| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Faraer |
Posted - 09 Jun 2014 : 14:37:32
Here we learn that the 64-page introductory campaign adventure in next month's Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set, based structurally on B10 Night's Dark Terror, will be by Rich Baker and set in Faerūn's Sword Coast North:quote:
The first segment of the adventure puts DMs through the basics of asking for checks and saving throws, as the characters venture into a goblin lair on a rescue mission. Once the adventurers have dealt with the goblins, they have free reign to explore the region around the village of Phandalin. Three more dungeons and five other adventure locations provide novice DMs with plenty of material to keep a campaign going for months.
This is fine news indeed for existing and potential new Realms lovers: till now there have been oddly few beginning Realms scenarios of any sort, let alone ones by proven authors in boxed sets designed to introduce new players to D&D. |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Alruane |
Posted - 12 Sep 2014 : 10:56:59
I haven't played anything in some time, but I so enjoy these sets! Makes everything easier and it's so much fun seeing what was done with it. |
| Derulbaskul |
Posted - 29 Jul 2014 : 10:20:07
Good point, George.
Unless, of course, Cragmaw Keep is actually the site of a mausoleum containing the Bloodbone Throne of Uruth Ukrypt as the only viable way of burying the skulls of the six fallen princes of Phalorm used in the throne's creation....
Half-assed, I know, but I was trying to justify the presence of Many Arrows orcs at Wyvern Tor and explain the reason for a castle raised by Phalorm outside of Phalorm's boundaries. Feel free to explain where I went wrong... please. :) |
| George Krashos |
Posted - 25 Jul 2014 : 03:00:20
Given that Cragmaw Keep is outside the core Phalorm boundaries, it would perhaps have been better linked with Uthtower. Now THAT would have impressed me.
-- George Krashos |
| Faraer |
Posted - 25 Jul 2014 : 02:08:47
On a skim, it looks like a very good adventure, useable in different eras and (with some work) places. Its main flaws as a Realms scenario for experienced DMs are largely a function of its being for beginners: the setting is static and rather than rumours and PC initiative it relies on otherwise passive CRPGlike quest-giving (even, daftly, using the word 'quest') NPCs, and it makes joining power groups implausibly easy, perhaps for the sake of organized play. It could do with a judicious sprinkling of extra Realmslore, for instance the original Phalorm name of Cragmaw Castle, which would make an easy emotional hook for PCs. But this isn't hard to remedy, and more importantly Lost Mine is going to give a lot of people a positive experience of the Realms and D&D. |
| Eilserus |
Posted - 25 Jul 2014 : 01:32:49
Just bought mine today. I like it. The entire adventure, with all its hooks and side quests or mini-adventures looks like a great way to kick-start a new campaign. A DM will be able to have alot of fun with this. |
| The Hooded One |
Posted - 23 Jun 2014 : 16:27:10
Kentinal, be at ease!
Ed has seen this, and says it's NOT an updating or remake of any older adventure (what would be the point, when those older adventures are so widely available to gamers, albeit in e-format?).
Rather, it's a starter-level adventure that walks a novice DM and players through the nitty-gritty of running a D&D game. Ed said that Phandelver itself is beautifully handled in very little wordcount, and could be used outside the adventure, as could some of the dungeon elements (Ed wouldn't specify, but I'm guessing such things as pit traps).
Ed's comment was "a veteran gamer will find themselves looking at a basic adventure, so some things are predictable - - but it's a darned GOOD basic adventure."
So, jaded old grognard that I am, I'll be buying it. 
love,
THO |
| Derulbaskul |
Posted - 22 Jun 2014 : 08:09:53
quote:
Originally posted by Kentinal
Faraer Oh it just appears WotC is recycling old products B2 and B10 were both Modules of Basic D&D set in a different sphere. It like hearing about a classic movie remake where the actors are changed, the year changed but the same story. Often they are not and better and sometimes worst.
Rich Baker is the author. It's not going to be regurgitated crap. I suspect you will find it more of a homage. |
| Delwa |
Posted - 18 Jun 2014 : 02:39:48
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
I don't think they're recycling them. They just took B10 as an inspiration for a low-level campaign module, with an overland map and adventure locations. B2 and X1 were used as ready-to-hand playtest adventures, with fifth-edition stats but not moved to the Realms or anything -- I think Markus got the wrong end of the stick about that.
Agreed. There is a lot of "inspired by" statements, not "this is a remake" statements surrounding this adventure. If they wanted to remake it, all they'd have to do is update the stats, pop in a few sidebars stolen from the 5E DMG to add the optional rules to give it the feel of the era the original module came from.
I just realized it's in a box. I was thinking it's just going to be shrinkwrapped like Murder in Baldur's Gate was. My cats are going to go nuts.  |
| Faraer |
Posted - 17 Jun 2014 : 18:48:40
I don't think they're recycling them. They just took B10 as an inspiration for a low-level campaign module, with an overland map and adventure locations. B2 and X1 were used as ready-to-hand playtest adventures, with fifth-edition stats but not moved to the Realms or anything -- I think Markus got the wrong end of the stick about that. |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 17 Jun 2014 : 15:47:07
Faraer Oh it just appears WotC is recycling old products B2 and B10 were both Modules of Basic D&D set in a different sphere. It like hearing about a classic movie remake where the actors are changed, the year changed but the same story. Often they are not and better and sometimes worst. |
| Faraer |
Posted - 17 Jun 2014 : 14:18:05
Here's the partly redacted contents page and the overland map for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver'. The map is a version of Mike Schley's in the 4E Neverwinter Campaign Setting, which closely follows the original published geography.
Kentinal, of what dost thou grumble? |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 15 Jun 2014 : 20:01:43
*mutters* B10 is also from the Known World. *sighs* |
| Delwa |
Posted - 15 Jun 2014 : 19:57:17
Really looking forward to this set. I was somewhat skeptical as to whether it'd be worth it to get it or just wait for the PHB, but I'm glad I preordered now. |
| Jeremy Grenemyer |
Posted - 15 Jun 2014 : 19:51:55
I am a sucker for boxed sets.
They fit in a mismatched way on my book shelf--like game boxes, come to think of it-- which drives me nuts, but the all in one box approach is something I go for.
I like the price point for this set too. |
