Overview
Hoard of the Dragon Queen is an adventure module for the 5th edition of the tabletop role‑playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). It was released in 2014 by Wizards of the Coast as the first part of the “Tyranny of Dragons” storyline, which is continued in the subsequent module The Rise of Tiamat.
Publication Details
- Title: Hoard of the Dragon Queen
- Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
- Release Date: August 2014 (physical hardcover) and September 2014 (PDF)
- ISBN: 978‑0786967649 (hardcover)
- Authors: Christopher Perkins (lead designer), with contributions from Jeremy Crawford, Steve Winter, and others.
- Art: Cover art by Tyler Jacobson; interior illustrations by various artists including Jason Engle and Ben Wootten.
Setting and Plot
The adventure is set primarily in the Forgotten Realms, a campaign setting for D&D. The narrative follows the characters as they confront the Cult of the Dragon, which is attempting to amass a massive hoard of treasure to summon the ancient evil dragon goddess Tiamat. The module is structured as a series of episodic encounters that can be adapted for characters of levels 1–7, with the final chapter designed for characters up to level 10. Notable locations include the town of Greenest, the caravan route to Waterdeep, and the dragon’s lair in the Mere of Dead Men.
Structure
The module comprises eight chapters:
- Greenest in Flames – Introduction to the cult’s activities.
- Bandit Camp – Investigation of a raiding party.
- Dragon Hatchery – Discovery of dragon eggs.
- Construction Site – Interception of the cult’s transport convoy.
- Skyreach Castle – Assault on a fortified location.
- Castle Naerytar – Exploration of a ruined fortress.
- On the Road – Travel and random encounters en route to Waterdeep.
- The Hoard – Confrontation at the cult’s treasure hoard and the dragon’s lair.
Design Intent
The module is intended for a party of four to six players and includes pre‑generated characters to facilitate entry for new players. It provides guidance for Dungeon Masters on pacing, scaling encounters, and integrating the adventure into broader campaign arcs.
Reception
Critical reception was mixed to positive. Reviewers highlighted the module’s accessible entry point for new players and its clear narrative structure. Criticisms focused on perceived linearity in early chapters and occasional balance issues in combat encounters. Sales data indicate that the module was among the top‑selling D&D releases for 2014.
Related Products
- The Rise of Tiamat (2014): The direct sequel that concludes the “Tyranny of Dragons” storyline.
- Tyranny of Dragons boxed set (2014): A combined offering of both modules.
- Various supplemental materials, such as the Adventure Hooks PDF and official D&D podcasts, expand on the storyline.
Availability
Hoard of the Dragon Queen is available in hardcover, softcover, PDF, and as part of the digital subscription service D&D Beyond. It remains in print as of 2024.
References
- Wizards of the Coast product page for Hoard of the Dragon Queen (official publisher website).
- Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition core rulebooks (for contextual rules).
- Independent reviews from Polygon, Dicebreaker, and EN World (published 2014–2015).
