Dune is one of the most influential science fiction novels of all time, and its rich setting has inspired many adaptations and spin-offs, including the upcoming movie by Denis Villeneuve. For fans of the Dune universe who want to immerse themselves in its lore and politics, the Dune RPG by Free League Publishing is a great option. The game uses a modified version of the Year Zero Engine, which is designed to create cinematic and narrative-driven stories. The core rulebook, which was released in 2022, covers the main factions and events of the original novel, as well as some material from the sequels and prequels. However, for those who want to explore more aspects of the Dune universe, the Agents of Dune Boxed Set is a must-have expansion.
The Agents of Dune Boxed Set contains three books, a GM screen, a map, and a set of custom dice. The first book, The Imperium, expands on the history, culture, and politics of the various factions and regions of the Dune universe, such as the Bene Gesserit, the Spacing Guild, the Fremen, and the Sardaukar. It also introduces new rules for creating characters from these factions, as well as new talents, assets, and drawbacks. The second book, The Operations Manual, provides guidance and tools for running campaigns and missions in the Dune universe, such as how to create plots, adversaries, locations, and twists. It also includes several ready-made scenarios that can be used as standalone adventures or as part of a larger campaign. The third book, The Dossiers, contains detailed profiles and stats for 30 iconic characters from the Dune universe, such as Paul Atreides, Lady Jessica, Baron Harkonnen, Duncan Idaho, and Stilgar. These characters can be used as allies or enemies for the player characters, or as inspiration for creating new characters.
The Agents of Dune Boxed Set is a high-quality product that enhances the Dune RPG experience. The books are full of beautiful artwork and useful information that bring the Dune universe to life. The GM screen is sturdy and has handy reference tables on one side and an evocative illustration on the other. The map is a large and colorful depiction of the planet Arrakis, showing its major landmarks and regions. The dice are custom-made for the Year Zero Engine system, with symbols that match the theme of the game. The set also comes with a digital download code that gives access to PDF versions of the books and other bonus materials.
The Agents of Dune Boxed Set is not essential for playing the Dune RPG, but it is highly recommended for those who want to dive deeper into the world created by Frank Herbert. It adds more depth and variety to the game, as well as more options and challenges for both players and GMs. It is a worthy addition to any Dune fan’s collection.
