Discussing DungeonVille with Isaac Crutchfield and Alicia Graves
We chat with MonsterShed Game's Founder and Lead Designer: Isaac Crutchfield, and the Founder and Project Acquisition Manager of Liminal Pendulum: Alicia Graves about their upcoming game, DungeonVille.
The New TTRPG Boom: A Spotlight on DungeonVille
We are currently experiencing a massive TTRPG boom. With new systems like Daggerheart and Draw Steel gaining popularity, we feel it’s vital to shine a spotlight on games that not only enrich the TTRPG space but also lower the barrier to entry for players and Game Masters alike.
With a focus on cards and exploration, we were lucky enough to chat with Isaac Crutchfield, Founder and Lead Designer of MonsterShed Games, and Alicia Graves, Founder and Project Acquisition Manager of Liminal Pendulum, about their upcoming game: DungeonVille.
Built for Quick Play
DungeonVille was born from a familiar frustration: the struggle of scheduling 4-hour sessions and the heavy prep work required by games like Dungeons & Dragons. DungeonVille aims for a "pick-up-and-play" mentality, offering 1–2 hour sessions with minimal preparation. While the core gameplay is designed for speed, players aren't limited in worldbuilding or character customization.
Isaac: Overall, it’s a bridge between Munchkin and D&D…
In addition to being easy to run, DungeonVille offers a DM-less option, allowing everyone at the table to play together. However, Isaac notes that the role of the Guide is still a blast:
Isaac: The times I’ve been able to test it… a lot of people have more fun running it.
Let’s Customize
DungeonVille is a card-based TTRPG system. While some might see cards as limiting, Isaac and Alicia have thought ahead with their Artist Appreciation Set, which allows for custom designs for those who want to swap out the printed art.
Crucially, DungeonVille is a system, not just a setting. While the current build focuses on fantasy, the mechanics are designed to eventually expand into Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic, and other genres. The fantasy version offers eight classes (including Fighter, Rogue, and Mage) governed by two primary stats: Might and Magic. The game also features a robust backpack and resource management system for tracking armor and magical items.
The Unique Mechanics of DungeonVille
Beyond the speed of play, the game features a Day and Night system that caught Liminal Pendulum’s attention.
Alicia: The Day and Night system was very unique to me; it’s what attracted me in the first place—how that cycle affects the gameplay.
Gameplay is divided into distinct phases:
Daytime: Players explore the city and its randomized buildings. Each location houses unique loot or interactions that provide an advantage for the coming challenges.
Nighttime: Players venture into the dungeon to secure loot or face the dangers lurking below.
Even if a character falls in battle, DungeonVille includes a built-in catch-up mechanic, ensuring that players can jump back in with a new character and keep having fun without falling behind the rest of the party.
Join the Adventure
DungeonVille is coming soon! You can show your support and stay updated by heading over to BackerKit and signing up here: DungeonVille on BackerKit.