The first thing that grabs your attention is the box itself. Designed by Eric Belisle, the artist behind the Mimic illustration in the D&D 5E Monster Manual, the clamshell box is a beautiful (and terrifying) tribute to one of D&D's most iconic monsters. The box, cleverly disguised as a (Mimic cleverly disguised as a) treasure chest, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Mimic, blending the temptation of loot with the threat of hidden danger. The attention to detail is impressive, and the fact that the back-of-the-box sticker can be easily removed without leaving a trace (revealing more treasure chest detail) ensures that the chest remains a display-worthy piece even after it's unwrapped. The front of the box is held closed by a security seal: a sticker designed to look like a metal locking clasp, featuring a skull design, the D&D "&-Dragon" logo and the Dungeons & Dragons name beneath it. To open the box, you can carefully slice the sticker along the line of the opening of the box. However, this sticker is just as easily removed as the one on the back, if you prefer not to damage it... or if you want to remove it to reveal the artwork beneath.
Inside this clever packaging, you'll find five 4"x6" notebooks, each themed around a different quintessential D&D monster. The variety in the paper types —lined, dot grid, and graph— adds versatility to the set. Whether you're jotting down character stats, sketching out dungeon maps, or brainstorming new adventure ideas, there's a notebook suited to the task. The cover art for each notebook is both evocative and functional, drawing you into the world of D&D with every use and serving to easily identify which is which. The Owlbear and Lich notebooks, with their lined pages, are ideal for note-taking, while the Displacer Beast's dot grid is perfect for more flexible sketches and ideas. The Black Dragon and Beholder notebooks, featuring graph paper, are tailor-made for mapping and technical drawings, making them a fantastic tool for both DMs and players.
A particularly thoughtful addition is the inner box that fills the remaining space within the Mimic chest. This small, empty box is not just an afterthought—it's a continuation of the Mimic theme, complete with the tongue and inner mouth design printed on it. The empty box is also incredibly practical, providing a handy storage solution for dice, pencils, or miniatures. It's clear that every aspect of this set has been designed with the D&D player in mind, from the functionality of the notebooks to the clever, thematic storage options.
One minor quibble for some might be the size of the notebooks. At 4"x6", they're certainly portable and easy to slip into a bag or pocket, which is great for on-the-go note-taking. However, those who prefer larger, more expansive notebooks might find these a bit cramped for extensive campaign planning or detailed drawings. That said, the compact size is perfect for quick notes and sketches during gameplay or travel.
Retailing at $27.99 USD, the Mimic Treasure Chest Notebook Set might be a bit of a luxury item, but it's also a unique and thoughtful gift for any D&D enthusiast, blending practical utility with a rich thematic design. Whether you're a player who's always sketching out maps, a DM constantly brewing new ideas, or just a fan of beautifully designed D&D merchandise, this set is a fantastic addition to your collection.
The Dungeons & Dragons: Mimic Treasure Chest Notebook Set is a wonderful blend of form and function, offering fans a stylish and practical way to channel their creativity. If you're looking for a gift that's sure to delight any adventurer on-the-go, this Mimic Treasure Chest is a treasure worth uncovering.
