(This is foner’s test drive of AD&D first edition, played entirely by-the-book. The module is “Trial by Fire” from Judges Guild.)
PCs
- Heldrin of the Reddened Green, Elf Assassin, played by FredH
- Philo, Half-Elf Cleric/Ranger, played by skidoo
- Sassafrass, Elf Fighter/M-U, played by Invincible Overlord
A week later, the party of elves makes a few more purchases, and returns to the site of the secret fortress. They search a room previously passed through, which contains brass plaques dedicated to heroes of old. There is also a large hexagonal pattern of tiles on the floor. They can not determine the significance.
A few more hallways are tapped for pit traps, and then the worst happens: the party is caught against a door by three slobbering gnolls. Unable to flee, the elves quickly become gnoll-kibble. Heldrin, of 1 h.p., falls first, unsurprisingly. Next to go down is Sassafrass. Philo attempts to escape by fleeing through the door , but the gnoll cracks it open like it cracks open Philo's chest a second later.
The elves never return. The townspeople presume that they wandered off in their curly-toed shoes, admiring nature.
TPK YO!*
PCs
- Dragonfly, Human Monk, played by FredH
- Reggio Emilia, Gnome Illusionist/Thief, played by skidoo
- Udayan, Human Cleric of Kali, played by Invincible Overlord
Having learned from squirrels of a recently unearthed Secret Fortress, a gnome and two humans arrive in Auburndale, seeking fortune. Since the squirrels also hinted that some elves lost their nuts, the gnome enlists the services of a healthy-looking fellow named Kenny to carry a spear. The party then marches in the last known direction of the wayward elves.
Entering through the same empty room, but turning left instead of right, the party discovers a chamber painted with two frescoes on opposite walls: one depicts a pastoral scene that looks modeled after the local countryside. The other portrays a bustling human town none of the party recognizes. The door into the room, when closed, fits into the scene as a door to a building. A search of the rest of the fresco reveals no similar doors.
At this point, we were informed that Bread & Butter closes at 10pm, and we had to leave. Important to know.
written up by skidoo