Best AD&D module to use for one-off

DireDM · Post by **DireDM** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:24 pm

Our regular GM is taking a sabbatical from the campaign (due to work) and I have offered to introduce C&C to the group. One of the selling points that drew the players to wanting a C&C one-off was the allure of playing an old-school AD&D module (of which I have many). So, I am asking for your recommendations on which AD&D module you feel would be a good setting to showcase the C&C ruleset. Given that this is a one-off session, I am leaning towards a classic dungeon crawl or similar style module (heavy focus on combat). I'm currently looking at a portion of the GDQ series, Queen of the Spiders, or even the classic meat-grinder Tomb of Horrors.

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:34 pm

You said you wanted it to focus on combat, so why bother with Tomb of Horrors which is by far a more "play smart" dungeon where combat is more or less secondary and often discouraged... the GDQ series is much more combat-oriented, but also requires higher-level characters, which can be fun, if you're looking to delve into high-level play... but, nay, to both. I'd go with B2: Keep on the Borderlands. It is combat heavy, and role-play heavy, and it is designed for new characters, of low level, who have to struggle to succeed really allowing the full flexibility of the SIEGE Engine to shine as players try things they probably would not if, say, they assumed they could not because they are 12th level ass-handers.
_________________
If it matters, leave a message at the beep.
Serl's Corner

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:38 pm

Too bad its a one off though, because "Nights Dark Terror" is a ROCKIN' MODULE and one I'd recommend if you had the time to run it. Sure it's basic D&D but since youre doing it via C&C anyhow, its a small task to convert.

DireDM · Post by **DireDM** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:40 pm

Thanks Serleran. Despite my newb status with regards to posts on these boards, I have been a lurker for quite some time and I have learned to respect your opinion. I will make it so! Thanks for clarifying my thoughts for me! My intent here is to offer an alternative to our semi-regular d20 campaign that also hearkens back to the games of our youth.

DireDM · Post by **DireDM** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:41 pm

Breakdaddy wrote:
Too bad its a one off though, because "Nights Dark Terror" is a ROCKIN' MODULE and one I'd recommend if you had the time to run it. Sure it's basic D&D but since youre doing it via C&C anyhow, its a small task to convert.

Night's Dark Terror...I must be getting old, as I don't remember this one. Google-fu, don't fail me now!

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:55 pm

DireDM wrote:
Night's Dark Terror...I must be getting old, as I don't remember this one. Google-fu, don't fail me now!

Here is an actual play thread for NDT, wherein the DM is actually using C&C alongside older D&D editions to run the module:
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=324043

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 5:30 pm

Cave of the Unknown.

~O
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 5:45 pm

Omote wrote:
Cave of the Unknown.

~O

A Haiku for you:

Omote's smoking crack

That module sucks way too much

I might be kidding

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 6:47 pm

Simple, one-nighter, combat, dungeon, done. Cave of the Unknown. Otherwise I generally agree on the suckage. Since the limits are old AD&D modules, and Keep on the Borderlands seems to becoming passe', you get Cave of the Unknown. Taste the Golden Spray.

~O

PS: Otherwise I'd suggest Dark Chateau.
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 6:54 pm

Omote wrote:
Simple, one-nighter, combat, dungeon, done. Cave of the Unknown. Otherwise I generally agree on the suckage. Since the limits are old AD&D modules, and Keep on the Borderlands seems to becoming passe', you get Cave of the Unknown. Taste the Golden Spray.

~O

PS: Otherwise I'd suggest Dark Chateau.

IM THE PATRON SAINT OF AWESOME

P.S.- Dark Chateau is nice.

DireDM · Post by **DireDM** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:02 pm

Rummaging through the modules I have in the basement, I was pleasantly surprised to find a copy of Night's Dark Terror! Huzzah! I'll have to add this to the reading list.

What about The Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan? I never played this 'back in the day' but, a quick review and it seems to fit the bill of classic crunchy death-dealing luvin'.

DireDM · Post by **DireDM** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:14 pm

Where can I find Dark Chateau? I can't find a review of this module here or at rpgnow.

Buttmonkey · Post by **Buttmonkey** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:59 pm

Dark Chateau was published by TLG once upon a time (until Gygax Games yanked the license).

Buttmonkey · Post by **Buttmonkey** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 11:01 pm

I'd recommend S2 - White Plume Mountain. Gobs of fun with plenty of combat and some great puzzles. It's a fun-house dungeon, so if that is not your group's cup of tea, you might want to avoid it. An added bonus: the module is only something like 16 pages long and absolutely packed with awesomeness.

You might also want to consider another old favorite of mine, Frank Mentzer's To the Aid of Falx. It's one of the old RPGA modules (R2 I think, but don't quote me on that). It has pregens that are easily converted to C&C with lots of meat grinder combat.

Deogolf · Post by **Deogolf** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 11:21 pm

For low level, Serleran was right on - B2 KOTB.
_________________
Eulaliaaa!!! Give those rapscallions blood and vinegar, wot?!

Be sure to check out Jim's artwork for sale:
http://jimhollowayart.com/id5.html

Post by **Fiffergrund** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 1:23 pm

Palace of the Silver Princess was a good basic module. If you have access to Castle Amber, use that.

AD&D modules - I'd recommend the Village of Hommlet for the moathouse alone.

Higher level - Dwellers of the Forbidden City.
_________________
Sir Fiffergrund, Lord Marshal of the Castle and Crusade Society.

He Who Hides Behind The Elephant's Back

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Sat May 22, 2010 8:08 pm

Fiffergrund wrote:
AD&D modules - I'd recommend the Village of Hommlet for the moathouse alone.

Higher level - Dwellers of the Forbidden City.

I love T1, but the only thing, to me, is that if you're running a one-off you might not get all the in-town stuff (all the behind-the-scened plotting, etc.). If you're going into town then get sent to the moathouse, then it might work just fine. Again, I'm bias, but I don't think a one-off does T1 justice.
I1, however, might work pretty dang good.If I recall correctly, though, it's a lot of exploring.
_________________
LD's C&C creations - the witch, a half-ogre, skill and 0-level rules

Troll Lord wrote:
Lord D: you understand where I"m coming from.

koralas · Post by **koralas** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 11:11 am

DireDM wrote:
Rummaging through the modules I have in the basement, I was pleasantly surprised to find a copy of Night's Dark Terror! Huzzah! I'll have to add this to the reading list.

What about The Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan? I never played this 'back in the day' but, a quick review and it seems to fit the bill of classic crunchy death-dealing luvin'.

I'll second THSoT, that was a great play... And while not really a full on dungeon crawl, N1 Against the Cult of the Reptile Gods is awesomeness personified. The Saltmarsh series as well, U1 is playable in one night... U2 is great because of the massive plot twist, U3 is simply, search and destroy... Plus most have pregen characters, added bonus for a one shot.

As a side note, I am tossing around the thought of running a campaign, using almost exclusively old-school modules, probably close to 85%, using TSR produced modules, and those published in Dragon. Using the C&C rules as the core rule set. That or perhaps a post-apocalyptic campaign, with a twist
It would probably end up online just need to decide between fantasy grounds and maptool.

nwelte1 · Post by **nwelte1** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:12 pm

koralas wrote:
It would probably end up online just need to decide between fantasy grounds and maptool.

Maptool.

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:42 pm

Maptools.

FG costs too much money for not enough extra over Maptools.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames