Quag Keep

Quag Keep is a 1978 science fantasy novel by Andre Norton. It is noteworthy for being the first licensed novel set within the Dungeons & Dragons universe. The story follows a group of tabletop role-playing gamers who are magically transported into the world of their Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

The novel centers around a group of disparate individuals, each embodying a different character class from the game, who find themselves within the actual world they had only previously imagined. They must navigate this new reality, using their game-derived skills and knowledge to survive, face various challenges, and ultimately find a way back to their own world.

Key themes explored in Quag Keep include the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy, the power of imagination, and the responsibilities that come with wielding magical abilities. The novel blends elements of high fantasy with the then-nascent world of tabletop role-playing, making it a significant work in the early development of both genres. It is often considered a classic example of a portal fantasy and is recognized for its pioneering role in bringing Dungeons & Dragons to a wider audience through literature.