Bloody Books Review - Dr Dhrolins Dictionary Of Dinosaurs
Before we begin this review, I have to announce a few things in the interest of clarity.
I've known Michael O'Sullivan for many many years and class him as a very good personal friend (though if he asks, please repeat the worst insults you've ever heard to his face). So please be aware that a) I try to handle this article in the same way I always do and b) I will have to get some kicks and insults in alongside the niceties to balance it all out. Also he once was beaten in snake knowledge by my wife.
Written by Nathan T. Barling and Michael O'Sullivan, this tome intends to introduce a whole heap of prehistoric beasties into your games of D&D in a multitude of ways. It may be that you want to run a campaign back on the continent of Pangea, add dinsosaur-flavours to a tale or start polymorphing at higher levels into a Spinosaurus*.
Now, D&D has had dinosaurs in the past, and even in more recent years supplements had added for well-known creatures into the supplements. Dr Dhrolin's... however takes a deeper dive than such surface level designs and, as it is written by two paleontologists who intend to bring some hard science to the magic and mysteries of an RPG setting. Everything is loaded with advice and facts, making each entry into the bestiary a joy to behold in and of itself. On top of that come material for playable races, a whole new ballgame's worth of subclasses and systems and, much to my joy, the ability to domesticate and make a fortress on the back of really big dinos! (oh, and optional magic rules for each as well)
This book does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it wonderfully. It may be something of a niche product, but in all honesty I do feel this is one of the best 5th Ed books I've seen. It's a delight to read, and the ability to have everything from a Dimetrodon** to an elemental Spinosaurus (honestly, my favourite part of the book. The Water Elemental Spinosaurus is breathtaking) to Dino-people in a Dino-town just living their Dino-lives is a wonder. There's a lot of knowledge the book has to impart as well, filled with citations and and historical theory from the professional perspectives that elevates it way above a lot of the D&D fare. However, there are times when things fall out of balance within the new rules and material, so a careful bit of DMing may be in order***
A lovely book and very recommended.
This picture caused my son to have uncontrollable fits of laughter
*We all want that.
**Not a dinosaur
***Show me ANY 5e supplement that doesn't have that in all fairness