[Review] HU4 Zjelwynn Fall (3PP AD&D 1e); Appetizer
Today’s feature is an adventure set for levels 2-3, where players venture into the astral plane and encounter a divine figure. Despite certain prevailing trends in game design, this adventure manages to turn expectations around through clever implementation.
The adventure takes players to the concealed citadel of Shodred Dachod, a lich turned demigod. This fortress traverses the astral plane, only accessible to lower-level characters due to powerful enchantments. Players are enlisted by a more powerful adventuring group to traverse the astral plane and enter this fortress, with varying objectives that the Dungeon Master (DM) can customize. The entry to this fortified location requires overcoming its intricate defenses.
While the adventure could have easily fallen into predictable patterns, it avoids such pitfalls. The challenges presented here, although somewhat reminiscent of video games, maintain their intrigue through well-conceived gameplay mechanics. The blend of different gameplay elements, such as abstract pattern recognition, trial and error, combat, and exploration, makes for a satisfying experience.
The journey through the astral plane is reflected abstractly, befitting its nature as a dimensionless spiritual realm. Here, characters embody spirit forms linked to their physical selves through astral cords, immune to the passage of time, but unable to naturally heal or recover spells. The guide provides a simplified set of astral conditions to emphasize the area’s otherworldliness, with characters primarily reliant on magical items, although resourceful spell usage can broaden what can be brought along.
In terms of game design, this adventure shines by leveraging the concept of pressure effectively. Dungeons & Dragons thrives on a balance of risk and reward, with pressure necessary to encourage strategic decision-making. Despite the timeless nature of the astral plane, characters’ physical bodies lose vitality as adventure progresses, setting a tangible pressure that forces timely resolution. Furthermore, encounters with astral denizens add unpredictability and challenge, adding a layer of complexity to each astral journey.
Death in the astral plane is notably forgiving, with passing a system shock test allowing characters to continue unscathed. The dungeon itself, though relatively compact with just seven rooms, is intriguing because of its layout and the secrets it conceals. Players must decipher the fortress’s architecture to reach the final chamber housing the Lich and its treasures.
Each enigmatic room is distinct, filled with unique challenges. Players initially face an assault by indestructible blocks within a hollow sphere of enchanted sand, with scattered treasure tempting risk-taking. Throughout the fortress, players encounter Modron custodians as random obstacles, which can be bypassed with certain knowledge, aligning with traditional DnD exploration where information is key.
The final room encapsulates the essence of Zjelwynn Fall. Players find themselves on a ruby clock arm, facing shadowy hourglass-wielding guardians that reprise each turn—emphasizing an evident timer mechanic. This setting bridges brilliant anticipation with urgent tactical thinking, underscored by the threat of an unleashed high-level demigod if the timer expires.
In terms of rewards, the adventure predominantly features magical items, which can be exceptionally potent and are likely to resonate well within campaigns that can handle such introductions. However, DMs may need to consider potential impacts on training costs or advancement pacing.
Zjelwynn Fall serves as an exemplary introduction to planar adventuring at lower levels, striking a balance between exploration, combat, and intricate puzzle-solving. While it might appear abstract for some, most players will find the challenge rewarding and engaging. The module showcases thoughtful design, anticipation-building mechanisms, and ensures players maintain a keen interest throughout.
This thought-provoking adventure is a must-experience for fans of strategic gaming who are looking to delve into the astral plane’s mysterious depths.