A Lich's Guide to Dungeon Mastery

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

"Dungeon Master. And it's literally just a nerd building a dungeon. He's similar to a dungeon core, but isn't bound to a core. Maybe he's got a phylactery or something, idk."–An excerpt from one of the author's many writing-related Discord servers.

Seif is just a regular nerd. For his last birthday, his friends got him a "World's Best Dungeon Master" mug. He wears a chain necklace with a dice trapped in it. Most of his shirts contain references to TTRPGs.

But what happens when you take a Tabletop Dungeon Master and make him into arealDungeon Master? One with a killer instinct and overpowered abilities to boot?

In case it wasn't obvious, this is what you get. This novel, right here. A Lich's Guide to Dungeon Mastery.

Book 1 is currently finished and up on the site. Book 2 is in the works. I'm thinking about trying to get actual covers made for the trilogy, but might just end up posting book 2 of A Lich's Guide anyways.

There are a few mature themes in the novel. They're mostly alluded to, but I rarely directly call them out. Still, this book isn'tallsunshine and rainbows, though that should probably be kinda obvious considering what the main character is. The darker sides of humanity are brought into view a couple times. In other words, this novel is probably not for little kids. Again, that should be obvious, but y'know.

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2023
Author: VagrantCrusader

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0
Followers: 3,568
Views: 821,063

What readers say about A Lich's Guide to Dungeon Mastery

“This is a story that I couldn't put down once I started. The character development is there, but the main focus, as one might expect from a DM, is on building up the world and System(both magic system and "System") The composite magic system is easy to get…”
LimnRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“This has been a fun read so far. Initially, it started alittle slow. But if you like tons of detail and strategy then you won’t mind it. Especially if you have been a dungeon master before and do world building. This story is perfect for you! aside from tha…”
MRcastillaRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

LimnRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is a story that I couldn't put down once I started.
The character development is there, but the main focus, as one might expect from a DM, is on building up the world and System(both magic system and "System")
The composite magic system is easy to get into, but remains as the focus of the story and is building into something complex. It is by and large what kept me going, the litRPG/progression is far from lacking.
If you're looking for a dungeon core novel, or just curious about the genre, this is a very accessible piece of literature that's sure to scratch the itch. At the same time it is farly fresh in it's execution.
If you like the perspective of "evil" but with compelling sentiments or rationalization then this handles that pretty well. MC isn't malicious by any means but he's definitely in a role dealing with dark forces and in a position where the instincts of a lich are necessary. A more relatable "evil" bordering more on lawful neutral from MC's perspective.
Highly recommend this novel! If it seems like your cup of tea, or if you don't hate tea, pick it up and start sipping! Very excited to see where it goes from where I left off :)
MRcastillaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This has been a fun read so far. Initially, it started alittle slow. But if you like tons of detail and strategy then you won’t mind it. Especially if you have been a dungeon master before and do world building. This story is perfect for you!
aside from that. It gets interesting! The world outside the dungeon appears to be complex.
MerlinsFanRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The world that is built is beautifully unique, and is full of content that is teased, making you wonder where those threads lead. With this there is a bountiful system that seems to concern a creative culture blending elements to fight off threats and elements alike.
The main character may seem aloof and distant, but for who is now a lich, possibly benevolent. The path he takes to build and learn how to create his dungeon is interesting. The available paths he can take and is offered really drives the imagination for how destructive the world he is in could be.
FiordhraoiRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Just enough comedy to be fun without getting slapstick. Interesting composite magic system that incorporates more than just the classic elements. MC doesn't go total monster even with a morality shift, which I personally like. Character development beyond the MC is somewhat limited so far but that seems to be more lack of exposure than anything else. The character set up as the "nemesis" seems like he'll be much more in depth given his background and his actions towards the MC.
Looking forward to seeing where this goes.
a half-thought creativeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
I've been enjoying this story, my personal favorite parts are the ones exploring the magic system and using said magic system to make stuff.
that's the main part I can remember, but it seems like soon-ish there's going to be the start of more other things
fenrir and carnic should go on dates and kiss
King's Tree TalesRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
This is an excellent start.
Pros:
The world building feels thought out and I like that the author takes the time to describe how the magic works, and that the feel like original monsters. The magic system unique and fully fleshed out and I'm looking forward to seeing it continue to grow. The few characters that we're introduced to have potential and I look forward to seeing their stories continue.
Cons:
I would like to see more character development for the main and side characters other than leveling up. Character motivation could use more work as well. The idea that the main character wants to build a dungeon is interesting but it feels like a waste to not have him explore the world in search of the materials he needs. It would help Azrael feel more fleshed out and bring the watchers in as a more immediate threat.The actual story elements could use some more fleshing out as well as there is an interesting story when we're not focused on the characters levels. Most of the story is filled with long exposition on the magic which at times feels over complicated. Having more character interaction could help since dialog could provide simpler description.
Overall I'm looking forward to continuing reading.
SenthelRoseRoyal Road
★★★ 3.0
This is well written with very few technical flaws. The issues comes from the plot or lack thereof. While there is some conflict in the story it seems to be an afterthought rather than a driving force of the story.
The bulk of the main story is an info dump of skills followed by another info dump of skills. If the amount of content was reversed i.e. if the majority of the story focusing on the characters and conflicts, whether internal or external, and the minority being skill related this would be a lot more enjoyable.
In the end, the low scores for story and character are not because the story and character is bad per se but rather the lack of story and character moments in this work relative to all the skill related info.
The high marks for style and grammar are because while it is not flawless there was nothing that immediately jumps out in my mind as being egregious.
Sadly as much potential as I see in the story I am dropping it here. I no longer find this story an enjoyable read and there are simply too many other stories that I do enjoy.
Best wishes to the author and may you continue to improve your craft.
shacroRoyal Road
★★★ 2.5
There is a general lack of direction. That isnt to say that there isnt a direction or that the author has no stuff planned. But this story heavily reminds of other dungeon core/system stories and this seem like a genre based fault. Nothing to say about the powerfantasy genre which is usually synonymous with LITRPGs.
The system and leveling system is clunky and non-rewarding. Which is counter-intuitive. because every other paragraph the MC is being rewarded for nothing and powers up for little to no reason other than breathing in the direction of progress. And the lack of backstory and worldbuilding makes you place increasingly more emphasis on the MCs decision on this period of acclimation and environmental struggles.
This isnt to insult the author. Its generally the accepted method of writing this type of story. So its hard to deviate and improve in vague and unclear faults. so my best advice is to keep on course and introduce complexities later on, that create a more interesting world and social dynamics.
Also stop with the chaotic evil larping. Make the actions define the character and dont try to force creating scenarios so that the mc can express his stance and personality. It should only be in the back of your mind and it will slowly be exposed to the readers as they make it further in.
People that write these stories usually work off the foundation of other shaky stories that they liked. But that doesnt excuse the faults. The majority of royalroad is made up of LITRPGs and powerfantasy stories that break the mold. This one doesnt follow on their path, but still with all that said it still has many redeeming qualities.
MukkerRoyal Road
★★★ 2.5
Its quite contradictory that I gave it an average score but let me explain. The writing style is very polarizing, some will love it and some will detest it. Overall average but not one person has an average experience.
Read if: you like reading endless explanation of skills with a line of dialogue every few chapters.
Don't read if: you prefer action, like any at all
The explanation of why numbers go up is not bad but pretty hard to follow, you have to put in effort to understand it and completely suspend your disbelief.
People that like this kind of writing will REALLY like it but I am not one of them.
BarbizRoyal Road
★★★ 2.5
Nothing really happens, no character growth or interesting developments. Mid, but was okay. Some of the space powers were esoteric and not enjoyable the way they were described. The near literal shelving, sitting on top of the tower not doing anything for months, of the only friend character seemed like a missed potential. Much of the writing is devoted to explaining new systems and powers, but we never see creative uses of them before we are rapidfired into a new system. The world felt cool, would have liked to see more engagement with that.