Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 2

Athas.org recently released Secrets of the Dead Lands. The book is a D&D 3.5 version of an unfinished manuscript, originally for AD&D 2nd edition. The original draft was written by Timothy Brown, co-creator of the Dark Sun setting. 

I will not be comparing the Athas.org version with the original manuscript. I will give my opinions on the completed Secrets of the Dead Lands. I have decided I will break down the review into separate parts, by reviewing it chapter by chapter. I will not criticize the artwork or maps, as this is a free book, that was put together by fans. The review of Chapter 1 

Chapter 2 - Northwest Cliffs

A few pages before the second chapter, there is a large two-page map of the Dead Lands. The placement seems a little odd, as I believe this map would be a great break between chapter one and chapter two. It is an extremely useful map and is easy to read, it keeps the same iconography that Dark Sun fans have seen in other products.

The second chapter dives into specific locations in the Dead Lands. As a surprise to no one who read the chapter heading, this chapter is about the northwest cliffs and the surrounding area. It begins with explaining that the Dead Lands are in a basin and the path down is known as the Winding Way.
There is a surprising amount of information about the path into the basin below. It discusses the path way's history, as well as its current state of disrepair. Lastly, it outlines the various dangers of the pathway, including an undead earth drake.

The chapter continues by describing Tru'ezarr Fort. The book describes the history of the fort in detail, as well as some of the forts dangers. One creative component I enjoy, is that the fort is upside down and partially buried. It would be an interesting place for player characters to explore. However, I do wish the author had included some more information on the current state of the fort, such as why the ancient undead still reside there. I would have also enjoyed a simple silhouette of the fort, displaying how much of it is under ground.
Next, the chapter explains the history of a dwarven colony and an orc colony. Both of these sections have very creative and detailed histories. However, they too, provide little information on the current state of affairs and how player characters would interact with them. There is enough information included for creative dungeon masters to create their own current conditions.
Continuing in the chapter, you'll read about Small Home. This section has a creative and detailed history and information about the current state of affairs. There is information about what player characters would see at their approach, as well as why the current inhabitants of the village would allow their entry. Lastly, the author included what treasure a group of player characters can possible be rewarded with, if they survive. 

The next section, labeled as Beardpit Mines, is the history of a gnomish city and the fate that befell it. Like the previous sections, the history is nicely detailed. This section discusses the current state of affairs and the various factions fighting for control of the tunnels beneath the city. I particularly enjoyed the fungus that grows on some of the undead. It's not important to the setting, but is a nice detail. This, and the previous section, should be the standard of location write-ups and I found myself more excited about these locations.

In conclusion, this chapter is a good start for player characters who arrive on the obsidian plane, if they take the winding way. I enjoyed the history and creative details that were outlined, but wished there was some more current about some of the locations. Even without these details, the chapter is well written and provides many ideas for dungeon masters to flesh out. As a dungeon master myself, the most exciting location to guide my player characters to visit, would be Small Home. Undead creatures that are commonly thought of as cute, is just disturbing.
The chapter is defiantly worth the download and time to read it. Even if you do not play Dark Sun, some of these locations can be used in other settings. Of course, if you're not playing Dark Sun, why are you playing at all?