The upcoming tabletop adaptation of Blizzard's massively multiplayer online game, Dungeons & Dragons: World of Warcraft, is set to release next month. Developers are focusing on translating the spirit of the MMO into the D&D framework, rather than a direct mechanical translation. The entire world of Azeroth and its expansions, up to Midnight, are available for players, with a narrative hand-wave from the time dragon Chromie setting the stage.
Classic dungeons from World of Warcraft, such as The Deadmines, are included but have been modified to better suit tabletop play. This includes offering alternate routes for parties wishing to bypass or skip certain encounters. Some dungeons will feature their original layouts from WoW's early days, while others will incorporate revised designs and loot from later expansions. The developers have curated enemy encounters and removed restrictions on resting or leaving and returning to dungeons, though dangers may escalate during player absence.
Iconic boss battles are also present, featuring characters like the Lich King, Illidan, and Jaina Proudmoore. These encounters will see some mechanical shifts; for instance, Jaina's abilities may involve freezing a player, requiring a swift thaw rather than a gradual chill.
Players will also be able to engage with World of Warcraft's gathering and crafting professions. The game incorporates D&D's crafting rules, allowing players to find resources like ore through wisdom checks and craft items using recipes, provided they have the necessary tool proficiencies. The power of crafted items, such as armor, will be tied to proficiency bonuses, encouraging character progression.
The renown system in D&D: WoW mirrors World of Warcraft's faction reputation system. Gaining reputation with factions like the Earthen Ring can unlock rewards such as summoning powerful minions or creating portals for world teleportation. High standing with the oldest factions, the Dragon Aspects, may even grant a Wish spell. The system will also include rival factions, where increased reputation with one may negatively impact standing with another.
The development team emphasizes that the goal is to capture the feeling of exploring WoW's dungeons for the first time, before the prevalence of loot tables and guides, while still allowing players to relive memorable moments. The book will also detail how World of Warcraft classes translate to the tabletop format, with further information expected leading up to the November 12 release.