Xaxaxe wrote:I've already received a couple of requests to post a review, or maybe just a broad overview, when I get my copy, so I'll be sure to do that.

As promised ...

I'm going to use a pretty informal format here. Rather than a long, long, long dissertation, I'll be using a bunch of "talking points" that I think the average poster here might be interested in.

Here we go ...

What's included: An outer folder; the interior serves as maps of the town and the Inn of the Welcome Wench. A 24-page black-and-white interior booklet. A two-sided, full-color "battle mat" for the inn and the Moathouse.

Does it acknowledge its roots? Yes, big-time. The first name mentioned is Gary Gygax. At least three Trampier illustrations are included. The entire package treats the original T1 with a level of respect that is nice to see.

Is it really Hommlet? Or some crazy-ass 4e spin-off? It's Hommlet. The village is essentially identical in layout and personnel. There's still a Moathouse to the east, there's still a big inn on the left side of the road. All of the usual suspects have been rounded up: Elmo, Jaroo, Lareth, and the sexually ambiguous Rufus and Byrne are all accounted for. Anyone who ever played or DM'd T1 will be able to point to the map and, without double-checking, be able to point out various landmarks.

What's different? Well, the battle mat is the first big clue that this isn't a 1e product. The authors fully expect that there will be some tactical-style 4e combat going on, especially at the Moathouse. There's also an increased emphasis on "side quests": pretty much any named NPC will be able to offer the PCs a quick side trek for a few XPs and some minor treasure. There's also numerous minor adjustments, most noticeably in terms of the monsters, who had to updated to 4e specifications. The treasure is also handled completely differently, as it uses a method of distribution described in the 4e DMG.

What should have been left out? The author's note, which begins ... "I never owned the original Village of Hommlet." That's really not what I want to hear, and, seriously, there wasn't an author around who had owned the damn thing? I admit it makes me a bit skeptical of the author's abilities in general, but it appears, on my first read-through, that he mostly did okay.

Bottom-line it: It's the Village of Hommlet, no doubt about it. Much more is similar to the original T1 than is different. It's instantly recognizable to anyone who ever looked at the original.

Will I like it? Here's a test for you. Think of the most famous encounter in the original: those effing Giant Frogs, right? Now, how do you feel about the following description:

Giant Frog
Level 3 Controller
Medium natural beast

Iniative +5, HP 44, AC 18 (and a bunch more stuff)

Attacks: Bite (standard; at-will); Grasping Tongue (minor; at-will); Prodigious Leap (move; at-will)

(and a bunch more stuff).

Still with me? Still want to re-visit the Moathouse? Then you'll be in good shape; you will enjoy this product, especially when it (likely) comes down in price.

If that description of the frogs made you see red or have an overwhelming desire to hug your 1e hardbacks, then you'll need to approach cautiously. Because, beyond the atmosphere, that's what you'll be getting: long-ish stat blocks for all major NPCs and encounters (although, honestly, 4e stat blocks are much better than the 3e blocks). You'll still be getting all of that Hommlet goodness, but you'll need to ask yourself if the tactical, stat-heavy aspect of 4e will be too much of a turn-off for you.

My reaction (for those who care): Overall, I'm pleased. I'm looking forward to a more detailed reading this weekend. This one is a lifetime keeper for me.

Thank you for the review sir.

So was that a total HP value of all the frogs combined?
If not, then................  WOW
44 HPs for each frog?
Is that normal for a level 1-3 PC encounter in 4E?
Talk about TPKs..........

There were 6 Giant Frogs near the Pond at the Moat House in the original T1.
Two of them were HD2 (13, 10 HPs)
The other Four were HD1 (7, 6, 4, 4 HPs)

ONE of the 4E frogs is about equal to ALL six of the 1E frogs combined...
And those 1E croakers were easily capable of slaying (eating) an entire party of 1-2 Level PCs.

Again, this is all at first glance, but let me check:

(minor spoiler alert, I guess )

It looks like there's five of the froggies. Two begin on marked places on the battle mat; one more arrives each round.

They are all listed with a generic 44 HP. This isn't quite as bad as it seems, as first-level PCs are steroided-up in 4e; everything is a bit more intense at the lower levels in 4e.

Also, whoops, I should have mentioned this in the original overview: this adventure specifically notes that it is for 4th-level characters.

So, given that 4e PCs generally begin their careers as pretty robust fighters, I think the frogs are mostly there for a warm-up (although, as noted above, the leaping thing can cause problems ... not to mention that "swallow whole" thing).

I don't have the original in front of me, but wasn't it designed for levels 1-3? If so, then I should have noted that under "what's different," because that is a fairly significant change.

To be fair, alot of people seem to gloss over the fact that T1 is extremely lethal. A group of first level characters, assuming a hack and slash methodology, has a slim chance of surviving. Virtually every encounter - with a monster - can kill one or more characters.

But that is vintage GG. T1 is better suited for 2-3rd level characters, but who can resist it as a starting adventure for a group of first levels? When I first ran it - all those years ago - I watered it down a bit. Never missed a beat of fun though.

Xaxaxe wrote:Also, whoops, I should have mentioned this in the original overview: this adventure specifically notes that it is for 4th-level characters.

So, given that 4e PCs generally begin their careers as pretty robust fighters, I think the frogs are mostly there for a warm-up (although, as noted above, the leaping thing can cause problems ... not to mention that "swallow whole" thing).

I don't have the original in front of me, but wasn't it designed for levels 1-3? If so, then I should have noted that under "what's different," because that is a fairly significant change.

Actually, the original says 1st level characters, but it's brutal if you follow that.

Was this module produced in limited scale? Why does it go so high on ebay?

WOTC has introduced a new distribution system for its modules, mythic rare, rare, uncommon, and common. This is a rare

Tharizdun wrote:
WOTC has introduced a new distribution system for its modules, mythic rare, rare, uncommon, and common. This is a rare

do you have to but them in sealed bags of 8 and hope you get the one you want instead of yet more goblin militia (or whatever   )

SoulCatcher78 wrote:or sign up and qualify now to get in on the August mailing

It has been suggested that you need to be a 5 point DM in the RPGA to get one; i.e. have been the DM at least at 5 sanctioned RPGA events.  Can anyone else verify this?