I've downgraded from GMing a complete homebrew setting, to Rise of the Runelords and now to a one-shot module just to reduce the strain on myself. I have new players and I was probably asking too much of them to commit to the same character and story for months, if not years, of playing.
Anyway, I want to go for a Level 1 module with a classic fantasy feel. If they enjoy it and want to carry on, I'll probably see if I can continue it in to the beginning of an adventure path.
I'm not interested in We Be Goblins, otherwise I'm looking for a one-shot dungeon crawl preferably with goblins or a similar race, maybe some undead. I know the classic level 1 trope is fighting rats in a basement but to be honest I don't want a whole module of critters, but not too many of the more esoteric monsters either. I might be asking too much.
I've done a lot of searching, but I still don't know what's worth playing and what looks better than it actually is.
Crypt of the Everflame is a classic dungeon-crawl, with mostly undead creatures and a few other opponents mixed in. (There is a shadow which will probably kill a character with new players who don't anything about them, so you might change that to something else, a burning skeleton maybe, given its placement in the dungeon. It is, sadly, out of print, so you'd have to run it from a PDF if that's a downside for you.
Master of the Fallen Fortress is a dungeon but in my opinion doesn't have the classic fantasy feel to it. It's also PDF only, but it's FREE, which is always a plus.
Murder's Mark is fun but has no dungeons so probably not what you're looking for.
The Godsmouth Heresy is a dungeon crawl but is set in Kaer Maga so is a little too 'out there' to be classic fantasy, imo.
I don't know anything about this adventure except that, by its description, it might be right up your alley. This one as well.
EDIT to respond to the post below me re Thornkeep: For the love of all that is holy, take the wight out of the first-level dungeon. I think I replaced it with a ghoul.
The first level of Thornkeep (well all of Thornkeep) has a classic clear out the dungeon feel.
However, the first level can be rough and it's not unknown to have a TPK.
Well,I think the first chapter or Rise of the Runelords is a pretty good start. Running it isn't going to be much different than a module.
Thornkeep looks like exactly what I'm after! I'd never heard of it before, probably because it was from a Kickstarter.
I'll probably introduce Ameiko from RotRL as a link to the AP too.
I would consider scrapping two encounters from Accursed Halls, and changing them to something less lethal for a level 1 beginner group (assuming they are beginners). Or, at least leveling them to 2 before they get to these encounters ...
The back to back wraith and shadow are lethal of level 1 groups that aren't experienced players. The wraith will instant kill anyone it hits and the shadow, as incorporeal, is near un-hittable. If you keep them, you should make sure they can deal with them Channel energy and Magic Weapon.
I don't think we have anyone who can deal with those encounters, although one player is only finalising his character on the day. I'll replace them with something a bit more beatable.
Quick question. Are there any actual hooks to get the players in to the dungeon in Thornkeep, or is it more sandboxy with them following the rumours?
Iirc, the presumption is that the PCs are there specifically to delve the dungeon for loot and glory. If you want more of a hook than that, you'd have to introduce one.
Two hooks from the module are
- chief gralsk , the goblin chief is looking for a special sword
- Gareth silvercrown is missing inside Accursed Halls (though he is now one of the encounters you'll scrap)
There are plenty of others hooks you can use though
- iliara starcloak wants to know more about the door
- pathfinders want to locate the scrying pool
- No one is comfortable with whatever the goblins are doing down there
The info on the city should help here
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