This is a neat scenario with plenty of backstory to set the scene and perhaps spawn further adventures. A logging crew is slaughtered messily while at work deep in the forest, and the characters are hired to find out by whom and deal out some retribution. Part of the background involves a previous adventure, Crown of the Kobold King, but it doesn't matter if you haven't played it - the kobolds might be seeking revenge, but they are none too good at distinguishing between parties of adventurers! Of course, if the characters have played that adventure, it is a delightful way of reminding them that their actions have consequences...

The adventure itself involves a hike through trackless wild forest, with a fascinating array of encounters each with its own story - all adding to the alternate reality of your game world being somewhere that gets along just fine whether or not the characters are there. Once they reach the logging camp - well, 5th-level adventurers ought to have strong stomachs, they will need them as the sights to be seen are quite gruesome... and deadly! But that's not all, clues lead the party onwards (assuming they survive) to a final showdown which, apart from a bit of dungeon-crawling and a good brawl, has a lot for those who have an interest in the history of the land to discover.

With a strong backstory, lots going on and the potential for further adventure, it's surprising that it was all packed into 16 pages! As a stand-alone or as part of an ongoing sage this has plenty of potential.

Return to Revenge of the Kobold King page.

Reviewed: 24 July 2008