Old modules - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Old modules

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
Sep 03, 2004 19:11:33 In celebration of the 30th anniv, I've decided to run some of the true classic modules with my present group. One of my players has played as long as I have ( since the beginning of 2E ) but the rest will have either barely played at all or NEVER played. Thought it would serve history well to show them where the game cut its teeth and it will give me and my old buddy a thrill to go back to the old school feel.

So the issue here is: The original modules numbering system is quite confusing and the series don't seem to go in a real discernable order. I'm looking to run characters from 1st level all the way up to around the levels needed for Queen of the Demonweb Pits ( one of the highly regarded old ones ). So I'd like some info on the older module series ( Slavers, Giants, Descent into the Depths ). Don't feel the need to limit yourself to only Ad&d since I'm going to have to convert everything to 3E anyway. ( Had to make the concession to keep the newbs from having to learn an entirely new system ). I'd love any comments at all on any of the old modules, from suggestions to your thoughts on which one's are a "must play".

Thanks guys.
#2
zombiegleemax
Sep 04, 2004 1:29:36 As long as we don't talk about specifics on how to convert the modules into the latest edition, this thread should be ok here.

It sounds like you have a group that has been playing for awhile. If this is the case, I probably wouldn't have them do B2 The Keep On the Borderlands.

Thus, I'd probably go in this order:

U1 - The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh (1st Level) - Good plot
N1 - The Cult of the Reptile God (2nd - 3rd Level) - Good Plot
N2 - The Forest Oracle (3rd - 4th Level) - Linear but Pretty Good
UK2 - The Sentinel (4th - 5th Level) - Not mentioned much, but I like it.
UK3 - The Gauntlet (5th - 6th Level) - Basically, part II of UK2.
C4 - To Find a King (6th - 7th Level) - Good Campaign Module.
C5 - The Bane of Llewelyn (7th - 8th Level) - Part two to C4 - your party level average will be above the suggested level, but you're going to have a small party so it shouldn't make a dfference.
S2 - White Plume Mountain (8th- 9th Level) - A classic.
S4 - The Lost Cavers of Tsojcanth (9th- 10th Level) - Another classic.
S3 - Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (10th - 11th Level) - A nice change of pace.
G1 - Steading of the Hill Giant Chief (11th - 12th Level)
G2 - Glacial Rift of the Frost Giarl Jarl (12th - 13th Level)
G3 - Hall of the Fire Giant King (13th to 14 Level)
D1 - Descent Into the Depths of the Earth (13th to 14th level)
D2 - Shrine of te Kuo-Toa (13th to 14th level)
D3 - Vault of the Drow (14th to 15th level)
Q1 - Queen of the Demonweb Pits (14th to 15th level)

After that I usually retire characters. Really, the levels depend on the number of players in the group. How many characters will there be?

edit: I edited to include the mid-level modules.
#3
zombiegleemax
Sep 04, 2004 2:06:59 Does anyone know where I can find a list of all the 1st edition modules?
#4
kheldren
Sep 04, 2004 2:12:18 TSR used to recommend T1-4, A1-4, G1-3, D1-3 and Q1 as a direct campaign progression from 1st level.

Personally I always felt that the jump from T1 to T2 was way to steep for the xp available in the module, also A1-4 is one of the most railroaded module sets written (well the A3-A4 transition is total railroading). Anyway some of the old low levels - like Cato's recommendations - were truely excellent (particularly U1-3).

Also just to really confuse players working through D1-3 slip in EX1 & 2 (which can be put pretty much anywhere) or at least EX1 which was the better of the pair.

I really don't recommend I6 Ravenloft as part of an ongoing campaign, yes it is a classic, but it is very much a character killer.

Have fun
#5
zombiegleemax
Sep 04, 2004 5:24:18 About how many people will be playing: Its looking like I have two players for sure and one that might be playing. I always end up with very small groups. Just can't ever seem to keep a bigger group of people together. Something invariably happens and some drift off. Even if all three play I'll most likely end up running an NPC, probably a priest because no one ever seems to play priests in my group but me and that's only every once in awhile. We are looking at a fighter and a thief so far, so depending on what the "maybe" person plays I'll either end up running the priest or mage to round out the traditional roles.

Can't figure out what it is about our group but there are classes that just NEVER get played. Priests are rare but I can count on one hand the number of rogues that ever stuck around longer than a one shot (and those were multiclassed if i recall correctly ). But they are common compared to Paladin and Bard. Of all the years I've been playing, I can only recall one Paladin that was ever played for more than a one off and, to my rather fuzzy recollection, there has never been a bard played but one single time and that was a campaign that only got the first adventure played. I always just figured it ended up that way because we were a small group ( the old group was a very hardcore and dedicated 3 ) but even the couple times we had others sit in it never changed. What I wouldn't give for a nice well rounded group. A group I could throw into any situation and they'd have the right skills for the job. As it is, I end up with parties of almost all fighters or rangers and have to not throw too much magic at them and give healing potions out like water just to keep them alive. Anyone else run into this sort of thing ?? ( I know this part is kind of off topic but is related since I'm pretty sure those modules were intended for a well rounded party. )
>>ROBE<<
zombiegleemax
Sep 04, 2004 10:17:45
Does anyone know where I can find a list of all the 1st edition modules?

With but a touch of my >>ROBE<< and I will take you there. Enjoy. :D
#7
kheldren
Sep 04, 2004 11:44:43 Sorry Cato - the list (though excellent) is not complete (no CB1 for one thing).

I am embarressed to admit that I used to own that module... (shudder)

That said the list does have one of the all-time greats (that I had forgotten) - UK7 Dark Clouds Gather - levels 7-9 sop a good module for befoire (or after) S2
#8
zombiegleemax
Sep 04, 2004 13:17:10
Sorry Cato - the list (though excellent) is not complete (no CB1 for one thing).

I am embarressed to admit that I used to own that module... (shudder)

That said the list does have one of the all-time greats (that I had forgotten) - UK7 Dark Clouds Gather - levels 7-9 sop a good module for befoire (or after) S2

Yeah, my google-fu is weak. I thought that I would try. Now that you bring it up, I do remember the Conan the Barbarian modules.

I saw Dark Cloud Gathers but I've never read or played it. I'll guess I have to try to get it to look it over. (That's the only reason why I didn't add it to my list) :D
#9
zombiegleemax
Sep 06, 2004 11:57:56 My personal old-school module campaign would be something like this:

B2 Keep on the Borderlands (levels 1-3)
T1-4 Temple of Elemental Evil (levels 1-8)
S4/WG4 Tsojcanth/Tharizdun (can be run concurrently, levels 6-10/5-10)
S3 Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (levels 8-12)
WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure (levels 9-12)
G1-2-3 Against the Giants (levels 8-12)
EX1/EX2 Dungeonland/Beyond the Magic Mirror (levels 9-12)
D1-2 Descent into the Depths (9-14)
D3 Vault of the Drow (10-14)
S1 Tomb of Horror (levels 10-14)
WG6 Isle of the Ape (levels 18+)

R.A.
#10
zombiegleemax
Sep 06, 2004 23:12:46 I really wanted to say B2 The Keep on the Borderlands, but kuffs77 noted that he had in his party people who have played the game for a while. B2 has a lot of nice things for people who may not have played the game that long. However, in other areas, the experienced gamer will pick up on some of the nuances of the module pretty easily. This is just the observation which I've seen when running the module.
#11
zombiegleemax
Sep 07, 2004 8:57:11 www.acaeum.com/ has a good list for pre 2ed. and actually has the 2ed stock list too in the library section.
#12
Elendur
Sep 07, 2004 10:30:19 kuffs, I'm doing exactly what you propose, we have been playing about two years.

I'm running B2,A1-4,G1-3,D1-3, and Q1. No compiliations, just the original modules. If we are still playing after that we'll do the S series.

I think B2 has a lot to offer even experienced players(as long as you haven't played it before). It's a hackfest, but most of the old modules are.

The A series has a lot of railroading, but it has a lot of great drama as well. We just finished it and I think the railroad part (A4) was the favorite part of the series.

If you don't like the A's you can probably run a whole campaign just with T1-4 and GDQ series. Depending on how fast your characters level, you might be able to add in a few more modules in there.
#13
zombiegleemax
Sep 07, 2004 13:56:47 I hear such varying things on the A series. Other than the railroading thing ( I'm on old Ravenloft DM, I can handle railroading and making it work out ) what does everyone think of them ?

Another question, I see that alot of the old modules were compiled after they were released. Would you recommend getting the series seperately or getting the compilation ? Example: G1-3 or Against the Giants ? I'm checking old bookstores and ebay all the time to try and get together some of these oldies, just wondered which way would be better to look for them, as parts or as the whole set.
#14
zombiegleemax
Sep 07, 2004 15:39:14
I hear such varying things on the A series. Other than the railroading thing ( I'm on old Ravenloft DM, I can handle railroading and making it work out ) what does everyone think of them ?

Another question, I see that alot of the old modules were compiled after they were released. Would you recommend getting the series seperately or getting the compilation ? Example: G1-3 or Against the Giants ? I'm checking old bookstores and ebay all the time to try and get together some of these oldies, just wondered which way would be better to look for them, as parts or as the whole set.

A1-4 isn't my favorite series and it has nothing to do with the end of A3. It just doesn't really "do it" for me like some of the other older series. It doesn't seem to have as much meat. I can't explain it better than that.

As for the compilations:

A1-4 Slavers comp is scaled up in power because it was intended for characters of higher level than the original A modules. It also has some questionable tie ins to T1-4 and GDQ1-7. I'd say you're better off getting the originals.

B1-9 Is flat out awful. Vast sections of modules are omitted. You're much better off getting the first five B's and B7.

B7 Rahasia is, by the way, a compilation of RPGA1 and RPGA2. I don't know what, if any, differences exist, however ther RPGA modules are extraordinarily rare and quite expensive.

C4 and C5 are compilations of the remaining 6 modules of the RPGA series - again, I don't know what differences exist between the originals and the comp, and again the originals are very hard to find.

G1-2-3 and D1-2 contain the original modules in their entirety, with no changes to my knowledge - a better buy than getting the originals, also easier to find. The GDQ1-7 collection has everything from the original modules. It also has a (lame) tie into the Slavers series that wasn't in the original. Probably not worth it due to rarity and expense, if you are tracking down a print version, but would be worth it if you're going for the .pdf.

I3-5 has a completely different intro than the original and has been ported into Forgotten Realms, where the original was in a generic setting. I seem to recall some other changes, but can't remember the specifics. I'm prejudiced towards the orginals.

I12 is a compelation of R1,2,3,& 4. I've never seen it, but I've heard pretty universally bad things about it. The original four modules were not tied together in any way other than setting and author. The supermodule strains to put them together. The R modules are very hard to find, but can be downloaded at SVGames for less than $5 each. I'd go that way instead of the supermodule.

S1-4 is a pretty strained compilation of the S series, which were not originally tied together plot-wise, and was for parties of vastly differing experience levels (e.g. S4 was for levels 6-10 and S1 for levels 10-14). But, I think they're all in there in their entirely, so it might be worthwhile if you didn't try to run the adventures concurrently. Strangely, WG4 was meant to go along with S4, but wasn't included in the compilation.

T1-4 isn't really a compilation so much as an addition. T2-4 were never published prior. Most all of T1 is present. There's widely differing views on T1-4, but T1 is very good. Unless you're a collector, I'd just try to get T1-4.

R.A.
#15
Elendur
Sep 07, 2004 17:27:37 We loved the A series, but it is filled with lots of old school weirdness.

What you do get with A1-4 is 7 old school tournament dungeons. If you like dungeon crawling I'd recommend it.

I got the Q1-7 pdf and found the added plot quite silly, that's why I'm sticking with the original modules.
#16
zombiegleemax
Sep 08, 2004 9:22:37 The one recommendation I can make for the A series is the characterizations of the Slave Lords themselves. When I ran the game, the PC's didn't get them all, so some were able to escape and turn into running nemesi for the party for months afterwards.

These were well-thought out villains. Just enough stats to work with and some very intriguiging personalities.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Sep 03, 2004 19:11:33	In celebration of the 30th anniv, I've decided to run some of the true classic modules with my present group. One of my players has played as long as I have ( since the beginning of 2E ) but the rest will have either barely played at all or NEVER played. Thought it would serve history well to show them where the game cut its teeth and it will give me and my old buddy a thrill to go back to the old school feel. So the issue here is: The original modules numbering system is quite confusing and the series don't seem to go in a real discernable order. I'm looking to run characters from 1st level all the way up to around the levels needed for Queen of the Demonweb Pits ( one of the highly regarded old ones ). So I'd like some info on the older module series ( Slavers, Giants, Descent into the Depths ). Don't feel the need to limit yourself to only Ad&d since I'm going to have to convert everything to 3E anyway. ( Had to make the concession to keep the newbs from having to learn an entirely new system ). I'd love any comments at all on any of the old modules, from suggestions to your thoughts on which one's are a "must play". Thanks guys.
#2 zombiegleemax Sep 04, 2004 1:29:36	As long as we don't talk about specifics on how to convert the modules into the latest edition, this thread should be ok here. It sounds like you have a group that has been playing for awhile. If this is the case, I probably wouldn't have them do B2 The Keep On the Borderlands. Thus, I'd probably go in this order: U1 - The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh (1st Level) - Good plot N1 - The Cult of the Reptile God (2nd - 3rd Level) - Good Plot N2 - The Forest Oracle (3rd - 4th Level) - Linear but Pretty Good UK2 - The Sentinel (4th - 5th Level) - Not mentioned much, but I like it. UK3 - The Gauntlet (5th - 6th Level) - Basically, part II of UK2. C4 - To Find a King (6th - 7th Level) - Good Campaign Module. C5 - The Bane of Llewelyn (7th - 8th Level) - Part two to C4 - your party level average will be above the suggested level, but you're going to have a small party so it shouldn't make a dfference. S2 - White Plume Mountain (8th- 9th Level) - A classic. S4 - The Lost Cavers of Tsojcanth (9th- 10th Level) - Another classic. S3 - Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (10th - 11th Level) - A nice change of pace. G1 - Steading of the Hill Giant Chief (11th - 12th Level) G2 - Glacial Rift of the Frost Giarl Jarl (12th - 13th Level) G3 - Hall of the Fire Giant King (13th to 14 Level) D1 - Descent Into the Depths of the Earth (13th to 14th level) D2 - Shrine of te Kuo-Toa (13th to 14th level) D3 - Vault of the Drow (14th to 15th level) Q1 - Queen of the Demonweb Pits (14th to 15th level) After that I usually retire characters. Really, the levels depend on the number of players in the group. How many characters will there be? edit: I edited to include the mid-level modules.
#3 zombiegleemax Sep 04, 2004 2:06:59	Does anyone know where I can find a list of all the 1st edition modules?
#4 kheldren Sep 04, 2004 2:12:18	TSR used to recommend T1-4, A1-4, G1-3, D1-3 and Q1 as a direct campaign progression from 1st level. Personally I always felt that the jump from T1 to T2 was way to steep for the xp available in the module, also A1-4 is one of the most railroaded module sets written (well the A3-A4 transition is total railroading). Anyway some of the old low levels - like Cato's recommendations - were truely excellent (particularly U1-3). Also just to really confuse players working through D1-3 slip in EX1 & 2 (which can be put pretty much anywhere) or at least EX1 which was the better of the pair. I really don't recommend I6 Ravenloft as part of an ongoing campaign, yes it is a classic, but it is very much a character killer. Have fun
#5 zombiegleemax Sep 04, 2004 5:24:18	About how many people will be playing: Its looking like I have two players for sure and one that might be playing. I always end up with very small groups. Just can't ever seem to keep a bigger group of people together. Something invariably happens and some drift off. Even if all three play I'll most likely end up running an NPC, probably a priest because no one ever seems to play priests in my group but me and that's only every once in awhile. We are looking at a fighter and a thief so far, so depending on what the "maybe" person plays I'll either end up running the priest or mage to round out the traditional roles. Can't figure out what it is about our group but there are classes that just NEVER get played. Priests are rare but I can count on one hand the number of rogues that ever stuck around longer than a one shot (and those were multiclassed if i recall correctly ). But they are common compared to Paladin and Bard. Of all the years I've been playing, I can only recall one Paladin that was ever played for more than a one off and, to my rather fuzzy recollection, there has never been a bard played but one single time and that was a campaign that only got the first adventure played. I always just figured it ended up that way because we were a small group ( the old group was a very hardcore and dedicated 3 ) but even the couple times we had others sit in it never changed. What I wouldn't give for a nice well rounded group. A group I could throw into any situation and they'd have the right skills for the job. As it is, I end up with parties of almost all fighters or rangers and have to not throw too much magic at them and give healing potions out like water just to keep them alive. Anyone else run into this sort of thing ?? ( I know this part is kind of off topic but is related since I'm pretty sure those modules were intended for a well rounded party. )
>>ROBE<< zombiegleemax Sep 04, 2004 10:17:45	Does anyone know where I can find a list of all the 1st edition modules? With but a touch of my >>ROBE<< and I will take you there. Enjoy. :D
#7 kheldren Sep 04, 2004 11:44:43	Sorry Cato - the list (though excellent) is not complete (no CB1 for one thing). I am embarressed to admit that I used to own that module... (shudder) That said the list does have one of the all-time greats (that I had forgotten) - UK7 Dark Clouds Gather - levels 7-9 sop a good module for befoire (or after) S2
#8 zombiegleemax Sep 04, 2004 13:17:10	Sorry Cato - the list (though excellent) is not complete (no CB1 for one thing). I am embarressed to admit that I used to own that module... (shudder) That said the list does have one of the all-time greats (that I had forgotten) - UK7 Dark Clouds Gather - levels 7-9 sop a good module for befoire (or after) S2 Yeah, my google-fu is weak. I thought that I would try. Now that you bring it up, I do remember the Conan the Barbarian modules. I saw Dark Cloud Gathers but I've never read or played it. I'll guess I have to try to get it to look it over. (That's the only reason why I didn't add it to my list) :D
#9 zombiegleemax Sep 06, 2004 11:57:56	My personal old-school module campaign would be something like this: B2 Keep on the Borderlands (levels 1-3) T1-4 Temple of Elemental Evil (levels 1-8) S4/WG4 Tsojcanth/Tharizdun (can be run concurrently, levels 6-10/5-10) S3 Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (levels 8-12) WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure (levels 9-12) G1-2-3 Against the Giants (levels 8-12) EX1/EX2 Dungeonland/Beyond the Magic Mirror (levels 9-12) D1-2 Descent into the Depths (9-14) D3 Vault of the Drow (10-14) S1 Tomb of Horror (levels 10-14) WG6 Isle of the Ape (levels 18+) R.A.
#10 zombiegleemax Sep 06, 2004 23:12:46	I really wanted to say B2 The Keep on the Borderlands, but kuffs77 noted that he had in his party people who have played the game for a while. B2 has a lot of nice things for people who may not have played the game that long. However, in other areas, the experienced gamer will pick up on some of the nuances of the module pretty easily. This is just the observation which I've seen when running the module.
#11 zombiegleemax Sep 07, 2004 8:57:11	www.acaeum.com/ has a good list for pre 2ed. and actually has the 2ed stock list too in the library section.
#12 Elendur Sep 07, 2004 10:30:19	kuffs, I'm doing exactly what you propose, we have been playing about two years. I'm running B2,A1-4,G1-3,D1-3, and Q1. No compiliations, just the original modules. If we are still playing after that we'll do the S series. I think B2 has a lot to offer even experienced players(as long as you haven't played it before). It's a hackfest, but most of the old modules are. The A series has a lot of railroading, but it has a lot of great drama as well. We just finished it and I think the railroad part (A4) was the favorite part of the series. If you don't like the A's you can probably run a whole campaign just with T1-4 and GDQ series. Depending on how fast your characters level, you might be able to add in a few more modules in there.
#13 zombiegleemax Sep 07, 2004 13:56:47	I hear such varying things on the A series. Other than the railroading thing ( I'm on old Ravenloft DM, I can handle railroading and making it work out ) what does everyone think of them ? Another question, I see that alot of the old modules were compiled after they were released. Would you recommend getting the series seperately or getting the compilation ? Example: G1-3 or Against the Giants ? I'm checking old bookstores and ebay all the time to try and get together some of these oldies, just wondered which way would be better to look for them, as parts or as the whole set.
#14 zombiegleemax Sep 07, 2004 15:39:14	I hear such varying things on the A series. Other than the railroading thing ( I'm on old Ravenloft DM, I can handle railroading and making it work out ) what does everyone think of them ? Another question, I see that alot of the old modules were compiled after they were released. Would you recommend getting the series seperately or getting the compilation ? Example: G1-3 or Against the Giants ? I'm checking old bookstores and ebay all the time to try and get together some of these oldies, just wondered which way would be better to look for them, as parts or as the whole set. A1-4 isn't my favorite series and it has nothing to do with the end of A3. It just doesn't really "do it" for me like some of the other older series. It doesn't seem to have as much meat. I can't explain it better than that. As for the compilations: A1-4 Slavers comp is scaled up in power because it was intended for characters of higher level than the original A modules. It also has some questionable tie ins to T1-4 and GDQ1-7. I'd say you're better off getting the originals. B1-9 Is flat out awful. Vast sections of modules are omitted. You're much better off getting the first five B's and B7. B7 Rahasia is, by the way, a compilation of RPGA1 and RPGA2. I don't know what, if any, differences exist, however ther RPGA modules are extraordinarily rare and quite expensive. C4 and C5 are compilations of the remaining 6 modules of the RPGA series - again, I don't know what differences exist between the originals and the comp, and again the originals are very hard to find. G1-2-3 and D1-2 contain the original modules in their entirety, with no changes to my knowledge - a better buy than getting the originals, also easier to find. The GDQ1-7 collection has everything from the original modules. It also has a (lame) tie into the Slavers series that wasn't in the original. Probably not worth it due to rarity and expense, if you are tracking down a print version, but would be worth it if you're going for the .pdf. I3-5 has a completely different intro than the original and has been ported into Forgotten Realms, where the original was in a generic setting. I seem to recall some other changes, but can't remember the specifics. I'm prejudiced towards the orginals. I12 is a compelation of R1,2,3,& 4. I've never seen it, but I've heard pretty universally bad things about it. The original four modules were not tied together in any way other than setting and author. The supermodule strains to put them together. The R modules are very hard to find, but can be downloaded at SVGames for less than $5 each. I'd go that way instead of the supermodule. S1-4 is a pretty strained compilation of the S series, which were not originally tied together plot-wise, and was for parties of vastly differing experience levels (e.g. S4 was for levels 6-10 and S1 for levels 10-14). But, I think they're all in there in their entirely, so it might be worthwhile if you didn't try to run the adventures concurrently. Strangely, WG4 was meant to go along with S4, but wasn't included in the compilation. T1-4 isn't really a compilation so much as an addition. T2-4 were never published prior. Most all of T1 is present. There's widely differing views on T1-4, but T1 is very good. Unless you're a collector, I'd just try to get T1-4. R.A.
#15 Elendur Sep 07, 2004 17:27:37	We loved the A series, but it is filled with lots of old school weirdness. What you do get with A1-4 is 7 old school tournament dungeons. If you like dungeon crawling I'd recommend it. I got the Q1-7 pdf and found the added plot quite silly, that's why I'm sticking with the original modules.
#16 zombiegleemax Sep 08, 2004 9:22:37	The one recommendation I can make for the A series is the characterizations of the Slave Lords themselves. When I ran the game, the PC's didn't get them all, so some were able to escape and turn into running nemesi for the party for months afterwards. These were well-thought out villains. Just enough stats to work with and some very intriguiging personalities.