In 2025 I’m reviewing zungeon zines. They’re stream of consciousness and unedited critiques, just like Bathtub Reviews, but they’ll be a little briefer. The goal here is a little different: I want to spotlight what a craft-based, just-do-it approach to module writing can do.

The Divorced Mage is an 8 page zungeon for DURF by Hairic Lilred, with 12 rooms. In it, you explore the home of a divorced couple: An angry harpy, and her depressed ex-husband, a mage. I assume the art — satisfyingly ugly, in a way that feels intentional to match the characters — is also by Lilred, and I love it for this.

I love that these two are minding their own bickering, passive aggressive business until the adventurers interfere — the rumours do a great job of luring adventurers into a situation they have no business being a part of. And it’s all marriage issues: All three factions have their own goals, and they’re all beautifully mundane, despicable and leaves no good or neat answers (although I’m siding with the crow-folk, I think) Just excellent work on the characters and on the dynamic.

The rooms are written conversationally, which fits the mundane tone. “This room is a mess”, then “This one is worse” is funny and exactly how you’d describe a room in a real home. The balance between this mundanity and the high magic of the setting is pleasing to me, although it won’t work for every table or campaign.

Overall The Divorced Mage is a solid zungeon, and honestly as good as many short modules I’ve paid good money for. Perfect for a short digression if you campaign is compatible with a divorced couple bickering in a house with electric bulbs.

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