This pdf is 13 pages long, 1 page front cover, 1 page advertisement, 2 pages editorial, 1 page ToC/foreword, 1 page SRD and 1 page back cover, leaving a total of 6 pages of content for the second "Dungeon Dressing"-pdf, so let's check it out!
The Dungeon Dressing-series of pdfs seeks to add details, details, details to your game and provides tables of enticing, unique and evocative pieces to your creations, enabling you to make your locations feel more distinct - at least that's the idea. Does it succeed?
Quite original, Creighton Broadhurst kicks off this discussion of stairs by classifying multiple kinds of stairs, from gradual to spiral staircases as well as stair made from e.g. magically hardened glass. We also get information on how different kinds of stairs impede movement, acrobatics-DCs etc., all contained in a concise page.
After having these basics covered, we get the tables and we're in for a table I absolutely adore: Random characteristics provide a page of features that range from low ceilings, to masoner's marks and niches and even steps with different heights - sometimes these features provide for added complications that influence e.g. DCs and options available to the PCs.
A total of 2 pages containing 100 dressings and features, from graffiti to dust and tracks, broken spear shafts, chipped steps and blood trails and slippery water are contained herein, once again providing different angles, hooks and, again, often modifications of crunchy circumstances the PCs may encounter.
My biggest gripe with the predecessor detailing statues was that the traps were not on par with the tables. This installment also features traps, 3 to be precise: Cr 3m 4 and 7 and boy, they are better: From the classic sliding staircase (with effects depending on the round) to a barrage of shadow-magic style boulders, the three different traps all can be considered winners - while not particular in their fluff, the traps are iconic enough to make not only for cool challenges, but also remain easy to integrate in the sample staircase of your choosing.
Conclusion:
Editing and formatting are top-notch, I didn't notice any glitches. Layout adheres to RSp'S elegant 2-column b/w-standard and the pdf comes in two versions - one optimized for screen use on tablets and one to be printed out. The pdf is fully bookmarked. I'm a big fan of details - they make for the spice of adventuring and the difference between a cool world and one that can be considered truly immersive. The stairs contained herein are not simple fluff, though, instead adding a nice variety of modifications that can not only make the player' experience better, but also provide for neat environmental challenges that influence your combat tactics. In the end, all of the content herein should be considered top-notch and taking the low price into account, I am more or less forced to grant this pdf the best possible rating 5 stars + endzeitgeist seal of approval for an exciting, cool supplement that is guaranteed to enrich your GM-arsenal.
Endzeitgeist out.
