I discovered that piece yesterday, and just finished reading it. Overall, I like it, as it recaptures the feel of the original module quite well.
I did not dig out the old WG4 or the S series now to compare it side by side, but the overland travel is very close to the original. Some of the twists are nice and fittingly mean.
And I loved the long piece on the history of it all, as it expands upon the history of my favorite setting, namely Greyhawk.
I just had trouble following the logic about the road being blocked and all traffic being led around the mountain. I can´t just fit this into the map provided.
And one more point of criticism I have: Just one map, showing the general area? I´m used to more in Dungeon these years. Now, the other maps are nothing necessary and can easily be made by any DM, but still, this is a little disappointing. I would have wanted to see a map for the villages and some of the monster lairs - these did not have to be elaborate affairs, simple sketches would have sufficed, but still.
If I were to rate it, I would give it 3.5 to four stars, the main bone of contention are the missing maps.
What do others think?
Stefan
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
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Well, I'm disappointed. the second part is up, but you have to download Parts 1 & 2 now. I was hoping they'd have maybe... added bookmarks or something, but no. Same part 1.
Part 2 has one map, and all the encounters are in that tactical encounter format at the back of the pdf, which (did I mention) isn't bookmarked at all.
I don't even want to read it at the minute. (Which isn't fair, the guys who wrote it were enthusiastic enough that I'll conquer my distaste for the format they were required to use and give it a good read soon).
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I'm glad the shape of the lesser caverns was left intact. The encounters are very similar to the 1e mod as well. But, given the adventure is for 11th level characters, I don't see anything in the lesser caverns that will really challenge them (I don't see any room above an EL 11). That is, unless the Taint supposedly makes everything harder. In that case, an adjustment to XP might be called for.
The greater caverns is where everything gets nasty, anyway.
Yes, I'm disappointed that digital usable maps weren't provided. Shame. With the Digital Initiative, you'd think that would be one of the first things on their list. Maybe we'll see a supplement.
And... yay, gorgimera!
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Now that the second part is up I have to say I am disappointed to see the "delve" format was used. I am confused as to why this format was used for the caverns but not utlized for the encounters in chapter one. This is unusual. Normally all encounters are detailed via the delve format. It creates an odd "disconnect" when reading the module.
And I agree, they should be taking advantage of the digital format more. Two maps should be provided, one with the markers and one without. Maps of all the delve formatted encounters should be provided in one inch battlemat size without markers. For particularly large chambers these maps can be provided in two ways, one that can be printed on a large format printer and one that can be printed in parts and pieced together. In fact, I would be inclined to say the maps should be stripped from the pdf and provided as seperate downloads.
Bookmarks are a must and I hope they add those when the third part is released.
As for the adventure itself, I liked what I read. It seems to be an interesting conversion/re-interpretation.
The map quality is questionable. This is disappointing as I normally like the work of Mr. Lazzaretti. I don't hate the maps but they don't "wow!" me. The maps used in the delve encounters are nothing more than "blow-ups" from the main cavern map. Resolution was low, or something else is at work here, because the images are somewhat blurry. This is a departure from the way the delve format had been used in other books released by WotC.
I hope that didn't come off as being too critical. I liked what I saw overall it just seems to be missing some punch and doesn't utilize the format to the best of its ability.
Now that the second part is up I have to say I am disappointed to see the "delve" format was used.
I don't, by default, hate the delve format. The only product I own that uses it is Return to the Ruins of Greyhawk, and while there was a fair bit of repetition in the delve pages, individually, they seemed useful. My problem with their usage of the delve format for Tsojanth is that there is nothing added to the maps. Not even noting monster starting positions. It just appears that they blew up the respective rooms from the original map. Kinda sloppy.
Greg
Now that the second part is up I have to say I am disappointed to see the "delve" format was used.
I think it's fair to say that any and all WotC mods are going to use the format -- they don't seem too worried about any shortcomings of the system.
...My problem with their usage of the delve format for Tsojanth is that there is nothing added to the maps. Not even noting monster starting positions. It just appears that they blew up the respective rooms from the original map. Kinda sloppy.
Kinda sloppy -- welcome to the Digital Initiative :/
If you're going to use the Delve format digitally... then WHY ON EARTH WOULDN'T YOU HYPERLINK TO THE CORRECT PAGES? I mean, honestly. Instead of "See page 33 for this encounter" (normal text), you have "See page 33 for this encounter" and it's a hyperlink to the correct page. I mean, I'm no computer genius, but...
OK, so with the PDF it won't work. Then why not have a non-PDF version as well? Then there could be scalable maps, hyperlinks to the appropriate monsters in the SRD, all kinds of useful, play-friendly enhancements. Instead, in essence they have all the limitations of a paper product with none of the advantages. And they're using none of the advantages of the electronic format, but are of course subject to all its limitations. Sort of a "worst of both worlds" scenario.
If you're going to use the Delve format digitally... then WHY ON EARTH WOULDN'T YOU HYPERLINK TO THE CORRECT PAGES? I mean, honestly. Instead of "See page 33 for this encounter" (normal text), you have "See page 33 for this encounter" and it's a hyperlink to the correct page. I mean, I'm no computer genius, but...
Aaahh, professionalism and quality -- those ever-elusive virtues in which WotC seems to have lost interest.
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Psst - Chapter 3 is up!
The encounter levels in the Greater Caverns are still on the low side. 11th-12th level parties will have an easy time of it I think, except the *beep*, *brzzzzt* and *warrrrrble* fights, and of course the final battle, which may rudely wake them up. It could have used somewhat tougher encounters throughout to keep the party on their toes.
Maybe having half the encounters as a challenge is enough, but EL 8's? Yeesh.
I'm glad the treasure trove was kept intact, but no xegs and xags *cry*
Also, the final version is compressed quite a bit, so some of the graphics suffer a little.
<begin rant> Tactical encounter G1, description: "illicits" should be "elicits." WotC is in Washington state; English-speaking editors should be available. <English-teacher rant over>
I don't like the "Expedition" format that is used. I agree that a better map of the area should have been provided.
What do others think?Stefan
Has anyone created better maps they wish to share?