Phew. I really wanted to like this adventure more. And don't get me wrong, there's a lot to like. And it's all for a good cause! However, as it plays in the adventure, the ending is simply, well, a problem.

The adventure clearly plays for fun, and runs to exciting, silly scenarios. While the final scenario offers a straight up combat scenario, it's clearly meant to be the hardest way to win, it's not silly and funny like the other paths, and it's designed to deter this direction rather than encourage it, given the volume of opponents and frequent reinforcements. All of these are correct decisions, trying to funnel the players into the stealth and social directions. And both of these almost nail it... but don't quite get there.

The stealth section, for instance, starts off great. The map provided is wonderful, it's easy to show where the patrols are, and the whole thing offers really fun, sneaky yet goofy possibilities. The suggested social 'get out of jail free' recovery (with story award!) is a great twist on these kind of scenarios and lends itself to the goofy feel.

In addition, the social scenarios are hilarious, mechanically interesting challenges. Some more express wording on how, say, water breathing affects one challenge would be nice, but overall they're great.

But. But. Then we have the joust and melee.

Guys? This isn't a winnable fight. A level four barbarian might have a shot, but that's it. It's unreasonable to expect the players to win, and the prior challenges also don't lend to having a ten plus point lead going in either. Yes, you'd expect it to be tough. It makes story sense. It's also a total downer for players and punctures the goofy, feel good vibe of the adventure to that point. It's massively tonally inconsistent and given how likely it is for the adventure to end in this point, that's a huge problem.

I do like a lot of this adventure. I really do. But I would strongly suggest weakening King Timrek in the duel alone, if you want this to play out on that jolly tone the module otherwise strives for.

I ran this module at RPR June 2019 and it was a fantastic session that got 5 out of 5 ratings from all six players. My only reason for giving the module four stars rather than five is that it starts with two RP scenes that are mainly just lore dumps. I replaced them with a short intro and jumped straight to the big chase scene so as to start the session in media res. Good thing too, as we would have run out of time for the final encounter otherwise.

(Note: if you are using this module for a home game, or as a starter for a campaign, this probably wouldn't be an issue. The NPCs are interesting, and there's a lot of meat and potential plot hooks in there. But I had a hard 4-hour time limit at the con, so most of the NPC exposition just had to go.)

The final encounter is awesome. It's funny and clever with multiple branching options for the players. There is something for everyone, so it's not hard to give each party member their moment to shine. As a DM, the BBEG is an absolute hoot to RP. Excellent low-level adventure if you dig a lighter tone, but if your players are grimdark edgelords then this adventure may not be what you're looking for.

Also it has puns. I love me some puns.

Fun adventure to play with not your everyday encounters. Worthy cause to donate to as well.

I have been looking for go-to a T1 comedic romp for over a year, and now I have one! This adventure has a great balance of action, roleplay, and suspense about whether the characters will succeed in their quest. All the proceeds go to a wonderful cause as well!

The more I DM, the more I think great modules have a specific voice and aren't necessarily for every party. I saved this module for a couple months until I knew I had a group of light-hearted players who were looking for a romp and would play well as a group. If your party wants to have a good time and hang out but also feel there are meaningful stakes, get this adventure! It's the funnest, goofiest adventure I have played. If you have a bunch of optimizers or players who want to solve all problems through bloodshed, there's something for them here, but I'd save the module for a different group. Note I said players. The most common path through the adventure lacks direct, traditional us-versus-them combat.

As a DM, I felt this mod was more on the improv heavy side, giving the DM a lot of discretion. I think that's endemic to more comic adventures. It fit in to my wheelhouse but I could see newer DMs who want firm rules or DMs who emphasize heavy prep vs. improv struggling a bit. This mod also takes a bit more work to manage with a seven person table, because there are several scenes where a few characters will be the stars and others will be in more of a supporting role.

The only thing I couldn't easily manage at the table is is several mechanics to maintain tension work better if the DM is rolling behind a screen.

Great adventure, a fun romp with the perfect mix of role playing and action. There are some pretty unique and fresh ways used to advance the story and add excitement. I highly recommend this one on the merits of the game play as well as the proceeds going to a worthy cause

This is a great module for a great cause, so it doesn't get any better than that. It has the right mix role playing, combat, and games, that all make sense within the story! And it has a great, unique, magic item for the players to unlock. Not a single piece of the module was unthought about. Full disclosure, Dan has been my weekly DM for the past year and a half, but he and I are very honest with our feedback with each other and every thing I note about this module is true. I cannot wait for the next chapter in the Applebottom story!