Old School Renaissance – Castles and Crusades – A4 Usurpers of the Fell Axe

Castles and Crusades, Old School

Publisher: Troll Lord Games

Introduction

In this review, I will be looking at Castles & Crusades A4 Usurpers of the Fell Axe, a fantasy role-playing game adventure module written by Davis Chenault and published by Troll Lord Games. It is the fourth installment in the A series of adventures, which are set in the world of Aihrde. The module is designed for 3-5 characters of levels 4-6, and involves a plot to uncover the source of wealth and power of a corrupt baron who wields a cursed axe.

Overview

The adventure is divided into four chapters, each with its own challenges and objectives. The first chapter introduces the town of Ludensheim, where the baron resides, and the various factions and NPCs that the characters can interact with. The second chapter details the baron’s castle, where the characters can infiltrate, explore, and confront the baron and his allies. The third chapter reveals the secret of the fell axe, and the hidden lair of the cabal that controls it. The fourth chapter provides an epilogue and some possible consequences of the characters’ actions.

The module is well-written and provides a lot of detail and flavor for the setting and the NPCs. The adventure has a good balance of role-playing, exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, and offers multiple paths and outcomes depending on the characters’ choices. The module also includes maps, illustrations, new monsters, new magic items, and appendices with additional information and optional rules.

Compatibility

The module is compatible with the Castles & Crusades game system, which is based on the classic editions of Dungeons & Dragons. However, it can be easily adapted to other fantasy game systems with minimal changes. The module can be played as a standalone adventure, or as part of a larger campaign using the other modules in the A series.

What are the most interesting encounters

ome of the most interesting encounters in the module are:

  • The ghost of the baron’s wife, who haunts the castle and can help or hinder the characters depending on their actions. She can reveal some secrets about the baron and the fell axe, but she is also tormented by her past and her love for her husband.
  • The cabal of the fell axe, a group of cultists who worship the axe and its dark power. They are led by a mysterious figure known as the Usurper, who has a sinister plan to unleash a horde of undead on the land. The characters can discover their lair and try to stop them, or even join them if they are corrupted by the axe.
  • The final confrontation with the baron, who is possessed by the fell axe and has become a ruthless tyrant. He is surrounded by his loyal guards and his pet dragon, and will not surrender easily. The characters can try to reason with him, fight him, or even take the axe for themselves.

Conclusion

Overall, Castles & Crusades A4 Usurpers of the Fell Axe is a fun and engaging adventure that will challenge and entertain both players and game masters. It is suitable for fans of classic fantasy gaming who enjoy a mix of intrigue, mystery, action, and horror. I would recommend this title to anyone who likes Castles & Crusades or similar games.

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