Old School Renaissance - Castles and Crusades - A3 Wicked Cauldron

Publisher: Troll Lord Games

Castles & Crusades A3 Wicked Cauldron is a challenging and exciting adventure module for the Castles & Crusades role-playing game. It is the third installment of the A series, following A1 Assault on Blacktooth Ridge and A2 Slag Heap. In this review, I will give you an overview of the module, its strengths and weaknesses, and my final verdict.

Overview

The module takes the characters to the Barren Wood, where they must infiltrate a ziggurat that serves as the base of operations for a Witch Queen and her minions. The ziggurat is a seven-level dungeon filled with traps, puzzles, secrets, and enemies. The module is designed for 3-5 characters of levels 3-5, and can be played as a standalone adventure or as part of a larger campaign.

What are the most interesting encounters

There are many interesting encounters in this adventure module, but some of the most memorable ones are:

The entrance to the ziggurat, where the characters have to face a horde of goblins and orcs, as well as a giant stone golem that guards the gate. The characters will have to use stealth, diplomacy, or brute force to get past this obstacle.
The second level of the ziggurat, where the characters have to solve a series of riddles and puzzles to unlock the doors and access the stairs. The riddles are based on the history and lore of the ziggurat, and the puzzles involve manipulating levers, buttons, and symbols. The characters will have to use their intelligence, perception, and memory to succeed.
The fourth level of the ziggurat, where the characters have to navigate a maze of corridors and rooms that change and shift randomly. The characters will have to deal with traps, illusions, and enemies that appear and disappear unpredictably. The characters will have to use their intuition, luck, and teamwork to survive.
The sixth level of the ziggurat, where the characters have to face the Witch Queen herself and her loyal followers. The Witch Queen is a powerful spellcaster who can control fire, ice, and lightning. She also has a pet dragon that she can summon to aid her. The characters will have to use their courage, strategy, and resources to defeat her.

Strengths

The module has several strengths that make it a worthwhile purchase for fans of Castles & Crusades or classic fantasy gaming. Some of these are:

The ziggurat is a well-designed and detailed dungeon, with multiple paths, hidden areas, and interesting features. The maps are clear and easy to follow, and the descriptions are evocative and concise.
The module provides a lot of background information on the history and lore of the ziggurat, the Witch Queen, and the region. This adds depth and flavor to the adventure, and gives the DM plenty of hooks and ideas to expand on.
The module has a good balance of combat, exploration, and role-playing opportunities. The characters will face a variety of foes, from goblins and orcs to trolls and priests. They will also have to deal with traps, puzzles, and environmental hazards. There are also chances to interact with NPCs, such as allies, enemies, or neutrals.
The module has a high level of challenge and danger, but also rewards cleverness and creativity. The characters will have to use their skills, abilities, and resources wisely to survive and succeed. The module also offers multiple ways to complete the adventure, depending on the characters’ choices and actions.

Weaknesses

The module has some minor weaknesses that could be improved or addressed by the DM. Some of these are:

The module assumes that the characters have played the previous modules in the series, or at least have some knowledge of them. This could make it difficult for new players or DMs to jump into the adventure without some preparation or adaptation.
The module does not provide much guidance on how to run the ziggurat as a living and dynamic fortress. The DM will have to decide how the inhabitants react to the characters’ presence, how they coordinate their defenses, and how they pursue their goals. The DM will also have to keep track of the time and events that occur in the dungeon.
The module does not offer much variety in terms of treasure or magic items. Most of the loot is mundane or standard equipment, with only a few unique or special items. The DM may want to add more rewards or surprises for the characters.

Verdict

Overall, Castles & Crusades A3 Wicked Cauldron is a solid and enjoyable adventure module that will test the characters’ skills and courage. It is a great addition to the Castles & Crusades line, and a worthy tribute to the classic fantasy gaming tradition. I would recommend it to anyone who likes old-school dungeon crawling with a twist.

Related Products:

Castles & Crusades A3: Wicked Cauldron on DrivethruRpg