Acquisitions Incorporated PDF: A Comprehensive Guide (Updated 02/26/2026)
Today, February 26th, 2026, this guide details the Acquisitions Incorporated PDF, offering a deep dive into its contents and practical application for Dungeon Masters seeking corporate chaos!
What is Acquisitions Incorporated?
Acquisitions Incorporated (AI) is a darkly comedic fantasy role-playing campaign setting, originally popularized through the Dungeons & Dragons web series of the same name. At its heart, AI reimagines the adventuring life not as heroic quests for glory, but as a corporate job – a franchise opportunity within a sprawling, bureaucratic organization. Adventurers become employees, tasked with acquiring dungeons, monsters, and magical items for the benefit of the company.
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF serves as the core rulebook for running campaigns within this setting. It details the structure of AI, the expectations placed upon its franchisees, and the unique challenges and opportunities that arise from blending high fantasy with the mundane realities of office life. Think expense reports for dragon slaying and performance reviews after a particularly messy goblin negotiation. It’s a world where bottom lines matter, even when those lines are drawn in the blood of beholders!
Essentially, it’s Dungeons & Dragons meets The Office, offering a refreshing and hilarious take on the traditional fantasy genre.
The Origins of Acquisitions Incorporated
Acquisitions Incorporated didn’t spring fully formed from the mind of a game designer; its roots lie in the improvisational brilliance of the Penny Arcade web series. Originally a comedic side-segment within their broader content, the AI adventures, starring Mike Krahulik, Jerry Holkins, and a rotating cast of guest players, quickly gained a devoted following. These early episodes established the core premise: adventurers as corporate employees, navigating the absurdities of a fantasy workplace.
The popularity of the web series prompted Wizards of the Coast to officially adapt AI into a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting. The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF, released in 2018, codified the rules, lore, and characters established in the show, providing Dungeon Masters with the tools to recreate the AI experience at their own tables.
The PDF builds upon the foundation laid by the series, expanding the world and offering a wealth of new content for players and DMs alike, ensuring the legacy of the comedic origins continues.
The Core Concept: Corporate Fantasy
Corporate fantasy, at its heart, is the brilliant collision of two seemingly disparate worlds: the high-stakes adventure of Dungeons & Dragons and the mundane, often frustrating, reality of corporate life. The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF masterfully blends these elements, presenting a setting where dragons are assets, dungeons are acquisition targets, and adventurers are salaried employees.
This isn’t simply about reskinning monsters as office rivals; it’s a fundamental shift in perspective. Players aren’t heroes answering a call to destiny, but rather employees fulfilling quotas, attending mandatory meetings, and navigating office politics – all while battling goblins and looting treasure.
The PDF leans heavily into satire, poking fun at corporate jargon, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the relentless pursuit of profit, creating a uniquely humorous and engaging campaign experience.
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF – What’s Included?
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF is a treasure trove of content designed to facilitate a hilarious and engaging campaign. It contains a detailed overview of the Acquisitions Incorporated organization itself, outlining its structure, departments, and bizarre corporate culture. Expect comprehensive character options, including new backgrounds specifically tailored for the AI universe – think “Corporate Intern” or “Department Head.”
Beyond character creation, the PDF provides a wealth of adventure hooks, pre-written encounters, and even entire mini-campaigns centered around the business of monster hunting and dungeon delving. Dungeon Masters will find detailed maps, NPC profiles, and rules for managing the financial aspects of running an adventuring franchise.
Furthermore, it includes guidance on integrating AI into existing Dungeons & Dragons settings, ensuring a smooth transition for both players and DMs.
Key Characters in Acquisitions Incorporated
The heart of Acquisitions Incorporated lies within its memorable cast of characters, each contributing to the organization’s unique brand of chaotic efficiency. The PDF extensively details these individuals, providing DMs with rich material for roleplaying and plot development. Central figures include Doug the Destroyer, a surprisingly earnest and enthusiastic barbarian, and Jim “The Hammer” Morrison, a pragmatic and often exasperated human.
Adding a layer of arcane complexity is Vrook Lamastru, a lizardfolk whose motivations are perpetually shrouded in mystery. The PDF delves into their backstories, personalities, and relationships, offering insights into their roles within the company.
Expect detailed stat blocks, personality traits, and suggested dialogue to bring these characters to life at your table, enhancing the immersive experience.
Doug the Destroyer
Doug the Destroyer, as detailed within the Acquisitions Incorporated PDF, is a barbarian of immense physical strength but surprisingly limited intellect. He embodies the “boots on the ground” approach to problem-solving, often resolving conflicts with enthusiastic, if somewhat indiscriminate, force. The PDF highlights his unwavering loyalty to Acquisitions Incorporated and his genuine desire to be a good employee, despite frequently causing collateral damage.
His character sheet provides stats geared towards maximizing damage output, while his personality quirks – a love for paperwork and a tendency to misinterpret instructions – offer comedic opportunities. The PDF includes suggested roleplaying notes, emphasizing his childlike wonder and earnestness. Doug’s backstory, though simple, explains his dedication to the company and his unusual skillset.
Jim “The Hammer” Morrison
Jim “The Hammer” Morrison, a central figure detailed in the Acquisitions Incorporated PDF, is a human fighter and the pragmatic, often exasperated, manager of the Acquisitions Incorporated branch. He serves as a foil to Doug the Destroyer’s chaotic energy, constantly attempting to maintain order and profitability. The PDF emphasizes his business acumen and his ability to negotiate contracts, even with monstrous entities.
Morrison’s character sheet reflects his focus on leadership and tactical combat, while his personality notes highlight his dry wit and cynical outlook. He’s a seasoned adventurer who’s seen it all, and the PDF provides ample opportunities for him to deliver sarcastic commentary on the absurdity of their missions. His backstory reveals a past life of mercenary work before joining Acquisitions Incorporated.
Vrook Lamastru
Vrook Lamastru, as presented within the Acquisitions Incorporated PDF, is a gnomish illusionist and the resident expert in magical solutions – often of questionable legality. He’s a master of deception and misdirection, frequently employed to bypass security measures or secure advantageous deals. The PDF details his penchant for elaborate schemes and his unwavering belief in the power of illusion.
Vrook’s character profile emphasizes his high Intelligence and Charisma scores, reflecting his cunning and persuasive abilities. He’s portrayed as eccentric and flamboyant, with a flair for the dramatic. The PDF provides numerous examples of his spells and abilities being used for both practical purposes and elaborate pranks. His motivations are often self-serving, but he remains a loyal (if unreliable) member of the team.
The Role of the PDF in Running the Campaign
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF serves as the foundational document for Dungeon Masters aiming to run a campaign steeped in corporate fantasy. It’s not merely a setting guide; it’s a toolkit brimming with pre-generated content, including franchise details, employee contracts (character backgrounds), and sample business ventures. The PDF streamlines campaign preparation, offering ready-to-use NPCs like Doug and Jim, alongside detailed descriptions of their personalities and motivations.
Crucially, the PDF provides a framework for balancing traditional dungeon crawling with corporate objectives. DMs can leverage the included forms and procedures to inject a layer of bureaucracy and negotiation into their games. It encourages improvisation and player agency, allowing adventurers to shape their franchise and navigate the cutthroat world of Acquisitions Incorporated.
Setting Up Your Acquisitions Incorporated Game
Preparing to launch your Acquisitions Incorporated campaign begins with understanding the PDF’s core components. First, familiarize yourself with the franchise structure and available departments – monster hunting, security, or even goblin relocation are viable options. Next, consider the level of corporate involvement; will the players be independent franchisees or directly employed by the main HQ?
The PDF facilitates character creation by offering pre-designed employee roles and contract templates. Encourage players to embrace the corporate mindset, developing backstories centered around ambition, profit margins, and inter-office politics. Remember to establish clear reporting structures and performance metrics. Finally, prepare for a blend of combat, negotiation, and paperwork – this is a business, after all!
Adapting the PDF for Different D&D Editions
While originally designed for D&D 5th Edition, the core concepts of Acquisitions Incorporated are remarkably adaptable. For older editions, like 3.5e, focus on translating the corporate structure and quest frameworks. Re-flavor skill challenges as bureaucratic hurdles and adjust monster stat blocks accordingly. The emphasis on contracts and performance reviews remains universally applicable.
For editions beyond 5e, consider how the magic system and character abilities impact the business model. A higher-magic setting might see departments specializing in magical artifact retrieval or enchanted security systems. The key is to maintain the satirical tone and blend fantasy adventure with mundane office life. The PDF provides a foundation; creative adaptation is encouraged!
The Business Side of Acquisitions Incorporated
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF excels at simulating a corporate environment within a fantasy setting. This isn’t just about dungeon crawling; it’s about managing resources, meeting quotas, and navigating office politics. The PDF details establishing a franchise, outlining initial investment costs, branding guidelines, and legal considerations (even in a fantastical world!).
Crucially, it addresses managing adventurers as employees. Think performance reviews based on loot acquired, expense reports for potion costs, and the ever-present threat of inter-departmental rivalry. Bonuses might include better equipment or prime dungeon assignments. The PDF encourages DMs to embrace the absurdity of applying corporate structures to heroic endeavors, creating a uniquely humorous campaign experience.
Creating a Franchise
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF provides a framework for players to establish their own branch of the organization. This involves securing initial funding – perhaps a loan from a dragon or a wealthy merchant – and defining the franchise’s specialization. Will it focus on monster extermination, artifact retrieval, or dungeon delving?
Branding is key; the PDF encourages unique logos and slogans. Legal paperwork, even if largely ceremonial, adds to the immersion. Location matters too – a prime spot near a monster-infested forest or a lucrative ruin is essential. The PDF details the costs associated with establishing a headquarters, hiring staff (adventurers!), and acquiring necessary permits. Success hinges on shrewd business acumen and a willingness to embrace the inherent chaos of the adventuring profession.
Managing Employees (Adventurers)
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF dedicates significant space to the unique challenges of managing adventurers as employees. Unlike typical staff, adventurers require specialized contracts outlining hazard pay, loot distribution, and acceptable levels of collateral damage. Performance reviews are…complicated, often involving subjective assessments of bravery and monster-slaying efficiency.
Motivating adventurers demands more than just a salary; recognition, opportunities for advancement (to Team Lead or Regional Manager!), and access to quality equipment are crucial. The PDF suggests implementing a bonus structure tied to successful missions and minimizing company liability. Dealing with insubordination, reckless behavior, and the occasional existential crisis are all part of the job. Remember, happy adventurers are productive adventurers!
Campaign Themes and Story Arcs
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF excels at providing frameworks for compelling campaign themes. Corporate espionage and rivalries form a central pillar, pitting your adventurers against competing franchises vying for lucrative contracts – perhaps monster extermination or dungeon delving rights. The PDF suggests introducing shadowy figures from competing firms attempting sabotage or poaching valuable employees.
Another strong theme is monster hunting as a service. Adventurers aren’t heroes; they’re contracted professionals eliminating threats for profit. Story arcs can revolve around escalating monster problems, demanding clients, and the ethical dilemmas of prioritizing profit over public safety. The PDF encourages exploring the absurdity of applying corporate bureaucracy to fantastical scenarios, creating a unique blend of humor and adventure.
Corporate Espionage and Rivalries
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF heavily emphasizes the cutthroat world of corporate competition. Rivalries aren’t just about honor; they’re about market share, lucrative contracts, and sabotaging the competition. Expect rival franchises to employ underhanded tactics – stealing clients, spreading misinformation, or even hiring adventurers to disrupt operations.
Espionage becomes a key element, with adventurers tasked with gathering intelligence on competitors, infiltrating their offices (dungeons!), or protecting sensitive company secrets. The PDF suggests introducing morally grey characters – double agents, disgruntled employees – who can provide valuable information or create internal conflicts. These arcs can involve complex investigations, tense negotiations, and thrilling confrontations, all framed within a hilariously bureaucratic setting.
Monster Hunting as a Service
A core tenet of Acquisitions Incorporated is framing monster hunting as a legitimate business venture. The PDF details how adventurers can offer their services to towns and cities, not as heroes, but as contracted professionals. This shifts the focus from glory and altruism to profit margins, contracts, and customer satisfaction.
Adventurers must submit bids for monster hunting jobs, negotiate terms, and manage expenses. The PDF encourages DMs to introduce bureaucratic hurdles – permits, inspections, liability waivers – that add a layer of comedic frustration. Failure to meet contract obligations can result in penalties, while exceeding expectations leads to bonuses and repeat business. This system allows for creative problem-solving, as adventurers must balance efficiency with cost-effectiveness.
Using the PDF for Worldbuilding
The Acquisitions Incorporated PDF isn’t just a campaign setting; it’s a toolkit for injecting corporate satire into any D&D world. The core concept of a franchise-based adventuring company can be seamlessly integrated, providing a unique economic and political layer. Consider how a powerful AI presence might influence local guilds, or how its contracts affect monster populations.
DMs can establish regional AI offices, each with its own quirks and rivalries. The PDF’s emphasis on bureaucracy and paperwork can be used to flesh out existing governmental structures, highlighting corruption or inefficiency. Furthermore, the brand’s marketing materials – even fictional ones – can reveal details about the world’s culture and values. Think about how Jordan-branded merchandise might appear, subtly influencing trends.
Integrating Acquisitions Incorporated into Existing Settings
Adapting Acquisitions Incorporated to established D&D worlds requires a nuanced approach. In the Forgotten Realms, AI could be a relatively new arrival, disrupting the established guilds and attracting adventurers seeking lucrative, if ethically questionable, contracts. Within Eberron, the franchise could be a subsidiary of a larger, more shadowy organization, leveraging the continent’s industrial infrastructure.
Consider the existing power structures. Does the local monarchy welcome AI’s economic influence, or view it as a threat? How do established adventuring groups react to the competition? The PDF’s inherent humor can be amplified by contrasting AI’s corporate culture with the setting’s established norms. Even the presence of Jordan-branded items can add a layer of anachronistic detail, sparking intrigue.
Common Challenges and Solutions for DMs
Running an Acquisitions Incorporated campaign presents unique challenges. Players may prioritize profit over heroism, requiring DMs to creatively incentivize morally sound choices. Balancing corporate bureaucracy with exciting dungeon crawls is crucial; too much paperwork can stall momentum. Maintaining the comedic tone without undermining stakes demands careful calibration.
Solutions include awarding bonus shares for heroic deeds, introducing rival franchises with unscrupulous tactics, and utilizing the PDF’s pre-written contracts as springboards for adventure. Embrace player ingenuity in exploiting loopholes! Remember, the humor stems from the absurdity of applying corporate logic to fantasy scenarios. Don’t shy away from letting player actions have significant, even chaotic, consequences within the AI framework.
Resources and Supplemental Materials
Expanding your Acquisitions Incorporated game is surprisingly easy! Numerous online communities and forums, like those dedicated to Dungeons & Dragons, actively discuss AI campaigns, sharing house rules and adventure ideas. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram (accounts like jordann_wtt and jordanlw_), showcase fan content and inspire creative approaches to franchise aesthetics.
Third-party content offers pre-made modules and character options tailored to the AI setting. While official expansions are limited, the core PDF provides ample material for customization. TikTok (users like jordan.rand and jordanmffff) demonstrate engaging storytelling techniques applicable to roleplaying. Explore resources focusing on corporate roleplaying and satire for inspiration. Remember to check for updated errata and community-created supplements!
Online Communities and Forums
A thriving network supports Acquisitions Incorporated DMs! Dedicated Dungeons & Dragons forums, like those on Reddit and dedicated RPG websites, host active threads discussing campaign strategies, character builds, and house rules specifically for AI. These spaces allow for collaborative worldbuilding and problem-solving;
Social media platforms, such as Instagram (accounts like jordann_wtt and jordanlw_), showcase fan-created content, inspiring visual elements for your franchise. TikTok (users like jordan.rand and jordanmffff) offer glimpses into dynamic roleplaying styles. Look for Facebook groups centered around D&D and corporate fantasy. These communities provide a valuable space to share experiences, ask questions, and find fellow AI enthusiasts. Remember to respect community guidelines and contribute positively!
Third-Party Content and Expansions
Beyond the official Acquisitions Incorporated PDF, a wealth of third-party content enhances the experience. Websites like the Dungeon Master’s Guild offer player handouts, pre-written adventures, and expanded lore tailored to the AI universe. Creators build upon the core concepts, introducing new departments, rival corporations, and challenging scenarios.
Consider integrating elements inspired by the broader Jordan Brand aesthetic – think innovative product lines (like Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid, Low, and High) as magical items or corporate perks. While not directly related, the energy of online communities (Instagram, TikTok) can inspire dynamic NPC personalities. Explore resources that focus on business simulation within RPGs, adapting mechanics for managing a franchise. Remember to always credit creators and respect copyright when utilizing third-party materials!
The Legacy of Acquisitions Incorporated
Acquisitions Incorporated transcends a simple Dungeons & Dragons campaign; it’s a cultural touchstone within the tabletop RPG community. Originating from Penny Arcade’s livestreamed games, its blend of high fantasy and corporate satire resonated deeply with players. The PDF formalized this experience, providing DMs with the tools to replicate the chaotic energy and hilarious scenarios.
The influence extends beyond D&D, inspiring other RPGs to explore similar themes of bureaucracy and adventure. The brand’s association with Jordan Burroughs, a celebrated wrestler, highlights its reach into diverse spheres. Even tangential connections, like the popularity of Jordan shoes and related merchandise, demonstrate a broader cultural impact. The enduring appeal lies in its relatable humor and the freedom it offers for creative storytelling.
Jordan Burroughs and the Brand Connection (Brief Mention)
Interestingly, the name “Acquisitions Incorporated” has a notable connection to Jordan Burroughs, a highly accomplished American freestyle wrestler born July 8, 1988. While seemingly disparate, this association arose through fan recognition and playful branding extensions within the Dungeons & Dragons community. It’s a testament to the campaign’s cultural footprint that it’s linked to a prominent athlete.
This connection, though not integral to the gameplay of the Acquisitions Incorporated PDF, demonstrates the campaign’s ability to permeate beyond traditional gaming circles. The link also subtly echoes the themes of competition and striving for success, mirroring Burroughs’ athletic career. Further, the popularity of Jordan-branded athletic wear, like shoes, reflects a broader consumer interest that subtly aligns with the campaign’s commercial focus.
Finding Jordan Shoes and Related Merchandise
While tangential to the core Acquisitions Incorporated PDF content, the frequent mention of “Jordan” within online discussions naturally leads to inquiries about finding Jordan-branded shoes and merchandise. Nike.com serves as a primary source, offering free delivery and returns on a wide selection of Air Jordan 1 models – including Mid, Low, and High variations in diverse color palettes.
Beyond Nike’s official site, numerous retailers and online marketplaces stock Jordan footwear; Social media platforms like Instagram (accounts like jordanlw_) showcase styles and trends. TikTok videos (from users like jordan.rand and jordanmffff) often feature related fashion content, indirectly promoting the brand. Exploring these avenues can uncover unique finds and current styles, though authenticity should always be verified.