When you pick up a Dungeons and Dragons adventure book, you usually expect a mix of epic quests, strange creatures, and endless opportunities for storytelling. Tomb of Annihilation, a Fifth Edition module published by Wizards of the Coast, certainly delivers all of that. But it also comes with something not every DnD adventure needs: a strong disclaimer. This book is infamous not only for its difficulty but also for the conversations it has sparked about cultural representation, mature themes, and how Dungeon Masters (DMs) should prepare their players before diving in.
I’ve played and run parts of this adventure myself, and I can say that it’s unlike any other DnD module. It has the potential to be one of the most memorable campaigns you’ll ever play, but it also has elements that need to be handled with care. This is why a disclaimer, or at least a serious talk with your players, is so important before anyone sets foot in the deadly jungles of Chult.
What is Tomb of Annihilation?
At its core, Tomb of Annihilation is a high-stakes adventure set in Chult, a jungle peninsula full of dinosaurs, undead, ancient ruins, and dangerous magic. The story begins with a curse spreading across the Forgotten Realms. This curse slowly kills anyone who has ever been resurrected, pulling their soul toward final destruction. The only way to stop it is to travel into the depths of Chult, find the source of the curse, and destroy it.
That sounds straightforward enough, but the campaign is built to be brutal. Death is common, resources are scarce, and the environment itself is as much an enemy as the villains you encounter. Many players describe it as one of the hardest official adventures ever released.
The tone is dark, the themes are heavy, and unlike more lighthearted modules, Tomb of Annihilation leans hard into survival horror. That alone justifies giving players a disclaimer before starting. But the conversation doesn’t stop there.
Why a Disclaimer is Important
Tomb of Annihilation is not just dangerous in terms of gameplay. It also includes themes and portrayals that can make players uncomfortable. Some of the biggest points that often come up include:
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Mature Themes: The story is centered around a “death curse.” Everyone who has ever been brought back to life is slowly rotting away. It’s body horror, grief, and mortality all rolled into one.
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Cultural Representation: The depiction of Chult has been criticized for leaning on stereotypes. It borrows elements from real-world African and Caribbean cultures but presents them through a colonial lens. Many feel this reflects poorly on modern gaming design.
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Colonial Undertones: Much of the adventure’s setup involves outsiders coming into Chult, exploring ruins, and extracting resources. To some, this feels like a reenactment of colonial exploitation.
When you look at these issues, it’s clear why a disclaimer helps. A good disclaimer acknowledges that the material may not sit right with everyone, and it sets the stage for open communication. For example, as a DM, you might say:
“This campaign has dark themes and difficult content. Some parts may touch on cultural stereotypes or intense death-related imagery. Let’s check in before we start to make sure everyone is comfortable with the tone.”
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The Controversy Around Tomb of Annihilation
When Tomb of Annihilation first came out, it quickly gained attention for being a challenging and memorable adventure. But it also attracted criticism. Many players pointed out how Chult was portrayed. It’s described as a mysterious, exotic jungle full of ruins and “uncivilized” dangers, with native people who are often reduced to background roles.
To be fair, not every player sees this as a problem. Some argue that the adventure is meant to be pulp-inspired, drawing from the same roots as Indiana Jones or old jungle-exploration stories. But the issue is that those old adventure stories themselves were steeped in colonialist tropes. If you just recreate them without reflection, you risk repeating the same problems.
Wizards of the Coast has since acknowledged that some of their older modules need updates to better handle representation. While they haven’t rewritten Tomb of Annihilation, the larger conversation about inclusivity in gaming has grown stronger in part because of modules like this.
Running the Adventure Responsibly
So how do you actually run Tomb of Annihilation while respecting your players and avoiding harm? The answer lies in preparation and communication.
One of the best tools is a session zero. This is an initial meeting where the DM and players discuss expectations, themes, and boundaries. You can bring up the mature content, the colonial undertones, and the general difficulty of the game. If anyone feels uneasy, you can work together to make adjustments.
Safety tools like the X-card or lines and veils can also be helpful. These are ways for players to signal that something in the story is making them uncomfortable without needing to stop the whole game for a long discussion.
As a DM, you have the power to reframe problematic elements. Maybe you portray Chult not as a land in need of “civilizing” but as a thriving, self-sufficient culture with deep history. Instead of having the players act as outsiders exploiting the land, you could center Chultan guides and characters as the true experts of their homeland.
Practical Tips for Dungeon Masters
Here are some practical things I’ve learned from both playing and DMing parts of Tomb of Annihilation:
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Adjust the Tone: You can soften the horror if your group doesn’t enjoy grim content. Instead of graphic body decay, describe the curse in a more mystical way.
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Elevate Local Voices: Give more depth to Chultan NPCs. Make them leaders, experts, and heroes rather than just guides or shopkeepers.
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Death With Respect: Player death is common, but it doesn’t have to feel cheap. Frame it as a noble sacrifice or part of the greater struggle.
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Check In Often: Don’t just do one disclaimer at the start. Ask players how they’re feeling as the campaign progresses.
A Personal Take
When I first looked at Tomb of Annihilation, I was excited by the mix of jungle exploration and survival mechanics. But the more I read, the more I realized I couldn’t just run it straight out of the book. The descriptions of Chult felt too flat, too much like a stage for outsiders rather than a living world.
So when I ran it for my group, I made changes. I gave Chultan characters more depth and importance. I also adjusted the way the curse was described to fit my group’s comfort level. The result was a campaign that still felt dangerous and mysterious, but also respectful and fun.
This experience taught me that disclaimers aren’t about spoiling the fun or being overly cautious. They’re about making sure everyone at the table feels safe and respected, which ultimately makes the game better.
Final Thoughts
Tomb of Annihilation is a brilliant but flawed adventure. It’s packed with excitement, danger, and unforgettable moments, but it also carries baggage that needs to be addressed. A disclaimer is not just a formality. It’s an essential step in making sure the story you tell is one that everyone at the table can enjoy.
If you’re willing to put in the effort to handle it responsibly, Tomb of Annihilation can be one of the most rewarding campaigns in Dungeons and Dragons. But if you skip over the disclaimer and ignore the sensitive themes, you risk alienating players or worse, causing real discomfort.
FAQ
Is Tomb of Annihilation suitable for beginners?
Not really. The difficulty is punishing, and the themes are heavy. Beginners might find it overwhelming.
What content warnings should I give?
Death, curses, body horror, colonial undertones, and cultural stereotypes.
How do I handle the cultural sensitivity issues?
By reframing Chult as a vibrant, independent culture and centering local voices.
Can the story be modified?
Yes. Many DMs adjust the tone, themes, and NPC roles to better fit their group.
