Publisher: Troll Lord Games
Introduction
In this review, I will share my thoughts on Castles & Crusades Heart of Glass, a dark and gritty adventure module for the Castles & Crusades role-playing game. I will give a brief overview of the module, its setting, its plot, and its features. I will also discuss its compatibility with other role-playing games, its difficulty level, and its suitability for different types of players. Finally, I will rate the module on a scale of 1 to 5 stars and give my recommendation.
Overview
Castles & Crusades Heart of Glass is a 64-page adventure module published by Troll Lord Games in 2023. It is written by Stephen Chenault and illustrated by Peter Bradley. It is part of the Sea Towns series of modules, which explore the coastal region of Ihlsa, a land of crime, corruption, and magic.
The module is set in the Three Cities, a trio of port towns that are ruled by powerful crime lords. The players must infiltrate the underworld of the Three Cities, where they will face thieves, assassins, cultists, and other dangers, in order to stop a sinister plot involving a powerful artifact: the Heart of Glass. The Heart of Glass is a mysterious crystal that can grant immense power or terrible curses to those who possess it.
The module is divided into three parts: The Search, The Chase, and The Confrontation. Each part has its own challenges and twists, and the module offers multiple paths and outcomes depending on the players’ choices and actions. The module also includes maps, illustrations, new monsters, new magic items, and new spells.
Compatibility
The module is designed for 3-6 characters of levels 3-5, but it can be easily adjusted for higher or lower levels. The module is also compatible with the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons, as well as other fantasy role-playing games that use similar rules. The module provides conversion notes and guidelines for adapting the module to different systems.
Difficulty
The module is not for the faint of heart. It is a dark and gritty adventure that requires stealth, cunning, and combat skills. The players will face many enemies and obstacles that will test their abilities and resources. The module also has a high level of unpredictability and randomness, as the players’ actions can have significant consequences and affect the course of the adventure. The module is suitable for experienced players who enjoy a challenge and a complex plot.
Suitability
The module is also not for everyone’s taste. It is a dark and gritty adventure that deals with themes such as crime, violence, corruption, and magic. The module has a mature tone and content that may not be appropriate for younger or more sensitive players. The module is suitable for players who enjoy a dark and gritty setting, as well as for players who want to try a different style of adventure.
What are the most interesting encounters
Some of the most interesting encounters in Castles & Crusades Heart of Glass are:
- The encounter with the Thieves’ Guild in the first part of the adventure, The Search. The players have to infiltrate the guild’s headquarters, which is hidden in a maze of sewers and tunnels under the city of Ra-veen. The guild is led by a mysterious figure known as The Master, who has a connection to the Heart of Glass and the plot to use it. The players have to deal with traps, guards, puzzles, and secrets as they try to find clues and allies in the guild.
- The encounter with the Cult of the Black Hand in the second part of the adventure, The Chase. The players have to track down and stop a group of fanatical cultists who worship a dark god called The Black Hand. The cultists are also after the Heart of Glass, and they have kidnapped a young girl named Lila who is somehow linked to the artifact. The players have to rescue Lila and prevent the cultists from performing a ritual that could unleash a terrible evil.
- The encounter with the Heart of Glass itself in the third part of the adventure, The Confrontation. The players have to face the final challenge and confront the true nature and power of the Heart of Glass. The artifact is a sentient crystal that can grant wishes, but also curses those who use it. The players have to decide what to do with the Heart of Glass, and deal with the consequences of their actions.
Castles & Crusades Heart of Glass on DrivethruRpg
