Publisher: Troll Lord Games
Introduction
In this post, I will review Castles and Crusades – Assault on Blacktooth Ridge, a classic fantasy adventure module for the Castles and Crusades role-playing game, written by Davis Chenault. It is the first in a series of modules set in the world of Aihrde, a rich and detailed setting that draws inspiration from various myths and legends. The module is designed for 3-5 characters of levels 1-3, and can be easily adapted to any fantasy campaign.
The Adventure
The adventure begins with the characters arriving at the town of Botkinburg, a frontier settlement that is plagued by raids from the creatures of the Blacktooth Ridge, a mountain range that harbors many dangers and secrets. The characters can explore the town, interact with the locals, and learn about the history and lore of the region. They can also find several hooks that lead them to investigate the Blacktooth Ridge, such as rumors of a goblin king, a mysterious wending beast, an ancient temple, and a hidden treasure.
The Blacktooth Ridge is a sandbox-style area that offers multiple locations for the characters to explore, each with its own challenges and rewards. The module provides detailed descriptions of each location, as well as maps, encounters, traps, puzzles, and secrets. The characters can encounter various foes, such as goblins, ogres, trolls, orcs, skeletons, zombies, cultists, and more. They can also discover allies, such as a friendly hermit, a lost knight, or a hidden village of elves. The module also includes several optional side quests that can expand the scope and duration of the adventure.
The Module
The module is well-written and easy to follow, with clear instructions for the game master and helpful tips and advice. The module also includes several appendices that provide additional information on the setting, the monsters, the magic items, and the NPCs. The module is illustrated with beautiful artwork by Peter Bradley, who also did the cartography and art direction. The module has a classic feel and captures the spirit of old-school fantasy gaming.
Conclusion
Castles and Crusades – Assault on Blacktooth Ridge is a great introduction to the Castles and Crusades game system and the world of Aihrde. It is a fun and exciting adventure that can appeal to both new and veteran players. It offers a lot of variety and replay value, as well as opportunities for further exploration and development. It is a module that deserves to be played and enjoyed by fans of fantasy role-playing games.
Castles & Crusades A1 Assault on Blacktooth Ridge on DrivethruRpg
