Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 10

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 did not compare the Athas.org version with the original manuscript. I gave my opinions on the completed Secrets of the Dead Lands. I broke down the review into separate parts, by reviewing it chapter by chapter. I did 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.
The review of Chapter 9.

Chapter 10 - The Dead Lands and the Tablelands
This chapter starts off with a question that I have had the entire time reading this book. Why don't the undead of the Dead Lands invade the Tablelands? Instead of a single, unvarying answer, we are given a list of reasons.
The first reasons make a lot of sense. They basic idea is that the undead are unsure if they will continue to survive upon leaving the Dead Lands. This could be tested and I am sure it has been, but likely with unintelligent undead. If the intelligent undead leave the obsidian plain, will they become mindless? How long will they really last? Even a century is not long to such deathless creatures.

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.

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.

Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 7

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.

Chapter 7 - The Eastern Reaches and the Crunch
This chapter begins with a section about Chol. Chol is a vast smooth plain, with savage undead marauding clans. The section continues with a description of three of the clans. It is insinuated that there are more.
The first clan is The Black Thunder. These marauders have little to drive them, except survival. Seeing that undead survive with no need of physical nourishment, they must believe that in order to survive, they must fight the other undead. It does mention the leader of this group taking booty, but aside from corpses to raise as his minions, I do not understand what else he would take.

Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 6

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 has 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.

Chapter 6 - The Kingdoms of Gretch
The chapter begins with a easy to read map of the region. I love maps, two thumbs up! This map shows that this area is south of The Naked Obsidian, the region discussed in chapter three.
The region is described as harsh and lifeless. The obsidian is thick and there are obsidian glaciers moving slowly over the stone underneath. It mentions the obsidian is particularly thick.
The region is named for a human defiler named, you guessed it, Gretch. The evil man used magic to create some monsters and ran away from his teachers. He sought undeath as a way of extending his existence, but something went wrong. His past is further deatiled and it is strongly hinted that he played a major part in the disaster that created the Dead Lands.

Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 5

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 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 has been surprisingly good.
The review of Chapter 1. 
The review of Chapter 2.
The review of Chapter 3.
The review of Chapter 4.

Chapter 5 - The City of a Thousand Dead
The previous chapters mentioned the City of a Thousand Dead multiple times, so I figured it was an important part of the Dead Lands. It's nice to get, not only a section, but an entire chapter dedicated to it.
The city is huge, five miles in diameter, and is roughly circular in shape. There is not a sole ruler of the city, but different factions, that are not always friendly with each other. The city contains the obsidian gate and the bugdead attack the city often.

Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 4

 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 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 has been surprisingly good.
The review of Chapter 1. 
The review of Chapter 2.
The review of Chapter 3.

Chapter 4 - The Dead Lords
Despite what the chapter heading may say, this chapter is about locations and not just the personalities that reside there. It starts off with a map of the region, which is very handy for dungeon masters.
The chapter begins by discussing an undead defiler named Kulrath. He is a paranoid being, who rules over the nation of Deshentu. He has a large army, but prefers to pay tribute to avoid conflict. He also uses his agents to sabotage other nations and has a trapped area around his city. There is also a typical map of these killing fields.
This is exceptionally useful, especially if a group of player characters decide to bring an army to the Dead Lands. I don't see my particular group doing that, but players are not predictable. A dungeon master could have the player characters come across an army marching through the killing fields and falling into the traps. That would be interesting.

Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 3

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. The Review of Chapter 2.

Chapter 3 - The Naked Obsidian

Chapter three begins by showing a map of the area being discussed. This is wonderful, as it is easy to reference the map while reading. Whomever had the idea to place the map at the start of the chapter should feel proud of their decision.

The chapter continues by discussing a group of undead, who are religious fanatics and actually worship the obsidian as a god. The leaders of this group as paraelemental clerics of magma, but they don't even realize it. This sections is written with a great deal of detail and would be a wonderful adversarial group for a group of player characters.

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.

Secrets of the Dead Lands Review, Chapter 1

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.

First impressions.
The book is 169 pages and, although it's a small thing, I appreciate that it uses the original Dark Sun logo. Skimming through the book, it appears to be laid out well and, thankfully, contains a table of contents.
There are a plethora of maps, which are extremely useful, and enough artwork to breakup the sea of text. The pages have the borders I've come to expect from Dark Sun books and, all in all, looks very professional.

Escape the Dark Castle - Game Review

Escape the Dark Castle is a cooperative card game for one to four players. The setup is easy and the rules are simple. A game takes about thirty to forty-five minutes. It is recommended for players fourteen and older, but I believe a mature ten or twelve year old could play.
The rule book is written well and we had no problems with poorly written rules or misunderstandings. The artwork is decent and all black and white. Escape the Dark Castle is a substance over style game, which I greatly prefer to the alternative.
Escape the Dark castle is a dungeon crawling card game that changes every time you play. It comes with a stack of forty-five cards, called chapter cards, that represent the areas of the castle your team is trudging through. The cards could be monsters to fight, NPCs to make deals with, options to steal items, or wonderful cards that allow you to find an item, with no combat.

A standard game uses fifteen chapter cards and then a big bad at the end, that you must fight. There are three big bad guy cards, in the base game. The big bad is no joke and can easily kill an entire party, if the party rolls poorly. In three of the five games I played, the result was the group getting to the big bad and dying. You could use more than fifteen chapter cards, but this would increase the difficulty of the game.
Setting up the game is simple. Everyone chooses a role to play and each role has strengths and weaknesses. Each role has three stats: wisdom, cunning, and might. In my experience the two most important stats are might and cunning, so in a four player game, I would suggest three players take characters with maximum of each stat, but the final character take either a might character, with secondary cunning, or a cunning character with secondary might.

Review of Dark Sun Vignette: "Red Well"

Jesse Heinig wrote this short adventure for AD&D 2nd Edition Dark Sun. I am going to review it. Just to let readers know: I do not know Jesse Heinig, except through the vignettes he's written, and have no reason to have an opinion of this vignette before reading it. You can read it yourself: Download it here.
Red Well is a good vignette. It introduces some characters that can be reused again and again. It also adds some more intrigue to the battle for control of Tyr after the fall of Kalak. The TL;DR version of the review is that Red Well is worth a read and can be used in a post-Kalak Tyr quite easily. In fact, I believe it could be run right after the official adventure: Freedom, if you so choose.
Read the full review after the jump.

Review of Dark Sun Vignette: "Bad Bits"

Jesse Heinig wrote this short adventure for AD&D 2nd Edition Dark Sun. I am going to review it. Just to let readers know: I do not know Jesse Heinig and have no reason to have an opinion of this vignette before reading it. You can read it yourself: Download it here.
Calling "Bad Bits" a vignette is, in my opinion, incorrect. This is a short adventure. The TL;DR version of this review is: "Bad Bits" is fantastic, download it now.
Read the full review after the jump.

Review of Dark Sun Vignette: "Cold Tower"

Jesse Heinig wrote this short location reference for AD&D 2nd Edition Dark Sun. I am going to review it. Just to let readers know: I do not know Jesse Heinig and have no reason to have an opinion of this vignette before reading it. You can read it yourself: Download it here.
The first thing I did was look up what a vignette was, because I was educated in California and had no idea what that meant. Turns out, in this instance it meant: "a short descriptive literary sketch" or "
a brief incident or scene." Now, on to the review.

A yakhchāl in the early morning on Athas.

Introduction
The vignette begins by explaining that Cold Tower can be dropped into an existing campaign in almost any location. While that is true, I believe it would be most suitable in the sandy wastes or stony barrens, which the author agrees with me about.
It also discusses that this could be made into a short, one shot adventure by making this location a current home of a magic or psionic item. This is true and would make an interesting one-shot for introducing new players to Dark Sun.
The introduction continues by explaining that the village was founded by free people and escaped slaves. The village was constructed, but then the people died of a plague not too far afterward. As a location in a long running campaign, I believe this history is fine. However, if you choose to use this location as a one shot adventure, I would suggest giving it a more interesting backstory with defilers or psionicists.
The rest of the introduction explains the science behind the cold tower, which is called a yakhchāl in the real world. The description is as accurate as I could find without getting too much into the exact science. Yakhchāls basically work as an evaporative cooler. I think Heinig's conclusion that these structures would exist on Athas is a good one.

Bone, Stone, and Obsidian Podcast

I recently discovered a great Dark Sun podcast called Bone, Stone, and Obsidian. While they talk about other than second edition Dark Sun and I disagree with their outlook on Templars, it is still interesting to listen to.
Check them out here: http://misdirectedmark.com/category/podcasts/bsao/

Why Dark Sun is my Favorite AD&D Setting

I was talking to a friend of mine about our favorite D&D settings and I began teasing him about his favorite, Forgotten Realms. I pointed out that it was too easy, with good epic level NPCs, safe cities ruled by good kings, and flowers that don't try to kill you.
"Why adventure at all?" I teased, "Elminster and that Drow guy can take care of it, right?"
He laughed it off, corrected me that the Drow guy was Drizzt, and then asked, "Well, what's so great about Dark Sun?"
I told him I loved the harshness of the setting. That every city is ruled by a tyrant, slavery is rampant, water and food are scarce, and that heroes in Dark Sun are the most heroic, because there's no eternal reward for being good.
We then moved on to other topics, but I wanted to expand on what I told him and try to convince other RPG fans to give Dark Sun a try.

Belgoi by Gerald Brom