| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Brakkart |
Posted - 25 Oct 2006 : 23:23:52
Following the link in the first post of the thread on Expedition to Undermountain, I couldn't help but not one of the Also Reccomended titles listed, namely this one:
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/item/books-978078694039/0786940395/Shadowdale+The+Scouring+Of+The+Land+A+Forgotten+Realms+Adven
Shadowdale: The Scouring of The Land by Thomas M. Reid, Richard Baker & Eric L. Boyd. Due July 2007.
I'm presuming that this is the second book in the FR hardcover adventure trilogy for next year, and the sequel therefore to Cormyr: The Tearing of the Weave.
Any ideas where the third part will be set? Anauroch or Sembia would be good locations I'd say. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Asgetrion |
Posted - 13 Oct 2007 : 10:37:53
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
quote:
Originally posted by Asgetrion
By the way, Thomas, those maps of Castle Krag were *excellent*! I can't remember a last time I was this excited about maps in a published adventure!   
Many thanks, Asgetrion! 
I grew up hiking in the mountains with USGS maps, have some formal education in drafting, and worked as one for a while when I was in HS and part of college, so I take a lot of pride in my maps. They are one of those too-often-overlooked parts of this game that I dearly love and try to devote significant time creating. Any time I receive a compliment for my work on them, it's particularly pleasing.
Thanks again,
Thomas
I agree -- many designers don't pay enough attention on the maps. I have had the privilege to play under a DM who has always designed "aesthetically pleasing" maps, so I usually take a look at them first in any published adventure (and I rarely buy one which has maps that I don't like -- unless the module is otherwise written pretty well). So, thank *you* for designing those maps, and I definitely hope that you'll be working in future FR projects, too! |
| Daviot |
Posted - 12 Oct 2007 : 00:49:28
Well, after finally reading the book cover to cover (in preparations for the third session based on the book), I too offer thanks for the work you did on the maps.
When I make a dungeon from scratch, I print out a 1-in. grid on 8.5x11 paper, build the rooms one at time, and then "reveal" them as the PCs round corners and open doors by overlaying additional rooms onto the dungeon map. It's very portable, and gives the player no idea about the shape of the rest of the dungeon. Both Castle Krag and Alokkair's Lair are great for this sort of conversion.
Lastly, on the chapter on Azamaer's Folly, I see the entrances/exits to the Old Skull (the waterfall in Area 7), and the Chasm bridge links the area to Castle Grimstead, Cavenaugh, the Twisted Tower, and the Old Skull cellar. My question is this: Where does the map actually link with Alokkair's Lair? After rereading it, it claims to deposit the PCs in area 1, but there's no physical connections on the maps for area 1 or near area 1 to show it leading back to the Chapter three areas. 
How exactly is that connection supposed to work? |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 10 Oct 2007 : 22:44:18
quote:
Originally posted by Asgetrion
By the way, Thomas, those maps of Castle Krag were *excellent*! I can't remember a last time I was this excited about maps in a published adventure!
Many thanks, Asgetrion!
I grew up hiking in the mountains with USGS maps, have some formal education in drafting, and worked as one for a while when I was in HS and part of college, so I take a lot of pride in my maps. They are one of those too-often-overlooked parts of this game that I dearly love and try to devote significant time creating. Any time I receive a compliment for my work on them, it's particularly pleasing.
Thanks again,
Thomas |
| Asgetrion |
Posted - 09 Oct 2007 : 21:40:11
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
quote:
Originally posted by Drunken Master
in Castle Krag, there are two ettins with flaming whips, there are amnizus throwing fireballs (spell-like ability)
<snip>
So am I missing some reason why these effects are working, or did the designers accidentally overlook that detail?
For my part (Ch. 2), it was a gaffe. I went back over all the NPC spell lists very carefully, but missed the items and spell-like abilities. You could either change the whips to Shadow Weave items or make them Vicious instead of Flaming. I'd leave the amnizus alone and just have their fireballs function at reduced effectiveness.
Thomas
By the way, Thomas, those maps of Castle Krag were *excellent*! I can't remember a last time I was this excited about maps in a published adventure! |
| ShepherdGunn |
Posted - 09 Oct 2007 : 11:51:34
Currently running this game. I am loving it. The groups loving it. They're kinda "going out of order", but it makes sense what they're doing. They did the "important stuff" in Chapter 1. Went to the location for Chapter 3 and are heading back to Chapter 2 afterwards. I made a joke though, before I started running it that I thought it would be a good idea to "SWAT" this game. I didn't expect what I'd end up with.
A Marshall/Crusader/Vassal of Bahamut, with leadership so he's got an army already with him.
Rogue (Sniper) with Leadership, so he has a half-orc barbarian brawler.
A Sorceress/Fatespinner with Reserve Feats (best darn feats for an arcane caster).
A Darksong Knight/Cleric/Sworddancer drow
A Half Giant Totemist
And a Spellscale Bard/Dragonsong Lyrist from the Dalelands.
and they actually all work together! Only complaint I've gotten so far, though, is the umm... Finger of Plot.
Of course, the Vassal's stirring "Rise up, Sons of the Dale" speech... I really should of written it down as it was going on. It was classic. I almost went to find my Henry V music to play in the background it was that good. It got the group extra notoriety points, but still it was goood.
I'm really interested how this group does with this. I'm scared for the next one. |
| Mortagon |
Posted - 21 Sep 2007 : 12:06:21
There may seem to be a lot of dungeons in Shadowdale: Scouring of the land, but most of them are pretty small and not everyone is important for the story. Shadowdale is much more open for DM meddling than the first adventure; Cormyr: Tearing of the weave was. And much seems to be left open for the DM to toy with.
|
| Marquant Volker |
Posted - 21 Sep 2007 : 05:04:10
From what i can see from the online galery to many dungeons for my liking. Do the PCs have to descend in all of them? Me and my party are enjoying roleplay/story encounters over dungeon crawl. Thats also the reason i decided not to run City of the Spider Queen (i own the book however for the fluff) |
| Faraer |
Posted - 10 Aug 2007 : 18:21:22
Scott Rouse intervened about the online maps. All bigger now. |
| Drunken Master |
Posted - 08 Aug 2007 : 17:36:59
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
quote:
Originally posted by Drunken Master
in Castle Krag, there are two ettins with flaming whips, there are amnizus throwing fireballs (spell-like ability)
<snip>
So am I missing some reason why these effects are working, or did the designers accidentally overlook that detail?
For my part (Ch. 2), it was a gaffe. I went back over all the NPC spell lists very carefully, but missed the items and spell-like abilities. You could either change the whips to Shadow Weave items or make them Vicious instead of Flaming. I'd leave the amnizus alone and just have their fireballs function at reduced effectiveness.
Thomas
Oh, good, I wasn't missing something in the rules, then. An oversight I can definitely understand - and relate to, as I make 'em all time as a DM! I'll alter stuff accordingly.
Excellent adventure, by the way! I can't wait to run it |
| Faraer |
Posted - 08 Aug 2007 : 13:02:05
Shadowdale: The Scouring of the Land Map Galleryquote:
As with any adventure, maps serve an extremely useful purpose
Though not so much at about 40 dpi. Hi-res copies of the Shadowdale maps would still be appreciated! |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 07 Aug 2007 : 14:43:23
quote:
Originally posted by Drunken Master
in Castle Krag, there are two ettins with flaming whips, there are amnizus throwing fireballs (spell-like ability)
<snip>
So am I missing some reason why these effects are working, or did the designers accidentally overlook that detail?
For my part (Ch. 2), it was a gaffe. I went back over all the NPC spell lists very carefully, but missed the items and spell-like abilities. You could either change the whips to Shadow Weave items or make them Vicious instead of Flaming. I'd leave the amnizus alone and just have their fireballs function at reduced effectiveness.
Thomas |
| Drunken Master |
Posted - 29 Jul 2007 : 19:07:25
I've noticed that throughout chapters 2 & 3 there are a few references made to evocation effects used within Zone 2 of the Rite of Undoing – for example, in Castle Krag, there are two ettins with flaming whips, there are amnizus throwing fireballs (spell-like ability), and there are everburning torches in the Temple of Bane.
The Ritual's description states that no evocation, transmutation or light spells or spell-like abilities can be used within Zone 2, unless the user has the Shadow Weave Magic feat. It also says that magic items of those types funtion at reduced caster levels within Zone 1, so I would think that in Zone 2 they would not function at all, just like the spells.
So am I missing some reason why these effects are working, or did the designers accidentally overlook that detail?
Although, I suppose I could just have the items in question be shadow weave items... still there's no good reason I can see for the amnizus to be throwing out fireballs, which greatly reduces their combat prowess. |
| Eremite |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 17:11:57
Oops, my post was not meant to imply any sort of criticism of Messrs Boyd and Reid, both of whose work I greatly enjoy (Eric for, well, everything and Thomas for, inter alia, Shining South).
It's just the adventure had that classic Red Hand of Doom feel so I had assumed that Rich had a heavy hand in its design and development (and Rich's name was in a larger font on the cover hence my assumption).
Anyway, I really like this product and only wish Undermountain had been put together as well as this. |
| initiate |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 01:31:45
Ergdusch Wrote:
One other thing relating to the module: Is it somehow connected to the events in Paul S. Kemp's Twilight War trilogy?
I'm certainly not Eric, but I asked him pretty much the same thing in the other thread dedicated to this adventure, [called "Elminster falls for it again"; thanks for the answers, Mr. Boyd], and as I recall he said this: "Paul and I spoke to make sure that the two plots were compatible, yet independent."
This makes a lot of sense to me. There're plenty of people who read FR novels but do not game, [and visa versa I suppose, though the latter seem to be a rarer breed], and tying any major part of a book's plot to what is in many ways an entire different medium that the reader may not be invested in doesn't seem quite right. At the same time, as the two stories both feature the Shades prominently, it makes sense to ensure that they're compatible. I'm curious as to how this'll work, as both stories may potentially end with major "showdowns" with the Shades, within months of each other. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.
|
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 00:27:13
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
quote:
Originally posted by Eremite
I finally found a copy of this adventure here in Singapore and have bought and read it. I really like. You can see the dab hand of Rich Baker at work here- the master of the Red Hand of Doom has produced what could easily become a classic. I particularly like the use of the Heroes of Battle mechanics. I am sure that this will inspire one or two of my own adventures in due course.
Excellent product.
Rich only wrote one chapter.
-- George Krashos
Translation:
Rich is awesome, but so too are Eric and Thomas . . . |
| Ergdusch |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 00:24:10
Thank you Eric for the answer - and since it is you answering I take your word as truth! [;p]
One other thing relating to the adventure series - is it somehow connected to the events in Paul S. Kemps Twilight War Trilogy? (I must admit - I have not read any of the books as of yet but since the adventures have ties to schemes of Shar I wonder.........)
Ergdusch
|
| ericlboyd |
Posted - 27 Jul 2007 : 17:20:19
quote:
Originally posted by Ergdusch
Hi folks!
Quick question demanding short answer - are the super model adventures like Shadowdale (and Cormyr) introducing official cannon material?
Thanks in advance.
Ergdusch
Yes.
--Eric |
| Ergdusch |
Posted - 27 Jul 2007 : 16:24:47
Hi folks!
Quick question demanding short answer - are the super model adventures like Shadowdale (and Cormyr) introducing official cannon material?
Thanks in advance.
Ergdusch |
| George Krashos |
Posted - 27 Jul 2007 : 13:32:17
quote:
Originally posted by Eremite
I finally found a copy of this adventure here in Singapore and have bought and read it. I really like. You can see the dab hand of Rich Baker at work here- the master of the Red Hand of Doom has produced what could easily become a classic. I particularly like the use of the Heroes of Battle mechanics. I am sure that this will inspire one or two of my own adventures in due course.
Excellent product.
Rich only wrote one chapter.
-- George Krashos
|
| ericlboyd |
Posted - 27 Jul 2007 : 00:43:52
quote:
Originally posted by WalkerNinja
I've read the module cover to cover twice now. The Windsong Tower rings in the appendix... who the heck's got 'em????
Eregul. Look at the caravan escort encounter in Chapter 5.
It's important that the PCs acquire this ring and the note referring to it (see the drow stronghold in Chapter 4) if you're going to play the next module.
--Eric |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 22:35:10
I've read the module cover to cover twice now. The Windsong Tower rings in the appendix... who the heck's got 'em???? |
| Eremite |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 16:45:28
I finally found a copy of this adventure here in Singapore and have bought and read it. I really like. You can see the dab hand of Rich Baker at work here- the master of the Red Hand of Doom has produced what could easily become a classic. I particularly like the use of the Heroes of Battle mechanics. I am sure that this will inspire one or two of my own adventures in due course.
Excellent product. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 25 Jul 2007 : 02:50:27
quote:
Originally posted by Chyron
In part 3 of this series the PCs are actually blasted back through time during a battle with a Prince of Shade...while back in time they actually warn Elminster of the coming attack by Sharran assassins, he secures the Sharran artifact in a safe dimension outside of his tower, the PC and big E defeat the assasins and the whole 2nd adventure actually never actually occurs...
That would actually be pretty funny. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 25 Jul 2007 : 02:46:37
quote:
Originally posted by Chyron
I don't mind an RSE once or twice a decade...but seems of late (between novels and gaming accessories) it's been closer to one per year.
One per year? Now it's starting to seem like two or three per year (if not more)!
quote:
Gods dieing, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria, is no reason, by itself, to pay attention to these books.
Agreed, totally. |
| Asgetrion |
Posted - 25 Jul 2007 : 02:06:34
quote:
Originally posted by Chyron
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
[quote]
Hmm, maybe we should see an adventure done wherein the PCs bust up the next big RSE before it actually starts?
Might be even more fun if they didn't even know what they were doing... "Save the Realms? I thought we were bumping off this old lich!"
Or maybe the final adventure will go along the lines of the TV show HEROES..."Save the Chosen, Save the Realms" 
PREPARE! for some nonsensical spoiler speculation
In part 3 of this series the PCs are actually blasted back through time during a battle with a Prince of Shade...while back in time they actually warn Elminster of the coming attack by Sharran assassins, he secures the Sharran artifact in a safe dimension outside of his tower, the PC and big E defeat the assasins and the whole 2nd adventure actually never actually occurs...
Errr... do the PCs also lose all the EXP and magic they accumulated during the adventure? I would like to see a DM who could walk away from the table after trying to pull *THAT* stunt! |
| Hoondatha |
Posted - 25 Jul 2007 : 01:51:53
See, THIS is what I love about time travel adventures. The more your head aches, the better you've done. |
| Chyron |
Posted - 24 Jul 2007 : 16:08:44
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
[quote]
Hmm, maybe we should see an adventure done wherein the PCs bust up the next big RSE before it actually starts?
Might be even more fun if they didn't even know what they were doing... "Save the Realms? I thought we were bumping off this old lich!"
Or maybe the final adventure will go along the lines of the TV show HEROES..."Save the Chosen, Save the Realms"
PREPARE! for some nonsensical spoiler speculation
In part 3 of this series the PCs are actually blasted back through time during a battle with a Prince of Shade...while back in time they actually warn Elminster of the coming attack by Sharran assassins, he secures the Sharran artifact in a safe dimension outside of his tower, the PC and big E defeat the assasins and the whole 2nd adventure actually never actually occurs... |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 24 Jul 2007 : 15:56:13
quote:
Originally posted by Chyron
I don't mind an RSE once or twice a decade...but seems of late (between novels and gaming accessories) it's been closer to one per year.
Hmm, maybe we should see an adventure done wherein the PCs bust up the next big RSE before it actually starts?
Might be even more fun if they didn't even know what they were doing... "Save the Realms? I thought we were bumping off this old lich!" |
| ericlboyd |
Posted - 22 Jul 2007 : 17:18:18
quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
Yeah, one of the things I liked about Shadowdale was all the things I recognized. For instance, one of the first adventures I ever ran as a DM was the original Shadowdale adventure in the 2e box set, delving under the Twisted Tower. And now, when PC's need to go delving under the Twisted Tower again more than a decade later, the maps are the same. Just one fewer possible continuity problem.
And Faraer, I said I wanted to know what happens in them. Doesn't necessarily mean I'll *buy* them. There's a difference.
One of the design challenges for this adventure was that there were three "dungeons" that had already been detailed for Shadowdale in 1e and 2e. One is buried under the ruins of Elminster's tower, and not covered by this adventure. (It's an old Dungeon adventure.) The other two we reused and extended (in a logical way) the original maps, evolved the inhabitants (in a logical way) to a whole new array of monsters, annd, in the case of beneath the Twisted Tower, ran the adventure in reverse.
--Eric |
| Hoondatha |
Posted - 22 Jul 2007 : 15:00:45
Yeah, one of the things I liked about Shadowdale was all the things I recognized. For instance, one of the first adventures I ever ran as a DM was the original Shadowdale adventure in the 2e box set, delving under the Twisted Tower. And now, when PC's need to go delving under the Twisted Tower again more than a decade later, the maps are the same. Just one fewer possible continuity problem.
And Faraer, I said I wanted to know what happens in them. Doesn't necessarily mean I'll *buy* them. There's a difference. |
