There ar some printing/editing issues that cut-off at least one page but this is likely to be the first adventure I try in Army of Darkness, despite the fact that it was clearly made for Chill. I might also stick with Chill then move the party to Lands of Adventure. Either way it's worth it.

This actually contains two adventures, and I think the second is a solo mission so I skipped it for now so I can play through it later. However, the titular adventure excited me, too! It's obviously based on Stranger Things but it isn't Stranger Things - besides, Halloween is perfect for kids and, with a title like Tricks and Treats, you realize what you're getting. If you dig Chill, Call of Cthulhu, and horror games like them, you'll dig this.

Who knew that being a medieval monk could be so dangerous? It turns out, wool habits offer meagre protection against the evil threats of the era, at least according to Medieval Mysteries, the second release from Yeti Spaghetti and Friends’ Fright Night Classics line reviving the classic Chill RPG of the 1980s. Set in 15th century Spain, the module contains two short adventures: Shroud of Pestilence and Heresy. Written by Scott George, the adventures somehow manage to combine the best of the slightly pulpy classic Chill that saw youthful 1980s gamers flock to the game with elements of gritty storytelling that presage a sense of lurking horror. No easy feat.

In The Shroud of Pestilence, the player character clergy and allied laypeople must investigate a village in the grips of a mysterious plague, putting themselves in danger of the Black Death for the salvation of others. But this is no ordinary outbreak, and players must unravel a horrifying truth and deal with a terrifying threat that emerges under the cover of darkness. George manages to squeeze a lot into a mere seven pages – plague doctors, a medieval autopsy, several avenues of investigation, and dire combat against a truly imposing foe.

What would adventuring in medieval Spain be without the presence of the dreaded Inquisition? Medieval Mysteries checks that box in Heresy, which sees the characters racing against agents of the Inquisition to unveil a lurking menace before innocent conversos – Jews who converted to Christianity - are targeted. This adventure screams In The Name of the Rose, the classic Sean Connery medieval monastic mystery flick, and indeed it leans heavily into investigation and roleplaying – and excels because of it. The setting and tone feel authentic, the threat real. It’s fantastic.

Both scenarios are short enough to be completed in one night apiece, a nice change of pace of groups that are short on time.

Pre-generated characters, a mix of clergy and laypeople, have been included for convenience. All have fleshed out backgrounds, adding to their interest and making them ready for players to role-play. Maps are useful and well designed. The cover by Flo Holdsworth speaks to the atmosphere and tone of these adventures. The interior art by Mac Teg is a real treat; its spectacular.

The adventures in Medieval Mysteries feature investigation at times and violence in others, but most importantly, they live up to a high standard of entertainment. As a whole, Medieval Mysteries has a great deal going for it. The stories are easy to follow, the stakes are high, there’s enough action and horror to keep players entertained.