I didn't know what I was getting, but agreed to review this complimentary PDF. My first thought was "This is strange." My second being, "This is interesting." Third, "This is quite good."

So, what is it exactly? A game within a game, sort of. Not exactly rules for managing a party of PCs but also exactly that. Obviously, this is difficult for me to describe. Let me start again...

Most fantasy RPGs begin with some kind of quest or at least a whiff of adventure, gold, helping the helpless, etc. At this point, play just kind of starts and the characters find their way to where they're going. The actual PC dynamics goes by the wayside when they enter the dungeon.

Dragon Union is a fun way of shining a light on the often overlooked interpersonal "stuff" that goes on (or should go on) when we're not paying attention. If you're a fighter... assuming you even get to play the fighter (there are rules for that, too), it's not just swinging a sword and having more hit points. Oh no, there's a whole protocol for that class, just as there is for playing an elf, magic-user, thief, etc. Definitely more interesting than just rolling up ability scores, choosing whatever you want to play, and heading for the dungeon. This reminded me of the first 30 pages of an OSR game, minus the sections on combat, spells, monsters, etc.

Of course, this isn't for everyone. If you'd rather not have a procedure, protocol, or framework in place, then put the party together and adventure as you see fit. However, if you'd like something cool happening under the hood, before the adventurers even take a step in that dungeon, this just might be for you. The occasionally humorous and "ye olde school" tone was entertaining and the many pieces of artwork very much appreciated.