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An overlooked gem, The Temple of the Screaming Skull is that rarest of things: an adventure module intended for first-to-third level characters that is both interesting, and which doesn't feel as if it were merely thrown together simply to get characters from first to third level as quickly as possible.
The common problem with most adventures for first-level characters is that they are dull beyond belief, especially for those who've already played D&D at higher levels.
Most first-level adventures either use the usual clich? creatures (orcs, goblins, kobolds, skeletons) in the usual clich? ways (oooh, look kids! a dungeon!), or else the adventure forgoes combat and tries to present something centred on puzzles and roleplay, leaving out the action which is a defining characteristic of Dungeons & Dragons.
Too many published first-level adventures feel perfunctory, as if the author is merely trying to get the characters to third level -- and the start of the supposed "good stuff" -- as rapidly as they are able. Basically, most modern first-level adventures feel half-assed and too often reflect the author's apparent boredom with low-level material.
There have been notable exceptions -- first-level adventures which were interesting, adventurous and fun, while still feeling like true D&D. Goodman Games' Idylls of the Rat King is one such adventure, and now, Dungeon Dweller Games' Temple of the Screaming Skull joins the ranks.
Temple of the Screaming Skull is not as graphically slick as the aforementioned Idylls of the Rat King, but it carries the same dedication to telling an interesting story at its core. The adventure is archetypal, yes, but not clich?. Author Matthew Muth is clearly interested in the story he's telling, and has done what he can to make it unique within its archetypal frame, and the restrictions of first-level play.
Ironically, for an adventure from a company calling itself Dungeon Dwellers Games, The Temple of The Screaming Skull is not a dungeon adventure. As the title suggests, it's a site-based adventure set in an abandoned temple.
While it still plays out like a dungeon in many respects -- player characters investigate a series of interconnected rooms and hallways -- just the fact that author Muth took the adventure out of the usual dungeon space is an indication of how this product steps away from the clich? wherever it can, while still following an archetypal adventure pattern.
The author has made a real effort to make the goings-on interesting in their own right. Possible alternative options in play are regularly mentioned.
Muth also provides a pair of wholly optional "side treks" on the way to the main site, yet still includes two Appendices describing how these optional incidents might be greatly expanded and tied into the plot of the adventure as a whole. Stats for characters needed only in the "expanded" versions are provided as html sheets in the zipfile.
Likewise, Muth takes the time and makes the effort to set up a real atmosphere of menace at the adventure site itself. He makes use of simple, descriptive and atmospheric elements to undercore the mystery of "Just what has happened here?" Players will obviously know that something has gone wrong, but the writer works the suspense very well, so that even seasoned gamers will find themselves curious to get to the bottom of things.
If this adventure has any major weak spots, it's that it may be too difficult at points for an unskilled or oddly-balanced party of adventurers. Similarly, if you're a new Dungeon Master and/or you're running a group of brand-new D&D players through The Temple of the Screaming Skull for the first time, be sure you read the adventure through thoroughly first.
Author Muth is very good at pointing out potential trouble spots for noobie adventuring parties, or groups which are oddly balanced. Be sure you know where these spots occur, and be prepared to take steps to prevent problems -- whether you fudge dice rolls a little behind your DM screen, or have one of the "side trek" NPCs accompany the party, or whatever works for you.
Beyond the need to keep an eye on the danger levels, this adventure has no serious flaws.
The black and white pages might be slightly ink-demanding if printed because of their border art; meanwhile, the color maps are unspectacular by current standards, but they serve their purpose well enough. The color on the maps may make them a pain to print for some, but there are only three in total.
Lastly, there are minor typos in places, but they are they sorts of mistakes which are easily identified (evlen for elven, in one spot) and ultimately irrelevant.
While not perfect, nor as polished as some of its slick competitors, The Temple of the Screaming Skull is still an undiscovered gem -- that rarity of rarities, a first-level D&D adventure that's well worth buying, and definitely worth playing.<br><br>
<b>LIKED</b>:
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A genuinely interesting first-level story.
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Optional side treks which can become much more through Appendixed material.
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Designed for the realities of the gaming table. Play options are discussed, as well as ways of easily importing the adventure into your personal D&D campaign.
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Very well-written. Author Matthew Muth knows how to use atmosphere and suspense to make even a first-level adventure compelling. Most players will want to get to the root of this mystery.
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Inexpensive
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If you're intrigued, just buy it! :-)<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>:
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Certain encounters could be tough on inexperienced or unbalanced first-level parties. DMs should be prepared to fudge a few dice rolls, or otherwise take steps, if necessary, to avoid needless total-party-kills. To it's credit, the adventure typically flags potential trouble spots.
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The maps are both functional and readable, but not pretty or sexy by modern gaming standards.
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No printer-friendly version. It shouldn't be too much of an ink-devouring beast, but you've been warned.
- A handful of minor typos, all effectively harmless.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>
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