In a world often perceived through a nostalgic lens, we tend to romanticize the past, overlooking the advancements and merits of our present. We cast historical periods in stark contrasts of light and shadow, easily recalling the darkness of events like the Inquisition, while also glorifying idealized eras such as the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, or the mythical Camelot. This fascination with a “golden age” has been a recurring theme throughout storytelling, and it is this very concept that the reviewed adventure module subtly yet powerfully explores, revealing its inevitable and poignant decline.
Centuries before the player characters’ arrival, the kingdom of Dayvos flourished, inhabited by the High Men, a race surpassing modern humanity in stature and nobility. Their last king forged an unprecedented peace treaty with the orcs of that age, beings of similar grandeur compared to their contemporary counterparts. This alliance was to be cemented by a marriage between the orc chieftain’s son and the Crown Princess of Dayvos, the kingdom’s heir apparent. However, internal betrayal and tragically miscalculated actions led to the kingdom’s swift and devastating downfall. Dayvos was shattered in a single night, plunging the land into decades of turmoil and conflict.
Or so the legend narrates.
The adventure commences with the player characters encountering an enigmatic jester, a former member of the Dayvosian court. This jester, privy to too much of the kingdom’s secrets and history, intervenes to guide the PCs, leading them towards a mystical reenactment of that fateful betrothal night from centuries past. They soon find themselves amidst the grand ball celebrating the union of the Princess and the orc chieftain’s son. Navigating intricate courtly machinations, stray magical energies, and unforeseen obstacles becomes paramount if they are to unravel the mysteries of Dayvos, resolve the unfolding situation, and escape with their lives intact.
To delve too deeply into the specifics of this adventure would be to diminish the very experience it offers. The true strength of this module lies in the discoveries players make firsthand. Therefore, this review will focus on the key highlights while carefully avoiding significant spoilers.
One of the most commendable aspects of this adventure is its meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive world-building. Anticipating potential player questions, the module thoughtfully addresses elements that could easily be overlooked. For instance, recognizing the temporal displacement of the PCs, the adventure dedicates considerable space to explain how communication with individuals from centuries past, who presumably spoke different languages, is facilitated. Furthermore, a full page is devoted to outlining the intricate “rules” of Dayvosian formal dance – a seemingly minor detail that, intriguingly, becomes remarkably relevant to the player characters’ journey. This focus on the nuances of social interaction and cultural context enriches the role-playing experience significantly, adding layers of depth beyond typical combat encounters.
The adventure module excels in offering a balanced gameplay experience. It seamlessly blends elements of political intrigue, offering ample opportunities for nuanced role-playing and character interaction, alongside satisfying combat encounters. This well-rounded approach ensures that there is something to engage every player, regardless of their preferred play style within a role-playing game context.
The concept of the High Men is particularly captivating. The idea of a more noble and advanced ancestral human civilization, while not entirely novel in fantasy literature, feels refreshingly unique within the realm of fantasy role-playing games, particularly in its application to humanity itself. Often, in fantasy settings, humans are depicted as a younger, less refined race compared to the ancient and venerable elves or dwarves. While human ambition often leads them to dominance, they are rarely presented as the elder race. Dayvos presents a compelling inversion of this trope, portraying a human civilization that once held a position of ancient prominence, adding a layer of historical depth and intrigue to the setting.
Beyond its intricate design and engaging premise, this adventure module is simply a pleasure to read. Few adventures manage to achieve this level of readability, making the often-complex task of game mastering more enjoyable. This is particularly beneficial given the module’s inherent complexity. Dungeon Masters will undoubtedly benefit from a thorough and repeated reading to fully grasp the nuances and layers embedded within the adventure before attempting to run it for their players.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive aspects of this module, a minor critique must be addressed concerning the primary ending. While an alternative conclusion is provided, the default ending presents a slight dissonance. If the player characters succeed in their endeavors, the established course of history is dramatically altered. This outcome feels somewhat at odds with the pervasive sense that the individuals encountered by the PCs are spectral echoes of the past. The visual descriptions of these characters, bearing the marks of their historical demise, and the overall atmosphere suggest that the PCs are interacting with recreations of past events. The primary ending, however, implies a direct manipulation of the past itself, creating a subtle narrative inconsistency. While plausible explanations can be conceived, the connection isn’t immediately apparent, causing a momentary disconnect.
However, this minor criticism pales in comparison to the overall excellence of the adventure. Such minor gripes feel almost insignificant when weighed against the module’s numerous strengths. This adventure is, in its essence, a truly fantastic journey. While its intricate nature might pose a challenge for some less experienced groups, it comes highly recommended for any group seeking a richly detailed, intellectually stimulating, and uniquely engaging role-playing experience that subtly incorporates elements of what could be termed “Rpg Dance” through its structured social interactions and narrative choreography.
