Reviews

Reviews

November 23, 2025

Innkeeper

Thoughtful takes from behind the screen. We test books, dice, and table tools in real play—then tell you what’s worth bringing to the table.

Featured Reviews

Does this make running or playing the game better?

Hand-picked highlights and recent additions. (Swap these placeholders for your real post links.)

2024 Player’s Handbook Review

What’s changed, what’s improved, and what it means at the table.

Books & Adventures

Stranger Things Starter Set Review

A nostalgia-forward boxed set—does it teach the game well?

Books & Adventures

Sunshard Dice Review

Readability, feel, balance, and table presence—tested in play.

Dice & Table Gear

Heroes of the Borderlands Review

How usable is it for a busy DM, and how fun is it for players?

Books & Adventures

Fan Roll: Shadow Light Dice & Tray Bundle

Form factor, durability, and whether the bundle actually adds value.

Dice & Table Gear

Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn Review

DM-facing usability and player-facing appeal—separated cleanly.

Books & Adventures

What You’ll Find Here

🎲 Dice & Table Gear

We look at materials, balance, readability, and table presence—tested in actual sessions, not just on camera.

📚 Books & Adventures

Rulebooks, starter sets, settings, and third-party adventures—reviewed for clarity, usability, and table impact.

🧰 Tools for Dungeon Masters

Digital tools and physical aids evaluated on prep time saved, friction reduced, and flexibility at the table.

How We Review

• Table-Tested: Products are used in live sessions whenever possible.
• Context Matters: We note who it’s best for—new DMs, veterans, or players.
• Clear Disclosure: If something was provided for review, we say so.
• Constructive Criticism: Honest feedback with practical takeaways.

Who These Reviews Are For

• Dungeon Masters deciding where to spend limited prep time or budget
• Players curious about dice, tools, and supplements
• Creators who value honest, thoughtful feedback
• Anyone who wants recommendations grounded in actual play, not marketing copy

Quick Note on Tone

We’re not here to dunk on products. We’re here to help you make confident choices—and to celebrate the stuff that genuinely improves play.

Looking for Something Specific?

Campaign Inspiration

Want story-first posts and session arcs?

Visit Campaigns

Guides & Creation Tools

Homebrew walkthroughs and practical how-tos.

Explore the Homebrew Vault

DM Philosophy & Design

Why we build campaigns the way we do.

Step Behind the Screen

Disclosure: Some products reviewed on Tales & Tankards are provided by publishers or creators for evaluation. This does not influence our opinions. If we recommend something, it’s because it earned its place at the table.

Dispel Dice: Devil You Know

May 27, 2026

Reviews, Tools & Resources

The Devil You Know from Dispel Dice is a blood-red gothic resin dice set with razor-sharp edges, chaotic personality, and serious vampire energy. Beautiful, dangerous, and unforgettable.

Read Review →: Dispel Dice: Devil You Know

Recent Reviews

Read out thoughts on stuff.

Eventyr Games: DELVE, Part 2

February 19, 2026

How does DELVE actually perform behind the screen? In Part Two of our Creator Spotlight, we explore how Eventyr Games’ dungeon design guide supports real GM prep, play, and long-term campaigns.

Read Review →: Eventyr Games: DELVE, Part 2

Eventyr Games: DELVE, Part 1

February 11, 2026

DELVE is more than a dungeon toolkit, it’s a thoughtful guide to dungeon design, player agency, and meaningful exploration. This Creator Spotlight looks at how Eventyr Games reimagines the dungeon for modern tables.

Read Review →: Eventyr Games: DELVE, Part 1

Lunch Break Heroes: Librus Nocturnum Review

February 5, 2026

A Dungeon Master’s review of Librus Nocturnum after a full read-through: prep expectations, pacing demands, NPC-driven horror, and who this anthology is truly for. (Part Two of Two.)

Read Review →: Lunch Break Heroes: Librus Nocturnum Review