Publisher: Troll Lord Games
Introduction
If you are a fan of Castles & Crusades, the old-school fantasy role-playing game published by Troll Lord Games, you might be interested in their latest module, The Long Valley. This is an overland adventure that takes the players to a mysterious and dangerous valley that was once a prosperous civilization, but now is a land of monsters and madness. In this review, I will give you an overview of the module, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, and share my opinion and rating of it.
Overview
The Long Valley is a module for characters of levels 3-5, but can be easily adjusted for higher or lower levels. The module can be used as a standalone adventure or as part of a larger campaign. The module is compatible with other Castles & Crusades products, such as Gaxmoor and Undercaverns of Gaxmoor.
The module consists of a 30-mile stretch of a valley that is divided into six regions: the Foothills, the Lowlands, the Highlands, the Forests, the Hills, and the Mountains. Each region has its own terrain, weather, flora, and fauna, as well as several encounter areas that the players can explore. Some of these encounter areas are dungeons, such as the Ruins of Khor-Amon, the Tomb of the Dragon King, and the Caverns of Chaos. Others are more open-ended, such as the Village of the Damned, the Lake of Fire, and the Tower of Dreams.
The module offers a variety of challenges and dangers for the adventurers, such as bandits, trolls, ghosts, dragons, and more. The module also provides some background information on the history and legends of the valley, as well as some hooks and rumors to get the players interested. The module has a lot of flavor and atmosphere, and creates a sense of mystery and adventure.
Analysis
The Long Valley is a well-written and well-presented module. The valley is described in detail, with maps, illustrations, and descriptions that bring it to life. The encounters are diverse and interesting, ranging from combat to puzzles to role-playing. The module also has some twists and surprises that keep the players on their toes.
The module is a great example of a classic fantasy adventure, with a mix of exploration, combat, puzzles, and role-playing. It is similar to other modules in the genre, such as The Keep on the Borderlands or The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth. However, it also has its own unique features and style that make it stand out from the rest.
What are the most interesting encounters
The most interesting encounters in The Long Valley module are the ones that have some unique or unexpected elements that make them memorable and fun. Here are some examples:
- The Village of the Damned: This is a village that was cursed by a witch and turned into a place of horror and madness. The villagers are either dead, insane, or transformed into monsters. The players can explore the village and discover its secrets, but they have to be careful not to fall victim to the curse themselves.
- The Tower of Dreams: This is a tower that was built by a powerful wizard who experimented with dreams and illusions. The tower is full of strange and surreal rooms and creatures that can affect the players’ minds and perceptions. The players can find the wizard’s notes and learn more about his research, but they also have to face his final creation: a nightmare dragon.
- The Caverns of Chaos: This is a network of caves that is home to a cult of chaos worshippers who serve an ancient evil. The cultists are planning to unleash their dark lord upon the world, and the players have to stop them before it’s too late. The caverns are full of traps, puzzles, and enemies that test the players’ skills and courage.
Conclusion
I enjoyed playing The Long Valley and I think it is a fun and exciting module for Castles & Crusades fans. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who likes old-school fantasy gaming in general. If you decide to play it, here are some tips and suggestions:
- Be prepared for anything. The valley is full of surprises and dangers that can catch you off guard.
- Be curious. The valley has many secrets and mysteries that can reward you if you explore them.
- Be creative. The valley offers many opportunities for role-playing and problem-solving that can enhance your experience.
Castles & Crusades The Long Valley on DrivethruRpg
