Imagine if you will a small town which has decided that entertaining adventurers - the 'tourists' of your average fantasy pseudo-mediaeval world - is a lot more profitable than tilling the soil and tending their animals. A nice stopping point for your party as they move from one adventure to another...

However, the people of Elysburg have decided that providing entertainment and selling supplies is not enough. They have concocted a story about a marauding minotaur that has to be defeated to save the town, and spin it around visiting adventurers until they are well past noticing that the minotaur is but a costumed townsman. Unfortunately the deity of the real minotaurs has heard - and been offended - by the tales being spread and so has decided to call round and wreak some havoc for real... just about the time your players arrive, of course!

By now, the locals are experienced in presenting their little charade, and it is described in detail to enable you to run it easily and seamlessly as your party enters the township one evening. With the character adjudged the most gullible hailed as "The Deliverer" the entire party will be entertained (and swindled blind) for the following week as the village prepares for the visit of the 'minotaur' to collect his tribute. However, when the time comes, it doesn't go quite as the townsfolk expected...

It's a neatly put together adventure and just reading it through I'm itching to try it out on some players! There is a lot of scope for role-playing and interaction, and a good brawl at the end for those who prefer action to talk. It's worth the DM preparing a bit, a few detailed townspeople for the players to interact with would help; and if you are not very good at extemporising you might want to work out a few events in advance. As a little side-adventure to catch your party with when they think they are just travelling to the next stage in your campaign, it's excellent!

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Reviewed: 24 December 2005