Judges Guild level guide?
Post new topic Reply to topic Page 1 of 21, 2
Author


Long-Winded Collector

Posts: 3549
Joined: Oct 10, 2006
Last Visit: Dec 26, 2023
Location: Wandering aimlessly on the 8th level down...

Post Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 1:45 pm 
 

I've had a 'search' without success, so is there anything like the TSR 1st ed AD&D module level guide thats listed on the front pages here?

I've picked up a couple of JG mods recently and I'm really liking them, but I'd like to target some lower level first, if there are any?

Thanks


Rolls a '3'

"Did I hit.....?"

  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
JG Valuation Board
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 5029
Joined: Oct 11, 2004
Last Visit: Jan 16, 2017
Location: Texas

Post Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 1:50 pm 
 

Please let me know if you hear about one, or find one. 8)

I had always intended to make my own list in that regard... eventually.
But I wanted to obtain most of the Judges Guild Modules First.
That turned out to be harder to do than I anticipated....
And no, I never expected or hoped to get a copy of all of them, just a good portion of them.
I am a LONG way from even halfway as of now.
And that is not even counting the Space Setting Modules (Traveller) either, as I do no collect those at all.


"Guys, I am starting to think Tegel Manor might be haunted..."
Stated by me as a PC during a run of Tegel Manor DMed by killjoy at NTRPGCon 2010

Charter Member of the ATM

  

User avatar

Long-Winded Collector
Subweb Admin
JG Valuation Board

Posts: 4584
Joined: Nov 08, 2002
Last Visit: Apr 20, 2024
Location: Land of 10,000 ponds

Post Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 2:50 pm 
 

Well if anyone gets something like this created, I'd add it to the site.

ShaneG.


I reject your reality and substitute my own

 WWW  


Long-Winded Collector

Posts: 3549
Joined: Oct 10, 2006
Last Visit: Dec 26, 2023
Location: Wandering aimlessly on the 8th level down...

Post Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 3:07 pm 
 

Thought that may be the case as I couldn't see anything here. Do you know of any obvious low(ish) level mods for starters though?

I recently picked up Druids of Doom (NOT low level  :lol: ) and I thought it was a really good adventure, reading through it. It made sense and seemed to flow well and maintain a good speed.

I'm looking at Modron, Restormel & Dwarven Glory Hole at the moment as my next buys. Are they good reads/to play?


Rolls a '3'

"Did I hit.....?"

  

User avatar

Long-Winded Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 3865
Joined: Feb 21, 2004
Last Visit: Jul 20, 2023
Location: Milford, Michigan

Post Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 4:30 pm 
 

Restormel and Modron are fine reads.

Problem with JG is that some modules have insane level variation from word go. They may look like a first level dungeon until you run into those 19 ogres.

But a chart would be handy.


And I could've bought these damn modules off the 1$ rack!!!

New modules for your Old School game http://pacesettergames.com/

Everything Pacesetter at http://pacesettergames.blog.com/

 WWW  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
JG Valuation Board
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 5029
Joined: Oct 11, 2004
Last Visit: Jan 16, 2017
Location: Texas

Post Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 6:36 pm 
 

In general I have found that all (or most) of the Judges Guild Modules are set up with the intention that the Judge (DM) adjust the work to suit his/her own methods and PC levels.
Though some are too tough for low-level PCs no matter how much a Judge might tweak them.

Modron is more of an accessory or supplement than an adventure module.
Shows complete VERY detailed data for the City of Modron and most of the buildings there (including who is in them) and encounter tables for Sea creatures.
The first three printings include a book and 2 maps; the 4th print has those maps inside the book.
Handy to have for sure and VERY handy if you are into sea scenarios.
The City of Modron could easily be a base for low level PCs though and this supplement is especially useful for sea based adventure scenarios; being a port town and all.
The book also includes MANY details of how to run an underwater adventure.
With several detailed maps of underwater areas.
However, if you run the underwater adventures, then the PCs would need to be mid level at least with some way to breath underwater for extended periods of time.

Restormel is a low level adventure Module and a good one too.
Probably 2-3rd level PCs (4-7), or even starting PCs if you lower the number of creatures somewhat.
This one also includes GOBS of data about the town the PCs start from.
A single HUGE hex map, which details three of the Tower levels and the area around the town of Restormel as well.
Yes, the JG sub web lists indicates this one has 2 maps, but I think it must mean ONE double sided map.
In truth though; the Map is really Four maps each being 17" x 24" in Size (Counting both sides).
On the side of a Hill just North west of town lies the Ruined Fort and under the Fort lies the dungeon, which is where the Lord hopes the PCs will go and defeat whatever meanies are killing livestock and farmers.
Directly North of town lies the Keep with the Tower (The outside walls are down, but the buildings are occupied by the Lord and his people).
With an imaginative Judge, this module could be a base for the PCs for months of adventures.
I really like this module for low level PCs.
No Ogres in this one. 8)
But stupid/rash players will most certainly be killed. 8O
I meant the PCs .... Not the players themselves... :oops:

Glory Hole Dwarven Mine is most definitely NOT a low level scenario.
The first paragraph of the module recommends no less than 50 PC levels total, and IMO 60 is better.
Demons and other fell critters inhabit those mine shafts, caverns and tunnels.
Surely you don't think a bunch of sissy boy goblins ran an entire group of Dwarven miners off do you?


Image

Image

Image


"Guys, I am starting to think Tegel Manor might be haunted..."
Stated by me as a PC during a run of Tegel Manor DMed by killjoy at NTRPGCon 2010

Charter Member of the ATM


Last edited by Gnat the Beggar on Fri Mar 26, 2010 6:55 am, edited 2 times in total.
  


Long-Winded Collector

Posts: 3549
Joined: Oct 10, 2006
Last Visit: Dec 26, 2023
Location: Wandering aimlessly on the 8th level down...

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 2:11 am 
 

Modron and Restormel it is then, fantastic. I'm a fan of detailed places with plenty of NPC's as it makes for a good read.
Cheers chaps  :)


Rolls a '3'

"Did I hit.....?"

  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 6720
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Last Visit: Sep 30, 2022

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 3:36 am 
 

Great pictures of Restormel.

One of three JG modules apparently printed just to support their really cool castle maps.


"But I have watched the dragons come, fire-eyed, across the world."

  

User avatar

Verbose Collector
JG Valuation Board
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 1625
Joined: Aug 19, 2008
Last Visit: Aug 21, 2023
Location: Chicago, IL

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:00 am 
 

FormCritic wrote:Great pictures of Restormel.

One of three JG modules apparently printed just to support their really cool castle maps.


Wow... now I'm missing MORE maps... <sigh>


RPG’s, D&D in particular has had a major influence in my life. It’s bonded me together with life long friends...it’s that bond in life not just as friends, but in our jokes, our mannerisms, and what we find funny. Invincible Overlord

 ICQ  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 6720
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Last Visit: Sep 30, 2022

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 11:07 am 
 

Invincible Overlord wrote:
Wow... now I'm missing MORE maps... <sigh>


Restormel

Ravenscrag

Demons of Dundurn  (is that the right name?)

All basically platforms for castle maps.

Ravenscrag has a dungeon in its depths, but the actual adventure is uneven.  The writer was clearly more interested in the overall setting than in the dungeon itself.

Demons of Dundurn has a rather complicated (convoluted) storyline and is more like a set-piece encounter that got out of hand.  One has to wonder what the sequel module would have been like had it made it to the printer.

Restormel has an adventure of a sort, but it is secondary to the map.

In all three cases, the adventure is more like a dash of salt on the real meat...the maps.

These maps are beautiful but they were drawn on a system that Judges Guild liked...if no one else.  The scale is hexes instead of squares, which kind of binds you to just laying out your map for the players to move around on.  The hexes are too small for miniatures but too large to easily reach across the table.  As artwork, they are really nice items.


"But I have watched the dragons come, fire-eyed, across the world."

  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
JG Valuation Board
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 5029
Joined: Oct 11, 2004
Last Visit: Jan 16, 2017
Location: Texas

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 11:22 am 
 

Invincible Overlord wrote: Wow... now I'm missing MORE maps... <sigh>


I have Four copies of Restormel in NM or better condition.
And they are not expensive either, though I would want a bit more than the Sub Web pages indicate ($3... ?)... meh... :?
Two sets are in the original SW and two sets are not, but all are complete.
I plan to keep one SW and one opened.
Do not need the other two sets.

FormCritic:
For the most part I agree with you about most of the Judges Guild Maps hex grids being too smll for minis use.
But as for the Restormel Hex Grid Map, the Tower maps are easily large enough for minis when folded to that areas (Level) specific map and those maps are not too large to reach when laid out on a game table.
The hex grid on the larger scaled maps (Such asthe Restormel area map) can be used as location for the group as a whole too. One mini could be used to represent the entire PC group instead of seperate minis for each PC.


"Guys, I am starting to think Tegel Manor might be haunted..."
Stated by me as a PC during a run of Tegel Manor DMed by killjoy at NTRPGCon 2010

Charter Member of the ATM

  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 6720
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Last Visit: Sep 30, 2022

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 11:29 am 
 

Gnat the Beggar wrote:One mini could be used to represent the entire PC group instead of seperate minis for each PC.


Good idea.


"But I have watched the dragons come, fire-eyed, across the world."

  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 6994
Joined: Jan 03, 2005
Last Visit: Apr 20, 2024
Location: UK

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 12:24 pm 
 

Gnat the Beggar wrote:Glory Hole Dwarven Mine is most definitely NOT a low level scenario.

Isn't that Levels 18 and up?  :D


This week I've been mostly eating . . . The white ones with the little red flecks in them.

 WWW  

User avatar

Long-Winded Collector
Subweb Admin
JG Valuation Board

Posts: 4584
Joined: Nov 08, 2002
Last Visit: Apr 20, 2024
Location: Land of 10,000 ponds

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 12:59 pm 
 

Gnat the Beggar wrote:
I have Four copies of Restormel in NM or better condition.
And they are not expensive either, though I would want a bit more than the Sub Web pages indicate ($3... ?)... meh... :?


Yep one of those that you can still get pretty cheap in SW even.  Course now that we talk about it, watch the prices soar :lol:

ShaneG.


I reject your reality and substitute my own

 WWW  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 6720
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Last Visit: Sep 30, 2022

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 1:35 pm 
 

Gnat the Beggar wrote:Glory Hole Dwarven Mine is most definitely NOT a low level scenario.


Except that most of the challenges in the module before the final encounter are low level.

Groups of low level dwarves wandering the mines, a few small encounters that might challenge a mid-level party somewhat...and then a big battle.

Credit Judges Guild with providing a big final battle...if a bit derivative in story line.  Pretty much every bunch of dwarves is fated to "delve too deep."

What wasn't clear to me when I bought Glory Hole Dwarven Mine (horrible name) back in the day was that this mine is located right freakin' next to the City State of the Invincible Overlord.  If it is seen as an afternoon's excursion by city dwellers, the module makes more sense.


"But I have watched the dragons come, fire-eyed, across the world."

  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
JG Valuation Board
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 5029
Joined: Oct 11, 2004
Last Visit: Jan 16, 2017
Location: Texas

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 3:36 pm 
 

viewtopic.php?t=9831

For those who have not yet noticed;
There is now a brand New Sticky for the Judges Guild Levels Guide.
Eventually we hope to have enough to create a Master List.

That would be AWESOME! 8)


"Guys, I am starting to think Tegel Manor might be haunted..."
Stated by me as a PC during a run of Tegel Manor DMed by killjoy at NTRPGCon 2010

Charter Member of the ATM

  


Long-Winded Collector

Posts: 3549
Joined: Oct 10, 2006
Last Visit: Dec 26, 2023
Location: Wandering aimlessly on the 8th level down...

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:02 pm 
 

Fantastic! Great addition Gnat, glad I asked the question!  :lol:

And already made the order for Modron, Restormel, Corsairs and Indomitable...  8)


Rolls a '3'

"Did I hit.....?"

  

User avatar

Grandstanding Collector
JG Valuation Board
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 5029
Joined: Oct 11, 2004
Last Visit: Jan 16, 2017
Location: Texas

Post Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:17 pm 
 

It was an excellent idea whose time had come.
Thank you for bringing it up. 8)
And thanks to Plaag for posting the list as a sticky. 8)


"Guys, I am starting to think Tegel Manor might be haunted..."
Stated by me as a PC during a run of Tegel Manor DMed by killjoy at NTRPGCon 2010

Charter Member of the ATM

  
Next
Post new topic Reply to topic Page 1 of 21, 2