Rediscover the fantasy artwork of X2: Castle Amber (1981), Tom Moldvay’s classic Dungeons & Dragons Expert adventure inspired by Clark Ashton Smith’s Averoigne stories, featuring art by Erol Otus, Jim Holloway, Harry Quinn, Jim Roslof, and Stephen D. Sullivan.
I've only 'played' this module once. That was my first experience with D&D.
I've since DM'd it a couple of times and it's a great module to run but it definitely needs a DM to read through the module thoroughly and do some extra preparation work, if you want to truly get the most that's on offer within the module.
IMO, the thing feels like it should be two modules. There's so much going on with the story that's been barely covered, just a few sentences to give a hint and that's it. There's scope for running an open world sandbox as well as a fun-house dungeon if a good DM can be bothered to put the effort in.
I would say this could also be seen as a prequel to Ravenloft. The Grey Mist, the spooky, strange setting, being portaled to other realms, well that's what Ravenloft did but Castle Amber did it first.
I know I’ve said this many times but I so love black and white ink pics. They really capture a certain feeling, especially if you are going for a dark creepy look.
One of my favorites. I have played through it twices and ran it over a half dozen times. Very easy to expland this world and add new details to the family.
Also a very good transition to Raveloft as Whistling in the Dark points out.
Wow - you've run this campaign a lot! Did you ever read the Clark Ashton Smith stories that inspired it? I may have to track them down if they're any good.
This is a lovely look back in time. The art style brings back fond memories of playing Proteus. Are there good modern fighting fantasy books? I’d love a coop one to play with my son.
I ran Castle Amber for my players a couple of years ago. Originally played it when it came out back in the day.
We ran first edition AD&D back then and never paid attention to what version of game modules were published for. They were all basically compatible back then.
In fact it was only this time around that I realized it was written for the Expert set.
This is on the short-list of my favorite early D&D/AD&D modules, a great wild ride! I never played it, but I did run at least some of it back when it was new. Would definitely love to do that again.
Oh it was a blast. Especially the Colossus encounter which I tweaked. I had them hiding in cliff face caves so they could be at head level with the thing. Then the paladin and bard rode out and the bard taunted the thing with the chasing them. The race back was pretty cool.
I also made the boxer a satyr that would head butt as a special attack. That was a fun NPC to create.
I've only 'played' this module once. That was my first experience with D&D.
I've since DM'd it a couple of times and it's a great module to run but it definitely needs a DM to read through the module thoroughly and do some extra preparation work, if you want to truly get the most that's on offer within the module.
IMO, the thing feels like it should be two modules. There's so much going on with the story that's been barely covered, just a few sentences to give a hint and that's it. There's scope for running an open world sandbox as well as a fun-house dungeon if a good DM can be bothered to put the effort in.
I would say this could also be seen as a prequel to Ravenloft. The Grey Mist, the spooky, strange setting, being portaled to other realms, well that's what Ravenloft did but Castle Amber did it first.
🧛 Thanks for the context, Ty. Also a good callout about Ravenloft. I didn't think about that before!
I was thinking the same thing, it feels like a precursor to Ravenloft and would fit perfectly in that setting.
It's funny you say that because I did exactly that. Ran this before running Ravenloft as part of the same story arc
I know I’ve said this many times but I so love black and white ink pics. They really capture a certain feeling, especially if you are going for a dark creepy look.
Ooh, well then you're going to love the October 11th edition, Robin!
One of my favorites. I have played through it twices and ran it over a half dozen times. Very easy to expland this world and add new details to the family.
Also a very good transition to Raveloft as Whistling in the Dark points out.
Wow - you've run this campaign a lot! Did you ever read the Clark Ashton Smith stories that inspired it? I may have to track them down if they're any good.
I did. I kinda wish I had read them before I played. My imagination had filled in a lot of details. Still good though.
Good to know - thanks, Retroist!
This is a lovely look back in time. The art style brings back fond memories of playing Proteus. Are there good modern fighting fantasy books? I’d love a coop one to play with my son.
Never heard of Proteus! I looked it up and it sounds pretty cool, with Middle East and East Asian influences.
As far as modern recommendations, there are probably a ton I'm not aware of, but a short list that comes to mind:
* Brinthal/Candarlin series by Christopher Bünte: https://woohoomania.com/downloads/english/
BTW: Rediscovered Realms interviewed Christopher about this series: https://www.rediscoveredrealms.com/p/gamebooks-unleashed-1-the-temple
* Lone Wolf: The Huntress Gamebook Trilogy by Jonathan Stark: https://shop-magnamund.com/collections/the-huntress
BTW: Rediscovered Realms also interviewed Jonathan about his series! https://www.rediscoveredrealms.com/p/lone-wolf-the-huntress-gamebook-interview
* Reprintings of Fighting Fantasy and Lone Wolf books available on Amazon
* GrailQuest reprintings: https://www.reddit.com/r/gamebooks/comments/1q7lkco/sit_still_and_dont_fidget_we_have_an_exciting/
* I have several other modern gamebooks in my TBR pile that I'll need to read first before recommending.
Amazing, thank you! I’ll certainly check all of these out.
I ran Castle Amber for my players a couple of years ago. Originally played it when it came out back in the day.
We ran first edition AD&D back then and never paid attention to what version of game modules were published for. They were all basically compatible back then.
In fact it was only this time around that I realized it was written for the Expert set.
💪Badass, Arthur! How did your players (from a couple years ago) like it?
Ahhh, memories! Thanks for sharing ❤️
You bet - this was a fun one! 🧙♂️
This is on the short-list of my favorite early D&D/AD&D modules, a great wild ride! I never played it, but I did run at least some of it back when it was new. Would definitely love to do that again.
Oh it was a blast. Especially the Colossus encounter which I tweaked. I had them hiding in cliff face caves so they could be at head level with the thing. Then the paladin and bard rode out and the bard taunted the thing with the chasing them. The race back was pretty cool.
I also made the boxer a satyr that would head butt as a special attack. That was a fun NPC to create.