Fantastic adventure; great for running on Halloween or if desiring a spooky game.

Highlights:

• Strong hook and setup, which leads players directly into the story in an easy way
• Included map is high quality
• Adventure includes a nice mix of elements of play (exploration, combat, roleplay) and keeps players engaged
• Nice use of puzzle and environmental hazards in the adventure
• Length - run without the side quests, I find that this adventure effectively takes ~4 hours and fills a full AL game slot

Elements that in my opinion could use some improving:

• The second optional objective to me is nearly impossible to run, because to engage in it, relies on the players ignoring the "final fight" room. If they open that door or explore too much, then the only option is to do the second objective after defeating the "final" enemies, which can be underwhelming. Would have appreciated this being placed earlier in the adventure or somehow else in a way that did not create this narrative conflict.

Tips:

• Great chance to use sound or visuals to heighten the atmosphere. To me, engagement in the adventure is maximized by maintaining the fear of the unknown threat (or of being grabbed) for as long as possible.
• This module makes good use of the specific stat block of the main monster. If you have not used this monster before, I recommend taking some time to think through how to run them effectively, since effectiveness relies on stealth, surprise, and (to some degree) on keeping the identity of the monster hidden early on to build tension.
• To keep engagement from "captured" players, I like to switch and let the captured player(s) "break free" once the party gets close to them. This way they can narrate their escape (e.g. freeing themselves of the skeleton arms, standing up, looking around and then "seeing" the rest of the party come into the room.

Fantastic adventure. Very unique setup; keeps the players engaged throughout.

Things I liked:

• Emphasizes multiple styles of play (roleplay, exploration combat)
• Unique play as a "monster" element, which is designed very well, is simple to execute and fits into the game in an easy way for players to understand.
• Hook and story are clear and guide players along throughout the adventure.

Things I found challenging while DMing:

• Final combat can be a little underwhelming for the players and a little confusing in set-up (for instance, managing all of the "help" from allies)

DM Tips:

• To me, VTT makes the "monster" piece easy to run because I can have the "monster" character sheets set up ahead of time and then simply assign them to the appropriate player as the players choose monsters. Before you run this module, I recommend spending some time making sure you are ready to handle the switch to "monster play" in a way that is streamlined and simple for the players.

I really like this module - it keeps players engaged through, both by mixing the three styles of play (exploration, roleplay, combat) and by shifting those by having the players play part of the module as "monsters" instead of as their characters. During the monster element, I like that the author allows the characters to engage in both roleplay and combat as the monsters, which deepens the experience and lets them enjoy the unique setup even more.

Excellent quality adventure, with engaging role-play and combat. In multiple run-throughs, I’ve found that players quickly get into the plot and become very engaged in the storyline. Run-time was usually almost exactly at 4 hours. A few tricks I like for DMing this (SPOILER WARNING): First: Once they’ve rescued the survivor, I find it can help lull the players into a false sense of security in the mansion if I emphasize that she may be able to answer questions in the morning; ideally, this sets them up well for the sneak attack. Second: The trickiest part for DMing is where the players need to “lose” by having the survivor be rescued or escape. I’ve found that most groups are actually very focused on protecting her. Making sure the fight(s) downstairs are challenging downstairs can help, and don’t be afraid to aggressively use the guards’ weapons coated with slumber resin. Although I haven’t had to use it, I also feel that if needed the DM could run a backup plan of allowing the party to prevent Ravia’s, and have her spill that she was part of a cult that is about to unleash an Azer on the city. The plot would then continue the same, with the players seeking the Chapterhouse of Eternal Flame in order to stop the cult.

Format is of 5 mini-adventures designed to introduce the themes of season 2 (Elemental Evil, intrigue, deception). The adventures are tied together through connections to an ongoing noblewoman’s party at which the adventurers are hired to work. Parties of this type are a recurring theme in the DDEX2 adventures, and this one works well enough, especially if the DM makes use of the noble’s steward Saul to move things along. In reading through these, I found some stronger than others, and in my games focused on DMing Hatred Like Clawed Wind and Envy Like Crushing Earth, for which I’ve put details below.

Hatred Like Clawed Wind - Works very well as a straight-forward combat focused adventure. The warding on the trap doors is a nice touch as a slight puzzle for the players.

Envy Like Crushing Earth - To strengthen the hook here, I like to have Saul and the innkeeper (Chroomeq) approach the players to inform them that Chroomeq’s Inn is providing food and drink for the party - and that with the sabotage, the party is at risk of running out! I find this provides some urgency and humor to an otherwise mild hook. Once at the tavern, I’ve found that the players really like playing up the investigative part a bit, and I’d let them plan out various plans to watch for vandals around the premises, only to be surprised by the noises from the basement. I did find that getting the players to follow the gnome is a little hard - having her call up that she needs help was one method that worked to motivate the players a bit.