Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 9

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. Although, most of the information is system neutral and can be used for any rule system. 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 that 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. Although the artwork and maps have been surprisingly good.
The review of Chapter 1. 
The review of Chapter 2.
The review of Chapter 3.
The review of Chapter 4.
The review of Chapter 5.
The review of Chapter 6.
The review of Chapter 7.
The review of Chapter 8.

Chapter 9 - The Seventh Tree
We are treated to a history about how and why the tree was created. It was basically a battery, created by the Warbringer. It is the reason the gate stopped pushing obsidian into the prime material plane. I do like that the obsidian portal is still open, just blocked by the roots of the seventh tree. What intelligence inhabits the tree? I want to read more.

Session Eighty-One: Wyverns and Giants and Lizards, Oh My!

The group walked through the grasslands, which surrounded the volcano. They heard some noises and ducked below the grass line. Shade said he would scout ahead and everyone agreed. He returned a short time later and explained what he saw.
There was a group of gray skinned humanoids, who had Jessel, he alive and conscious, tied up and roasting over a fire. The gray skinned humanoids were taunting him and laughing with delight. They were armed with stone battleaxes.
The group was quick to make a decision. They would, of course, go rescue their half-giant friend. The group surprised the gray skinned humanoids and made quick work of them. Most of them were knocked unconscious by Raco, who displayed impressive combat abilities. Lilith fled from the combat, as she was scared of the large group.
They freed Jessel, who was thankful for the rescue. Jessel was introduced to Raco, Nyla, and Lilith. He was saddened by the news of the loss of Vashti and Julius. Jessel explained that he had found himself on the island, after being deposited here by the Lords of Earth and told that the group was nearby. He was captured by the gray skinned humanoids, while napping and waiting for the group.
The group walked toward the volcano and saw a wyvern flying around its peak. The wyvern dove down, toward the site of the combat, and began devouring the gray skinned humanoids. The group fled from the monster. After feasting, the wyvern departed, flying back toward the peak of the volcano.

AthasCon Vitual Dark Sun Game

I will be running a virtual four hour AD&D Second Edition Dark Sun game on October 29, 2022 at 10 AM Mountain Time, Noon Eastern Time, 9 AM Pacific Time.
This game will be limited to five players. You do not have to know 2e, but it would be nice to have someone experienced, to run a psionicist. Pre-generated characters will be provided.
It will be run using discord and the Owlbear Rodeo Virtual Tabletop. Everything is free.
More information is available on their discord and at: https://arena.athas.org/t/athascon-online-october-29th-30th/3208

If this time does not work, there will be other Dark Sun fanatics running games as well.

I hope to see you there!

Session Eighty: New Friends

The letters guided them through the room. Some of the square tiles were traps and some were safe. The group figured out that there were two safe pathways. One went to the left and the other to the right. They followed the right path, which lead them to a secret door.
Before they could enter, a voice called out, from the room's entrance. It was Raco, Nyla and Lilith explained, one of the monks from the monastery. They called out the safe path to him and he was able to avoid the traps. He introduced himself to the group and said he was from Tyr. The group explained the peril Tyr was in and that they were trying to stop the Tyrant of Tyr from carrying out his nefarious plans. Raco decided to join them.
They traveled down the hallway, disarming two traps along the way, and came to a large room with a dais. Shade walked onto the dais and writing appeared on the wall. It was, of course, a riddle. As the writing appeared, so did nine jhakar. The jhakar were growling and threatening, but none of them moved to attack.

Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 8

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. Although, most of the information is system neutral and can be used for any rule system. 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 that 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. Although the artwork and maps have been surprisingly good.
The review of Chapter 1. 
The review of Chapter 2.
The review of Chapter 3.
The review of Chapter 4.
The review of Chapter 5.
The review of Chapter 6.
The review of Chapter 7.

Chapter 8 - Legions of the Claw Territories
This chapter is all about the bugdead and their territory, which are the greatest threat to the intelligent humanoid undead of the obsidian plain. It outlines the difference between mindless and free willed bugdead. Instead of skeletons, bugdead without much flesh are called exoskeletons. I thought this was a nice touch.