- By Alyshia Barnes
The Auroral Diamond hangs in the sky, a massive crystal shard floating far above the world. The shard pierces a hovering plateau, the Radiant Citadel, home to several civilisations, rich, diverse, and ever-changing. From the Citadel, a wide-eyed Adventurer could make their way to numerous planes, ready to explore the furthest reaches of the known world and meet the peoples who call them home.
Contents
I want to note here that I am not a person of colour, and I don’t belong to any of the cultures explored in this book. My praise of it is an extension of the praise I have read from people of colour and comes with the knowledge that each story was written by people connected to the given cultures who worked hard to make this book as rich and supportive as it could be. I highly encourage you read some articles on the diversity of this book from people belonging to the cultures being discussed, and I’ve linked a few of said pieces at the end of the article <3
Salted Legacy | Levels 1 – 2
The Dyn Singh Night Market is ever-changing, bursting with life and activity, home to every delicious food, artisan handicraft, and captivating entertainer you can imagine. But a family feud between two rival businesses has been bubbling away for years and is ready to burst at any moment. Explore the enthralling Dyn Singh Night Markets and resolve the feud between the Xungoon and Tyenmo families before things get too out of hand. While this is a role-play leaning adventure, there are combat-style games to be played, so it’s certainly not devoid of some interesting battles (perhaps slightly less lethal than usual though).
Written in Blood | Level 3
Godsbreath was always a strong, hardworking farming town, and the annual Awakening Festival was set to be as joyous as ever, full of song and stories. But things take a turn for the worst when a group of farmers attack the peaceful celebration. This concise and engaging adventure is a great standalone one-shot or side-quest for an ongoing campaign. Investigate the attack and find out its origins in a story full of interesting characters, plus an unusual battle.
The Fiend of Hollow Mine | Level 4
A deadly disease is spreading through San Citlán, leaving its victims dead in a matter of hours. But it turns out something more mysterious is going on; what at first appeared to be a disease is actually a curse. In ‘The Fiend of the Hollow Mine’, Adventurers must find the source of the curse and stop it before it claims any more victims. With a mine dungeon to explore and a chase battle through a spectacular festival, this adventure has a nice mix of fighting and role-play, with a beautiful location and culture to explore.
Wages of Vice | Level 5
Figure 3: Madame Samira Arah (she/her), newest member of the Kings of Coin Zinda is a beautiful, prosperous city, and our adventurers were set to have a lovely time, moving from the River of Gold to the Court of Flowers. Things turn on their heads quite suddenly however, as they stumble upon the victim of a murder. After being hired by Madame Samira Arah, the newest member of the city’s Council, our Adventurers are sent to investigate a series of high-profile murders plaguing Zinda. Explore the city, uncover the sinister plot, and engage in a glittery tavern brawl!
Sins of the Elders | Level 6
A fog has descended over Yeonido, a fog that drains the memories of its inhabitants. The city is caught in a cycle of torment, ensnared by a vengeful spirit. Yeonido has been set upon by a Gwishin, the ghost of someone wronged who died without receiving justice. Navigate a city who forgets they’re being haunted, find answers in a society where discussion of ghosts is taboo, and lay a risen spirit to rest at long last.
Gold for Fools and Princes | Level 7
Figure 4: Ollin (they/them), Xoxoltan dancer[/caption] Princes Simbon and Kirina both have their eye on the throne, so when a collapsed tunnel traps a number of miners deep in the Goldwarren, a race begins to see who can free them first, and prove themselves worthy of ruling. Which Prince will the Adventurers side with? And can they navigate the mines in time to save those trapped within? This adventure features some exciting role-play, a classic dungeon delve, and a fierce battle with something lurking in depths.
Trail of Destruction | Level 8
The volcanic eruptions are usually predicted by the Watchers of the Ashes, leaving enough time for evacuation, but something has changed, and the volcanic activity has become sporadic and unpredictable. It’s only a matter of time before disaster strikes. The town of Etizalan needs the help of our Adventurers. Are the Earthquakes and attacks a message from the Gods, or is something else afoot? Cross the treacherous region and find the source of the upheaval before it’s too late.
In the Mists of Manivarsha | Level 9
Figure 5: Amanisha 'Nisha' Manivarshi (she/her), Kalapang dancer and athlete[/caption] After a breathtaking performance in The Shankha Trials, famed dancer Amanisha Manivarshi is crowned the newest champion. But her victory isn’t long lived when without warning the river rises and a ravenous tidal wave engulfs the city. As the water settles, Amanisha is gone. Our adventurers join the rescue mission to recover the lost athlete and investigate the supernatural behavior of the water. Explore the swampland, learn its history, and talk to the river itself. Uncover Nisha’s fate before the waters rise again. Between Tangled Roots | Level 10
Pangil ng Buwan the bakunawa, a great dragon of the sea and sky, was once friend and protector of the town of Kalapang, but something has clearly changed as it rises from its slumber and bathes the town in lightning and fire. Pangil was once a kind soul and can be again. Travel the skybridge and traverse the island of Lambakluha to find the source of the guardian’s rage and free it, and the people, of its torment.
Shadow of the Sun | Level 11
The holy city of Akharin has been ruled over by the angel Atash for fifty years, and those years have been relatively peaceful. But now, with the triennial lunar festival fast approaching, rival factions seek to usurp the throne. In ‘Shadow of the Sun’, our Adventurers will chase down rebels, explore hideouts, and eventually, pick a side. Who is set to rule the city, and are there plots yet to be revealed? Akharin has some lovely places to explore and interesting characters to meet. This one will make an engaging addition to many a campaign.
The Nightsea’s Succor | Level 12
Figure 6: Atiba-Pa (he/him), Regent of Djaynai[/caption] The Blackmist Way and Blackthrone Arts were once treasured traditions of the Djaynai people, but after a raid leading to the loss of many of its practitioners and recordings, much of the lore has been lost to time. But now an expedition is planned; travel to Janya, a realm beneath the sea, to find what information might remain there. Should these traditions be reinstated, however? The citizens of Djaynai are divided. Travel beneath the waves, find what has long been lost, and choose how to wield it, if at all.
Buried Dynasty | Level 13
Peace has been sustained in the land of Great Xing through the longevity of its Emperors. The supernatural long life of each ruler brings stability to the great empire, but now the potions that provide them with long life are running out. A glimmer of hope remains, however, in the Old City where it is hoped some Dragon’s Blessing, the needed ingredient, remains. Our adventures must scour the ruins, navigate political treachery, and make it out alive.
Orchids of the Invisible Mountain | 14
Figure 7: Yarana (she/her) and Nene, her macaw companion[/caption] Atagua sits at a crossroads, a point where the Feywild and Far Realm are weakest, with each seeping into the Material Plane. But this waypoint is barely holding on, and it won’t be long before the window becomes a doorway. Travelling between worlds, our Adventurers must find the source of this disruption, meeting extra-planar beings, exploring alien environments, and battling all manner of beings, to heal reality before it splits for good. A few ‘Journey’s through the Radiant Citadel’ reviews by people of colour: ‘Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel’: 16 writers, all people of color, shape new Dungeons & Dragons book:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2022/07/20/journeys-through-radiant-citadel-dungeons-and-dragons/10096026002/ D&D: Radiant Citadel Has Great Advice for Authentically Portraying Different Cultures:
https://www.cbr.com/dnd-5e-radiant-citadel-diverse-culture-advice-wotc/ Radiant Citadel Brings Some Much Needed Diversity to D&D:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i7LgBOq5IE I hope you have a spectacular Adventure through the Radiant Citadel Good Journey, Adventurer! - Alyshia :)
