Step into the whimsical world of The Wandering Tavern, a Ghibli-inspired D&D 5E adventure aboard a magical floating tavern. Spirits, secrets, and sky-high adventures await!
There’s something undeniably magical about Studio Ghibli’s airborne worlds—whether it’s the clockwork wonder of Howl’s Moving Castle or the spiritual whimsy of Spirited Away. Now, you can bring that same charm to your D&D 5E table with The Wandering Tavern—a floating, mysterious tavern full of quirky characters, arcane secrets, and sky-bound adventures.
If you’re looking to add a splash of whimsy, Ghibli-esque charm, and a touch of the unknown to your next D&D campaign, let’s explore what The Wandering Tavern has to offer and how you can make it the centrepiece of a magical adventure.
What is The Wandering Tavern?
Funded in just four hours on Kickstarter, The Wandering Tavern is a D&D 5E supplement that introduces players to a massive, floating tavern—the Zephyr. This sky-bound sanctuary is packed with rich lore, unusual spirits, and mechanical marvels.
The tavern itself seems to appear when you’re not looking for it, drawing adventurers into its crowded halls of bars, gaming rooms, and jumbled living spaces. From the eccentric patrons to the mischief of ghostly spirits, it’s a setting ripe with mystery, character-driven stories, and sky-high hijinks.
The book is narrated by Amilia, a journalist from the Travelling Scribes, whose scattered notes enrich the world with personality and lore.
Why The Wandering Tavern Feels So Ghibli
The creators, HOMIE and The DUDE, clearly drew inspiration from Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces. Here’s how it hits those Ghibli notes:
- Airships and Flying Cities: Like Laputa in Castle in the Sky, the Zephyr combines wonder and a hint of mystery with its grand design and hidden secrets.
- Spirited Companions: The spirits aboard the tavern feel straight out of Spirited Away, mixing the mischievous with the heartfelt.
- Quirky NPCs: From Rabbit Kin wanderers to spirited barkeeps, you’ll find characters with backstories full of charm and complexity.
- Whimsical Yet Dark Undertones: Just like Miyazaki balances the lighthearted with darker themes of greed and rebellion, the Zephyr has layers of mystery, danger, and rebellion to unravel.
Key Features of The Wandering Tavern
Here’s a look at what you get when you bring this supplement to your table:
- The Floating Zephyr
- The Zephyr itself is a colossal floating tavern with detailed battle maps for exploration and combat.
- Players can interact with its cramped quarters, bustling bars, and hidden chambers.
- Quirky Characters & Plot Hooks
- Meet NPCs like perky Rabbit Kin or lonely spirits seeking companionship.
- Plotlines include spirit invasions, rebellious uprisings, and a faction known as the Claw Mafia.
- Spirits and New Mechanics
- Spirits roam the tavern, offering magical encounters. Some may help your party; others will cause chaos.
- Wards and magical masks can help you interact (or hide) from these beings.
- Custom Vehicle Builder
- Design your own Zephyrs using 5E stat blocks, perfect for a skyfaring party.
- Use the vehicle builder to add unique mechanics, weaponry, or features to make your airship stand out.
- Magical Items
- Collect 18 new items, including winged backpacks, enchanted wards, and spirit masks.
- Add illicit, magical substances and odd treasures that fit the tavern’s vibe perfectly.
- Real-World Recipes
- Bring Ghibli’s food magic to your game night with recipes straight from the tavern, like fried pickles and other whimsical delights.
How to Run a Campaign in The Wandering Tavern
The Zephyr offers the perfect setting for anything from one-shots to long-term campaigns. Here are some ideas for getting the most out of it:
1. Start with a Surprise Appearance
The Zephyr isn’t something you search for—it finds you. Begin your session with the tavern suddenly appearing in a cloudbank, offering refuge to your party in the most unexpected way.
2. Introduce Spirits as Both Allies and Antagonists
The spirits aboard the Zephyr aren’t always friendly. Maybe they need your party’s help, or perhaps they’ve been corrupted by outside forces. Use their whimsical yet dangerous nature to drive encounters and puzzles.
3. Tie in the Claw Mafia
Introduce the Claw Mafia as a looming threat. Perhaps they control parts of the tavern, or your players are drawn into a plot to overthrow them.
4. Host a Tavern Festival
In true Ghibli fashion, host a celebration aboard the Zephyr. Include minigames, spirit challenges, and rivalries that your party must navigate.
5. Build Skyfaring Side Quests
Let players craft their own airships using the vehicle builder and set out on sky-bound adventures. Think treasure hunts, aerial battles, or missions to save stranded travellers.
Bring Ghibli Magic to Your Game Night
The Wandering Tavern isn’t just another D&D supplement; it’s an enchanting world unto itself. Whether you’re looking for quirky NPCs, mysterious plot hooks, or a full-blown floating city to explore, this Ghibli-inspired gem has something for every adventurer.
So gather your party, board the Zephyr, and let the sky’s mysteries unfold!
How to Preorder The Wandering Tavern
You can preorder The Wandering Tavern here: BackerKit Preorder Page. Don’t miss out on this magical setting perfect for your next campaign! Or Check out the Playtest Materials Here