What Books Do I Need for Spelljammer?
Spelljammer is a fantasy setting in the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) franchise that combines medieval-style adventure with science fiction elements, such as space travel and exploration. To get started with Spelljammer, you’ll need a few essential books that provide the necessary rules, setting, and adventures for your campaign. In this article, we’ll guide you through the must-have books for Spelljammer.
What’s Included in the Boxed Set?
The Spelljammer boxed set includes three main books: Astral Adventurer’s Guide, Boo’s Astral Menagerie, and Light of Xaryxis, a full-color adventure module. The boxed set also comes with a DM screen and a large, double-sided map of the city of The Rock of Bral.
Astral Adventurer’s Guide
This book provides the core rules and setting for Spelljammer, covering topics such as:
• Wildspace and Astral Sea: The fundamental geography and environment of Spelljammer, including planets, stars, and celestial bodies.
• Spaceships and Flight: How to navigate and travel through space, including rules for piloting, ship-to-ship combat, and navigating hazards.
• Races and Classes: The unique playable races and classes of Spelljammer, including the Avariel, K’r’kh, and Ssraci.
• Magic and Technology: The balance between magic and technology in Spelljammer, including spells, magical items, and advanced technologies.
Boo’s Astral Menagerie
This book is a bestiary, a collection of creatures and monsters that inhabit the world of Spelljammer. It includes:
• Wildspace and Astral Sea Creatures: A vast array of creatures, from the majestic Apeclaws to the fearsome Zzarglids.
• Moon and Planet Beings: Sentient beings that inhabit the moons and planets of the Astral Sea, such as the Moonchildren and the Planetborn.
• Cosmic Aberrations: Powerful, otherworldly creatures that threaten the balance of the Astral Sea.
Light of Xaryxis
This adventure module provides a comprehensive introduction to the Spelljammer setting, taking characters on a thrilling quest through the Astral Sea and the planet of Xaryxis. The module includes:
• The Adventure: A 64-page adventure book that takes characters on a journey across the Astral Sea, including encounters with various creatures and factions.
• Setting and NPCs: The adventure includes a richly detailed setting, including planets, stars, and factions, as well as a cast of memorable NPCs.
• Treasure and Magic Items: The adventure provides a wealth of treasure and magic items for characters to discover and claim.
Other Essential Books
While the boxed set provides the core rules and setting for Spelljammer, you may also want to consider the following essential books:
• Player’s Handbook: The main rulebook for D&D players, providing rules for character creation, spellcasting, and combat.
• Dungeon Master’s Guide: The main rulebook for D&D Dungeon Masters, providing rules for world-building, NPC creation, and game mechanics.
• Xanathar’s Guide to Everything: A supplement that provides additional options for characters, including subclasses, spells, and magical items.
• Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything: A supplement that provides additional options for characters, including subclasses, spells, and magical items.
Table: Spelljammer Book Comparison
| Book | Content | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Astral Adventurer’s Guide | Core rules, setting, and magic | Must-have |
| Boo’s Astral Menagerie | Bestiary, creatures, and monsters | Highly recommended |
| Light of Xaryxis | Adventure module and setting | Highly recommended |
| Player’s Handbook | Core rules and character creation | Essential |
| Dungeon Master’s Guide | Core rules and game mechanics | Essential |
| Xanathar’s Guide to Everything | Additional character options | Recommended |
| Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything | Additional character options | Recommended |
In conclusion, the Spelljammer boxed set provides a comprehensive introduction to the Spelljammer setting, including the core rules, setting, and adventure. Additional books, such as the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, and Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, provide additional options and depth for characters and Dungeon Masters.