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Best 1st level Module

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
redwizard
Jul 02, 2005 10:56:26 I am considering starting a hybrid campaign of the old 1st edition modules converted over to 3.5. I am a old school player and still remember using the very first soft cover rules booklets in tan (Not the red and blue books which came later after the first hardbacks) and I want to introduce those great old adventures to a younger generation of players.

I am torn between either running the SInister Secret of Saltmarsh or that old classic first timer, Keep on the Borderlands. Saltmarsh allows for some nice town roleplay where the party must solve a mystery as opposed to just hack and slash but the Caves of Chaos do call.

Have any thoughts or other suggestions for old school 1-3 level modules?
#2
weasel_fierce
Jul 02, 2005 12:53:00 Keep is great, though it requires either a large group, henchmen, or a lot of clever tactics.

There was a compilation set, containing pretty much all of the B series.
#3
jhalad
Jul 02, 2005 13:51:34 Under Ilfarn is great (N1)
Lost Island of Castanamir (C4)
Undermountain! (Not for 1st level, though)
Night Below is excellent
Temple of Elemental Evil
There's also some outstanding adventures in the old Dungeon Magazines
Secret of Bone Hill (L1) looks decent, but I've never used it.

Hope this helps.
#4
zombiegleemax
Jul 03, 2005 0:29:31 I'm a huge fan of U1, but if your players are stupid or clumsey, they'll die quick if you run it in an 'impartial' manner. KotB is also a classic w/ enough local area to be a real mini-campaign. T1 is also a good 1st level module, but again, quite deadly for the stupid player.

I think the biggest issue you'll run into is the fact that the classic modules weren't written with 'balanced encounters' in mind - you may get a lot of whining from your players about ELs and CRs and how unfair it is to throw an encounter with a dozen 1st level warriors backed up by a 3rd-4th level Illusionist at them...
#5
fzoul_chembryl
Jul 03, 2005 15:32:01 (Little) Keep on the Borderlands by Kenzer Co. is probably my favorite - it's KotB but expanded to become a true mini-setting, with the adventure coming in at 140 pages. It's for the Hackmaster system, which is similar to D&D and AD&D. Kenzerco's website.
#6
stonebeard
Jul 04, 2005 18:43:49 You might consider also the strengths and weaknesses of your players. If they are new to the mechanics of the game then B2 could be hard for them. As mentioned before B2 is combat intensive and either requires a big party or a party well versed in the combat system so as to gain every advantage available to them. The role playing module might be the better way to go while introducing them slowly into the combat system. On the other hand they might pick it up right away but give a thought to what you can expect from the players as b2 will test any players mettle when it comes to hacken and slashen.
#7
zombiegleemax
Jul 05, 2005 22:10:36 I always liked the module "Against the Cult of the Reptile God", but the BBEG in the module would have to be worked out. It would wax a 3rd edition party. Also, I've also always liked "The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh" as well. Really a good misdirection module.
#8
zombiegleemax
Jul 06, 2005 8:05:07 B1 In Search of the Unknown.

best module EVAR. for Referees and Players alike
#9
zombiegleemax
Jul 06, 2005 9:18:23 I would have to agree - B1 In Search of the Unknown is a great novice module and a great way to introduce the game mechanic
#10
maihardu
Jul 08, 2005 10:26:09
I am considering starting a hybrid campaign of the old 1st edition modules converted over to 3.5.

I'm considering something similar, having just coming back to D&D after a long absence. I like the looks of the 3.5e rules but have most of the materials from old OD&D. I loved learning by adventuring through Keep on the Borderlands. But I'm still learning the differences.

Keep is great, though it requires either a large group, henchmen, or a lot of clever tactics.

Why is the above true? Can anybody provide any more details?

Also, on a related note does anyone know of any good resources to help convert from OD&D to 3.5e? Both as a player or DM?
#11
wordserpent
Jul 08, 2005 13:30:35
Keep is great, though it requires either a large group, henchmen, or a lot of clever tactics.

There was a compilation set, containing pretty much all of the B series.

I second that! B2 Keep On The Borderlands has everything that a young campaign needs. It has a secure Base of operations, it has a wilderness that the PC's can tromp through and it has an area where enemies are concentrated. The maps are extensive and the PC's will be kept very busy trying to exterminate all of the monsters in the 'Caves of Chaos'. The wide demographic of monsters is placed logically into the setting and not thrown in hodge-podge like they are in other modules (such as B4 The Lost City). Keep keeps the players actively engaged by numerous staged quests so that the players have valid reasons for venturing into the caves other than "Just seeing what's there".

There are even some clever plot devices such as the 'rumours' and the undercover cleric.
#12
zombiegleemax
Jul 08, 2005 14:37:56 We did the Cult of the Reptile God and the Dwellers of the Forbidden City in 3.5. They were both great fun and we would have also done the Temple of the Lizard King if our group had not fallen apart.
#13
zombiegleemax
Jul 09, 2005 21:47:40 Considering the fact that the DM that started this all is going to convert an origianl version over to 3.5, B1 Insearch of the Unknown might be easiet since all the monsters and encounters, or most of them, are put in place by the DM. It doesnt have that "old school" memorabelia feeling about it though.
#14
Monteblanco
Jul 16, 2005 16:44:26 T1 The Village of Homlet is my favorite first level adventure, although the U1 Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh is an excellent choice. As a matter of fact, the Saltmarsh series as a whole is stronger than the overrated Temple of Elemental Evil.
#15
faraer
Jul 16, 2005 21:13:49
Why is the above true? Can anybody provide any more details?

Just because it's written as Gary and other DMs from that era DM: assuming large parties and with real tactical challenges, where a large part of the fun of play is risking character death, playing carefully and intelligently, and coming back proud of what you've accomplished.

The Caves of Chaos are not hack and slash. A party of the recommended levels trying to do that will get slaughtered. And you don't stop roleplaying when your character stops talking -- that's a false dichotomy.

T1 is the same kind of campaign-base module as B2, but with a more detailed home-base setting embedded in a particular campaign world.

Meanwhile, have you looked at the Judges Guild modules recently rereleased on drivethrurpg.com? Then, N5 Under Illefarn and FRQ1 Haunted Halls of Eveningstar are excellent low-level modules set in the Realms. "Dungeon of the Fire Opal" in Dungeon #84 is Jonathan Tweet's 3E expansion of the sample dungeon in the (original) DMG.
#16
graah
Jul 29, 2005 10:42:01 The best 1st (actually, 0-level) module ever, the ultimate beginning module for Faerûn is Aaron Allston's N4: Treasure Hunt. Even powergaming-munchkin-high-level-lawful-evil gamers liked it.

And all other Allston's works are great as well.
#17
zombiegleemax
Aug 11, 2005 17:57:03 I'm an old gamer too, and pull the oldies out every now and then for fun. My vote goes to T1. Good balance, and LOTS of interaction for new PCs and PLAYERS! Saltmarsh is OK, but the ending can be rough for a new group, and difficult if you're not going to carry on the series or warned your group ahead of time to prepare their PCs with ocean-going feats and skills. Besides, what if they keep the ship? KOTBL always devolves to just hack and slash, and if they pick the wrong cave...
#18
michael_proteau
Aug 29, 2005 0:48:04 I have always been particularly fond of B4 THe Lost City, but oy udo need to set up the party travelling to the desert to find it. Keep or Saltmarsh are both excellent choices, as are several mentioned here already. Palace of the Silver Princess (B3) was another favorite of mine that has not bene mentioned as well.
-M
#19
caeruleus
Aug 29, 2005 2:55:02
And you don't stop roleplaying when your character stops talking -- that's a false dichotomy.

Wonderful statement.
#20
Sysane
Aug 29, 2005 12:47:25
I always liked the module "Against the Cult of the Reptile God", but the BBEG in the module would have to be worked out. It would wax a 3rd edition party. Also, I've also always liked "The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh" as well. Really a good misdirection module.

I just ran 3.5 Against the Cult of the Reptile God within the last year. It made a great challenging 1st level adventure. Its one of my all time favorite classic modules.

I was trying to link that module with Dwellers of the Forbidden City and Tomb of the Lizard King as mini-campaign series. Never got the chance to run the other two though.
#21
Sysane
Aug 29, 2005 12:49:22
We did the Cult of the Reptile God and the Dwellers of the Forbidden City in 3.5. They were both great fun and we would have also done the Temple of the Lizard King if our group had not fallen apart.

Bro, thats nuts. I was running that same exact series. Craziness.
#22
zombiegleemax
Aug 29, 2005 12:57:18
There was a compilation set, containing pretty much all of the B series.

Despite the fact that the compilation is called B1-9...

In has nothing from B1 except for the maps.
It does not have the Keep from B2. That's right, Keep on the Borderland without the Keep.
It does not have the lower pyramid or city from B4. The Lost City without the City (they must have lost it).
It does not have the outside encounters for B5. Horror on the Hill without the hill.
It does not have 2 of the 3 paths in B8.
It only has 3 of the 5 short adventures in B9.

B3, B6, and B7 are complete, although it doesn't come with the stand-up city terrain that came with B6 originally, and was, in my opinion, the main attraction to that module.

For my money, you'd be better off getting B1 through B5 and B7 individually. A lot of people like B6, too. I don't think it's all that great. B8 and B9 aren't up to par.

R.A.
#23
zombiegleemax
Aug 31, 2005 9:02:26 I always felt the best AD&D module was Night of the Walking Dead from Ravenloft. I ran it three times for D&D and even converted it to run in an old Vampire the Masquerade game. Never had an adventure go as well as this one.

Of course then again I haven't played too many first edition modules either.
#24
xavier_of_cormyr
Aug 31, 2005 23:52:48 i can't remember what level it is, but "Castle D'Amberville" was a great 1e module. But a sure fire hit would be "The Lost City"; a fun 1st level 1e adventure!
#25
zombiegleemax
Sep 02, 2005 8:57:02
i can't remember what level it is, but "Castle D'Amberville" was a great 1e module. But a sure fire hit would be "The Lost City"; a fun 1st level 1e adventure!

X2 was for the Expert game. it could be converted to 1edADnD, but wasn't really written for it as is.

and B4 was written for Basic D&D. again it could be converted...
#26
zombiegleemax
Sep 05, 2005 17:57:36 I always liked B5 HOTH it has everything you could want in a adventure!
#27
zombiegleemax
Sep 07, 2005 15:54:01 L1 Secret of Bone Hill is a solid mod with a good mix of town interaction and wilderness adventuring, but I think it's more for 2nd or 3rd level so you may want to hold off and make it an early adventure rather than the campaign opener.
#28
zombiegleemax
Sep 09, 2005 16:22:07
#29
arvedui
Sep 12, 2005 7:30:02 Hello,

if you can burrow it, I suggest to run B10: Night's Dark Terror. It is a good combination of wilderness/dungeon game and also provides an interesting plot.
It is in Mystara/Known World setting, but you can put it in a no-mapped area with some thinking...
#30
zombiegleemax
Sep 13, 2005 15:39:26 I am new to DnD but I am a very old wargamer.

I have, over the years, acquired a lot of DnD stuff. Some people I know want to learn DnD and I want to learn with them.

The question I have is; How is it possible to convert ADnD stuff to 3.5? Not the core books but some of the ADVENTURES. I have an old adventure B2, that was updated in 1999 for the silver anniversary of Dnd but it is still written with ADnD in mind, plus quite a few others.

Any help so I could use these pubs. would be appreciated.

I should say that we are starting with the adventure game.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 redwizard Jul 02, 2005 10:56:26	I am considering starting a hybrid campaign of the old 1st edition modules converted over to 3.5. I am a old school player and still remember using the very first soft cover rules booklets in tan (Not the red and blue books which came later after the first hardbacks) and I want to introduce those great old adventures to a younger generation of players. I am torn between either running the SInister Secret of Saltmarsh or that old classic first timer, Keep on the Borderlands. Saltmarsh allows for some nice town roleplay where the party must solve a mystery as opposed to just hack and slash but the Caves of Chaos do call. Have any thoughts or other suggestions for old school 1-3 level modules?
#2 weasel_fierce Jul 02, 2005 12:53:00	Keep is great, though it requires either a large group, henchmen, or a lot of clever tactics. There was a compilation set, containing pretty much all of the B series.
#3 jhalad Jul 02, 2005 13:51:34	Under Ilfarn is great (N1) Lost Island of Castanamir (C4) Undermountain! (Not for 1st level, though) Night Below is excellent Temple of Elemental Evil There's also some outstanding adventures in the old Dungeon Magazines Secret of Bone Hill (L1) looks decent, but I've never used it. Hope this helps.
#4 zombiegleemax Jul 03, 2005 0:29:31	I'm a huge fan of U1, but if your players are stupid or clumsey, they'll die quick if you run it in an 'impartial' manner. KotB is also a classic w/ enough local area to be a real mini-campaign. T1 is also a good 1st level module, but again, quite deadly for the stupid player. I think the biggest issue you'll run into is the fact that the classic modules weren't written with 'balanced encounters' in mind - you may get a lot of whining from your players about ELs and CRs and how unfair it is to throw an encounter with a dozen 1st level warriors backed up by a 3rd-4th level Illusionist at them...
#5 fzoul_chembryl Jul 03, 2005 15:32:01	(Little) Keep on the Borderlands by Kenzer Co. is probably my favorite - it's KotB but expanded to become a true mini-setting, with the adventure coming in at 140 pages. It's for the Hackmaster system, which is similar to D&D and AD&D. Kenzerco's website.
#6 stonebeard Jul 04, 2005 18:43:49	You might consider also the strengths and weaknesses of your players. If they are new to the mechanics of the game then B2 could be hard for them. As mentioned before B2 is combat intensive and either requires a big party or a party well versed in the combat system so as to gain every advantage available to them. The role playing module might be the better way to go while introducing them slowly into the combat system. On the other hand they might pick it up right away but give a thought to what you can expect from the players as b2 will test any players mettle when it comes to hacken and slashen.
#7 zombiegleemax Jul 05, 2005 22:10:36	I always liked the module "Against the Cult of the Reptile God", but the BBEG in the module would have to be worked out. It would wax a 3rd edition party. Also, I've also always liked "The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh" as well. Really a good misdirection module.
#8 zombiegleemax Jul 06, 2005 8:05:07	B1 In Search of the Unknown. best module EVAR. for Referees and Players alike
#9 zombiegleemax Jul 06, 2005 9:18:23	I would have to agree - B1 In Search of the Unknown is a great novice module and a great way to introduce the game mechanic
#10 maihardu Jul 08, 2005 10:26:09	I am considering starting a hybrid campaign of the old 1st edition modules converted over to 3.5. I'm considering something similar, having just coming back to D&D after a long absence. I like the looks of the 3.5e rules but have most of the materials from old OD&D. I loved learning by adventuring through Keep on the Borderlands. But I'm still learning the differences. Keep is great, though it requires either a large group, henchmen, or a lot of clever tactics. Why is the above true? Can anybody provide any more details? Also, on a related note does anyone know of any good resources to help convert from OD&D to 3.5e? Both as a player or DM?
#11 wordserpent Jul 08, 2005 13:30:35	Keep is great, though it requires either a large group, henchmen, or a lot of clever tactics. There was a compilation set, containing pretty much all of the B series. I second that! B2 Keep On The Borderlands has everything that a young campaign needs. It has a secure Base of operations, it has a wilderness that the PC's can tromp through and it has an area where enemies are concentrated. The maps are extensive and the PC's will be kept very busy trying to exterminate all of the monsters in the 'Caves of Chaos'. The wide demographic of monsters is placed logically into the setting and not thrown in hodge-podge like they are in other modules (such as B4 The Lost City). Keep keeps the players actively engaged by numerous staged quests so that the players have valid reasons for venturing into the caves other than "Just seeing what's there". There are even some clever plot devices such as the 'rumours' and the undercover cleric.
#12 zombiegleemax Jul 08, 2005 14:37:56	We did the Cult of the Reptile God and the Dwellers of the Forbidden City in 3.5. They were both great fun and we would have also done the Temple of the Lizard King if our group had not fallen apart.
#13 zombiegleemax Jul 09, 2005 21:47:40	Considering the fact that the DM that started this all is going to convert an origianl version over to 3.5, B1 Insearch of the Unknown might be easiet since all the monsters and encounters, or most of them, are put in place by the DM. It doesnt have that "old school" memorabelia feeling about it though.
#14 Monteblanco Jul 16, 2005 16:44:26	T1 The Village of Homlet is my favorite first level adventure, although the U1 Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh is an excellent choice. As a matter of fact, the Saltmarsh series as a whole is stronger than the overrated Temple of Elemental Evil.
#15 faraer Jul 16, 2005 21:13:49	Why is the above true? Can anybody provide any more details? Just because it's written as Gary and other DMs from that era DM: assuming large parties and with real tactical challenges, where a large part of the fun of play is risking character death, playing carefully and intelligently, and coming back proud of what you've accomplished. The Caves of Chaos are not hack and slash. A party of the recommended levels trying to do that will get slaughtered. And you don't stop roleplaying when your character stops talking -- that's a false dichotomy. T1 is the same kind of campaign-base module as B2, but with a more detailed home-base setting embedded in a particular campaign world. Meanwhile, have you looked at the Judges Guild modules recently rereleased on drivethrurpg.com? Then, N5 Under Illefarn and FRQ1 Haunted Halls of Eveningstar are excellent low-level modules set in the Realms. "Dungeon of the Fire Opal" in Dungeon #84 is Jonathan Tweet's 3E expansion of the sample dungeon in the (original) DMG.
#16 graah Jul 29, 2005 10:42:01	The best 1st (actually, 0-level) module ever, the ultimate beginning module for Faerûn is Aaron Allston's N4: Treasure Hunt. Even powergaming-munchkin-high-level-lawful-evil gamers liked it. And all other Allston's works are great as well.
#17 zombiegleemax Aug 11, 2005 17:57:03	I'm an old gamer too, and pull the oldies out every now and then for fun. My vote goes to T1. Good balance, and LOTS of interaction for new PCs and PLAYERS! Saltmarsh is OK, but the ending can be rough for a new group, and difficult if you're not going to carry on the series or warned your group ahead of time to prepare their PCs with ocean-going feats and skills. Besides, what if they keep the ship? KOTBL always devolves to just hack and slash, and if they pick the wrong cave...
#18 michael_proteau Aug 29, 2005 0:48:04	I have always been particularly fond of B4 THe Lost City, but oy udo need to set up the party travelling to the desert to find it. Keep or Saltmarsh are both excellent choices, as are several mentioned here already. Palace of the Silver Princess (B3) was another favorite of mine that has not bene mentioned as well. -M
#19 caeruleus Aug 29, 2005 2:55:02	And you don't stop roleplaying when your character stops talking -- that's a false dichotomy. Wonderful statement.
#20 Sysane Aug 29, 2005 12:47:25	I always liked the module "Against the Cult of the Reptile God", but the BBEG in the module would have to be worked out. It would wax a 3rd edition party. Also, I've also always liked "The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh" as well. Really a good misdirection module. I just ran 3.5 Against the Cult of the Reptile God within the last year. It made a great challenging 1st level adventure. Its one of my all time favorite classic modules. I was trying to link that module with Dwellers of the Forbidden City and Tomb of the Lizard King as mini-campaign series. Never got the chance to run the other two though.
#21 Sysane Aug 29, 2005 12:49:22	We did the Cult of the Reptile God and the Dwellers of the Forbidden City in 3.5. They were both great fun and we would have also done the Temple of the Lizard King if our group had not fallen apart. Bro, thats nuts. I was running that same exact series. Craziness.
#22 zombiegleemax Aug 29, 2005 12:57:18	There was a compilation set, containing pretty much all of the B series. Despite the fact that the compilation is called B1-9... In has nothing from B1 except for the maps. It does not have the Keep from B2. That's right, Keep on the Borderland without the Keep. It does not have the lower pyramid or city from B4. The Lost City without the City (they must have lost it). It does not have the outside encounters for B5. Horror on the Hill without the hill. It does not have 2 of the 3 paths in B8. It only has 3 of the 5 short adventures in B9. B3, B6, and B7 are complete, although it doesn't come with the stand-up city terrain that came with B6 originally, and was, in my opinion, the main attraction to that module. For my money, you'd be better off getting B1 through B5 and B7 individually. A lot of people like B6, too. I don't think it's all that great. B8 and B9 aren't up to par. R.A.
#23 zombiegleemax Aug 31, 2005 9:02:26	I always felt the best AD&D module was Night of the Walking Dead from Ravenloft. I ran it three times for D&D and even converted it to run in an old Vampire the Masquerade game. Never had an adventure go as well as this one. Of course then again I haven't played too many first edition modules either.
#24 xavier_of_cormyr Aug 31, 2005 23:52:48	i can't remember what level it is, but "Castle D'Amberville" was a great 1e module. But a sure fire hit would be "The Lost City"; a fun 1st level 1e adventure!
#25 zombiegleemax Sep 02, 2005 8:57:02	i can't remember what level it is, but "Castle D'Amberville" was a great 1e module. But a sure fire hit would be "The Lost City"; a fun 1st level 1e adventure! X2 was for the Expert game. it could be converted to 1edADnD, but wasn't really written for it as is. and B4 was written for Basic D&D. again it could be converted...
#26 zombiegleemax Sep 05, 2005 17:57:36	I always liked B5 HOTH it has everything you could want in a adventure!
#27 zombiegleemax Sep 07, 2005 15:54:01	L1 Secret of Bone Hill is a solid mod with a good mix of town interaction and wilderness adventuring, but I think it's more for 2nd or 3rd level so you may want to hold off and make it an early adventure rather than the campaign opener.
#28 zombiegleemax Sep 09, 2005 16:22:07
#29 arvedui Sep 12, 2005 7:30:02	Hello, if you can burrow it, I suggest to run B10: Night's Dark Terror. It is a good combination of wilderness/dungeon game and also provides an interesting plot. It is in Mystara/Known World setting, but you can put it in a no-mapped area with some thinking...
#30 zombiegleemax Sep 13, 2005 15:39:26	I am new to DnD but I am a very old wargamer. I have, over the years, acquired a lot of DnD stuff. Some people I know want to learn DnD and I want to learn with them. The question I have is; How is it possible to convert ADnD stuff to 3.5? Not the core books but some of the ADVENTURES. I have an old adventure B2, that was updated in 1999 for the silver anniversary of Dnd but it is still written with ADnD in mind, plus quite a few others. Any help so I could use these pubs. would be appreciated. I should say that we are starting with the adventure game.