A Time Traveler’s Guide to Dinosaur Hunting introduces a thrilling new dimension to Dungeons & Dragons, merging the fantastical world of tabletop role-playing with the prehistoric majesty of dinosaurs. Born from a blend of creative inspiration and familial passion, the project, spearheaded by Darryl T. Jones, draws upon the popular multiverse concept, allowing players to encounter these ancient behemoths in diverse and unexpected settings. This innovative approach transforms dinosaurs from mere museum exhibits into dynamic adversaries, allies, and even player characters within the D&D universe. The project promises a wealth of content for both Dungeon Masters and players, delivering an immersive experience that transcends traditional fantasy tropes.
Jones, fueled by his work on a multiverse-themed short story and inspired by his dinosaur-enthusiast son, envisioned a world where time travel seamlessly integrates dinosaurs into various campaign settings. This core concept allows for both standalone adventures and seamless integration into existing campaigns, giving Dungeon Masters the flexibility to introduce a sudden encounter with an undead Giganotosaurus without disrupting the overarching narrative. This modular design caters to various playstyles and allows for tailored experiences, whether it’s a brief foray into the prehistoric past or a full-fledged dinosaur-themed campaign. The underlying principle is adaptability, empowering Dungeon Masters to curate unique encounters and storylines.
The project boasts a collaborative effort from a team of seasoned D&D writers, including notable names such as Jeff Grubb and Kat Kruger. Their combined expertise promises a rich tapestry of interwoven adventures, forming a grand, multiversal narrative where players become pivotal actors in the fate of interconnected realities. Each adventure stands alone, yet contributes to a larger storyline, creating a sense of epic scope and player agency. This interconnectedness offers immense potential for long-term campaigns, allowing players to explore diverse timelines and face evolving challenges.
Beyond the sprawling narrative and thrilling encounters, A Time Traveler’s Guide to Dinosaur Hunting also significantly expands player options. Recognising that not every player wants to slay every beast they encounter, the book introduces mechanics for taming and befriending dinosaurs. Players can now embody the spirit of Jurassic World’s Owen Grady, forming bonds with these magnificent creatures and incorporating them into their adventuring parties. This adds a layer of complexity beyond combat, encouraging strategic thinking and role-playing opportunities.
The introduction of dinosaur-themed player lineages further enriches the player experience, allowing players to forge characters intrinsically linked to these prehistoric creatures. Coupled with the “Aggression and Taming” rules, these options offer unprecedented levels of customization and interaction with the dinosaur ecosystem. The Aggression rating, combined with a creature’s Challenge Rating, determines its tamability, adding a strategic dimension to encounters. Furthermore, the new beastkin class, focused on creature taming, provides a specialized path for players who wish to embrace the role of dinosaur handler.
The project culminates in two comprehensive books. The first book houses player options, adventures, and the innovative taming rules, providing players with the tools to forge unique characters and interact with the dinosaur world in novel ways. The second book, a dedicated bestiary, expands the D&D monster manual with a diverse array of dinosaurs, ranging from well-known behemoths like the T-Rex and velociraptor to more obscure species. This bestiary doesn’t just catalog dinosaurs; it reimagines them, introducing unique twists like the gliding Yi Qi, the cybernetically enhanced Razor-toothed Compy, and the mind-bending Rehausaurus with its impressive intelligence and psychic abilities.
Beyond the traditional and familiar, the bestiary ventures into the realm of the bizarre and fantastical, featuring creatures like the Helicoprion, a shark-like predator with a spiraling jaw, and the chilling squid-faced velociraptors, genetically engineered minions of the mind flayers. This blend of scientific accuracy and imaginative license creates a vibrant and unpredictable prehistoric landscape, offering a plethora of challenges and opportunities for players to explore. The bestiary promises to be a treasure trove for Dungeon Masters seeking to populate their worlds with creatures both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
The Kickstarter campaign for A Time Traveler’s Guide to Dinosaur Hunting offers a chance to be part of this ambitious project. With a projected release in Q3 2026, the books promise to revolutionize the way players experience dinosaurs in their D&D campaigns, bringing a prehistoric thrill to the tabletop. The blend of classic D&D mechanics, innovative gameplay options, and a diverse range of dinosaur species makes this a compelling addition to any D&D library, offering endless possibilities for adventure and storytelling. The project invites players and Dungeon Masters alike to embark on a journey through time, where the roar of dinosaurs echoes through the realms of fantasy, offering an unforgettable gaming experience.
