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I DMd this module for 3 groups at Philly PAX Unplugged and we had a great time. The module has two main set pieces: the first part is a really well-integrated puzzle and battle. There is a real sense of suspense and increasing panic as the group realizes that fighting the enemy is futile. One group was very clever and made excellent use of the 20 ft monster movement to dash around towards the key puzzle components. The second part is a climatic battle with a legendary monster (for 3rd level).
Some tips:
- To really heighten the sense of dread in the players, I spent a little more roleplaying time up front with Wudumu and the merchant prince to foreshadow the final battle. This is a great opportunity to use the relevant monster section in the Volo's guide to add really fine details to the coming encounters. Have the merchant prince describe the enemy, to his knowledge, especially 'snakes'. Let the party ask questions about the nature of their enemy. New players will enjoy the Yuan-ti mythology. On the way to the temple, have Wudumu tell the players a myth about Dendar the night serpent devouring the sun. Later on, when the players enter the temple, you can describe an waterfall image of Dendar being seeing devouring the sun for special effect!
- The nightmare speaker has a wonderful special fear ability. I wrote down on an index card 'What is your greatest fear' and gave it to one of my players, unseen by the other players. One player, a cleric, wrote that his greatest fear was an absent and uncaring god. The nightmare played out perfectly: An image of Lathandar beckoning the player and then turning his back on him. Player rolled for insanity!
- For stuck players, Wudumu should help with the puzzle. Don't let this part drag on. Add zombies to the map each round - at least 100 ft away for weak parties. This should make it explicitly clear to the 'fight everything' players that they need to solve the puzzle quickly.
Thanks for this excellent mod!
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