This is the first in a six-part campaign arc set in The Great City, already painstakingly mapped and described by 0one Games, and is written for beginning characters. Although it's never stated, the impression is that they are not native to the city, but may have been there for a while - long enough, at least, to be able to find their way around.

The adventure is set amidst a background of seething unrest and incipient rebellion. Events begin with a murder investigation, into the death by violence of a junior army officer.

Investigative adventures, by their very nature, tend to the linear as the characters unravel a clue chain to lead them to the truth. To avoid it appearing too linear from a player perspective, once the first part - the discovery of a suspicious corpse - is over and the characters have got (by whatever means you choose) involved, the next three parts of the investigation can be run in any order as the characters visit the right places and talk to the right people; they'll end up at the final part of the plot anyway!

However, do not fear that this adventure is too cerebral for the majority of players, combat can occur around any corner... and will be necessary for the characters to complete their investigations.

The main phases of the investigation are well-written. Everyone featured has their own life to lead, building up an impressive alternate reality which will be of use after the adventure is over - should they survive, they'll still be there doing their own thing.

Overall, this is an excellent adventure in which a lot is going on, giving the characters a chance to become deeply embedded in the life of the city.

This is perhaps one of the finest urban adventres I have ever had the pleasure to run and can recommend it from the bottom of my heart to all but the most hardcore Kill-em-all-kick-in-the-door-groups. Buy this, you won't be disappointed. And the best part about it is, that the sequel "The bloody Fix" is even better. Buy this. Seriously. It's ridiculously cheap and absolutely marvelous.

This first adventure delivers where other AP's have not-developing a singular setting and providing a base that will play all the way through the entire AP ( from the looks of this adventure.

One of my peeves with Shackled City etc. was the whole "heroes journey" concept, that took a lot away from the initial bonds of the PCs. The Skullcrackers promises lots of political intrigue, alliances and enemies, and treachery a plenty.There was one perticular ruse that had me cackling with glee.

There were some typos and some of the "random encounters" were not my cup of tea, but that's more a personal preference than anything else.

I look forward to running this as well as picking up the next adventure!