize what I was actually reading. But it didn't make me like it any better.
April 25, 2023
I've collected the Ologies series since I was a kid, so when I saw DUNEGEONOLOGY, I had to have it. I was familiar with the majority of content since I'm in a (number of!) Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, but there was lore about the setting and backgrounds of monsters that I hadn't been exposed to yet (or hadn't yet read in the DnD books, since I'm a player who doesn't want to spoil anything in the campaigns taking material from there). That content served as a great introduction and provided a fun bird's eye overview or Toril, Faerun, legendary heroes like Elminster, and more about dungeoning.
I'm so glad to have this book in my collection!
I'm so glad to have this book in my collection!
July 24, 2019
Entertaining introduction to the world of Dungeons and Dragons (specifically, the "Forgotten Realms" setting) in a beautifully illustrated coffee-table style book. There are a few "pop-up" features to encourage exploration of the book, my favorite of which is the small spellbook-within-a-book when discussing wizards and magic. Experienced D&D players will note the recycled art from many books and products past, but here it is more of a homage to a fantasy setting with decades of history.
August 30, 2020
Purchase Dungeonology here for just $12!
This book take you through the beloved D&D - Forgotten Realms. Its beautifully set out with an amazing fold out map and some lift the flap details. It provides a great introduction into this world to places, characters, monsters, and themes.
Alison - The Book Grocer
This book take you through the beloved D&D - Forgotten Realms. Its beautifully set out with an amazing fold out map and some lift the flap details. It provides a great introduction into this world to places, characters, monsters, and themes.
Alison - The Book Grocer
February 13, 2020
This wasn't amazing for me, but I've been playing D&D for more than 40 years so there wasn't much new here, BUT it was still fun and I think it's a great "primer" for people new to D&D, especially if they're going to be playing in the Forgotten Realms. Lots of cool little visuals and some pretty funny lines.
March 2, 2022
I wasn't sure what to make of this as it's a pretty basic intro to D&D Forgotten Realms but without any real meat to it. It makes more sense when you figure out that the "Ologies" books are a series of books that treat different fantasy subjects like this.
Mostly it's a miss, except the "Volo's Guide" in the back jacket is decent overview of the Sword Coast
Mostly it's a miss, except the "Volo's Guide" in the back jacket is decent overview of the Sword Coast
October 18, 2017
A clever little introduction to D&D in the form of a "guidebook" written by a legendary but fictional rogue character. The text is dry, by-the-numbers guidebook writing, but the layout and extras are marvelous. Popup maps and spellbooks, some great monster-ologies, multiple gorgeous foldouts.
March 21, 2018
As others said before me, this book is pretty to look at and might be a good primer for D&D 5e and the worlds established by Wizards of the Coast but also encourages a certain style of play, which isnt as open as it could be.
Unsure if I should keep it.
Unsure if I should keep it.
April 2, 2019
A really nice comprehensive introduction for the tween population. Art is from the player's handbook, etc. Veterans may find it simple and redundant but I still enjoyed the experience and the illustrations. I even learned something new!
September 4, 2021
This is a pretty cool, interactive book for D & D fans. However, for those wishing to learn how to play the game, this book is not quite enough of an overview to get you started. And for experienced players, there’s not much new here. 🤷♀️
December 25, 2016
What a funny book - it's a fairly complete Dungeons & Dragons primer in the form of a picture book, but without any references to the rules! Seems to cover some of the campaigns for the 5th edition.
August 8, 2017
I really liked the fold out map that was included with the book. The lay out was fun as well.
December 25, 2017
Fantastic introduction to both D&D and Forgotten Realms.
The Art is amazing!
The Art is amazing!
July 26, 2018
A fun read. Clearly aimed at a younger set, but actually perfectly good for anyone who wants a non-gamey overview of Dungeons & Dragons and the Forgotten Realms. (B+)
August 5, 2019
Very slick, very catchy, and ultimately, a great piece of work for those new to the whole D&D thing. For anyone else, you could live without it.
April 5, 2020
Fun and beautiful introduction to Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5E.
Pop out sections, and a hologram!
Pop out sections, and a hologram!
April 29, 2020
Really nice 'graphic reference' book.
It is very nice for new players to give them a couple of general role playing tips.
It is very nice for new players to give them a couple of general role playing tips.
August 23, 2020
Simple and fun way to learn about D&D.
February 14, 2023
Very helpful for those who are new to D & D. Good overview. Dense with information.
January 7, 2024
Informative and written in a casual style that makes it an intriguing read. I like the pop-ups and flaps provided throughout the book and the illustrations are really great. Also a quick read so this book is perfect for novice players!
March 15, 2019
I am not a huge fan of the Sword Coast, which a lot of new books (including this one) focus on. The ephemeral information and fold out maps are cool. They can be a really nice supplement for game play if you are doing a bridge between minis and the theater of the imagination.
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December 17, 2020I liked it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews